Woven Legacies: A Short History of South Asian Clothing
Pallavi AbrolWoven Legacies: A Short History of South Asian Clothing
From ancient drapes to modern celebrations, explore how sarees, lehengas, kurtas, dupattas, jackets, juttis/mojaris, and potli bags came to define South Asian style.
Ancient Threads & Regional Roots
South Asian dress traditions go back millennia. Breathable, draped textiles suited climate and lifestyle, while trade routes and royal courts shaped silhouettes and embellishment—creating today’s rich regional variety.
Saree: The Enduring Drape
The saree—one continuous length styled in many regional drapes—ranges from everyday elegance to bridal grandeur across silks, chiffons, georgettes, and cottons.
We carry: lightweight and heavily embellished sarees for daytime events, receptions, and more.
Lehenga–Choli: Courtly Splendor to Modern Celebration
The lehenga (skirt) with choli (blouse) and dupatta flourished in courts and festivals, with zari, sequins, and embroidery adding drama—while contemporary cuts bring comfort.
We carry: light festive lehengas and heavy occasionwear.
Dupatta/Chunni: Versatile Finishing Touch
Across regions, the dupatta (chunni) adds balance, modesty, and color—finishing women’s sets and, for formal events, also appearing with men’s traditional outfits.
We carry: tie-dye, plain, and embellished dupattas—including delicate beaded styles.
Kurta Pajama & Jackets: Ease with Structure
The men’s kurta pairs with straight pajama or close-fitting churidar bottoms. White is a timeless choice; colors personalize event looks. A tailored, collarless festival jacket (often called a Nehru/Modi jacket) adds structure over a plain kurta.
- Sets: kurta with pajama (straight or churidar) in cotton, linen, or silk blends.
- Jackets: tailored, collarless styles for ceremonies and receptions.
Juttis & Mojaris: Steps with Heritage
Traditional footwear—often leather or textile with embroidery—has long complemented formal dress across the subcontinent, especially in the north.
We carry: men’s and women’s event shoes to match festive outfits.
Potli Bags: The Drawstring Classic
Beaded and embroidered potli bags trace back to courtly and festive traditions—compact, elegant, and perfect for essentials.
Fun Facts
- “Sari” & Sanskrit: Many sources trace “sari/saree” to Sanskrit sattika (women’s attire), reflecting ancient roots.
- Patola prestige: Gujarat’s double-ikat patola silk sarees are famed; their history likely extends back centuries.
- Pajama → pajamas: The English word “pajamas” comes from South Asia (pāyjāma), highlighting textile exchange through empire and trade.
- Why “churidar”? The extra length gathers at the ankle like a stack of bangles—hence churi (bangle) + dar (like).
- Nehru jacket goes global: The stand-collar jacket became a 1960s fashion moment in the West, inspired by Indian tailored dress.
Quick History Q&A
Is the saree older than the lehenga?
Yes—draped garments like the saree have ancient roots. Tailored ensembles such as the lehenga–choli rose later with court fashion.
What’s pajama vs. churidar?
Pajama pants are straight and relaxed; churidar are narrow and fitted with ankle gathers (“bangle-like” folds).
Where did juttis/mojaris take off?
They’re closely tied to northern courts and celebrations; ornate versions flourished under Mughal influence.
Why a dupatta/chunni?
It completes the silhouette, adds modesty, and signals formality depending on its fabric and work.
Sources & Further Reading
Garments & Textiles
• Britannica — Sari
• V&A — Indian Textiles
• Fashion & Race Database — Sari
• Britannica — Patola
Menswear & Footwear
• Britannica — Clothing in India
• Britannica — Churidar
• IndianCulture.gov.in — Mojaris