Ancient Indian Clothes

India has a rich culture and tradition which is reflected in the clothing as well. Indian fashion has seen a metamorphosis since the ancient days. Although, the basics of Indian clothing are the same, we can find a lot of western influences and modern designs that have been incorporated into the basic structure of any Indian outfit. So, what was ancient Indian fashion actually like? It was the time when there were no designers displaying their haute couture to pamper a luxurious line of clientele. Ancient India had its own kind of customs and traditions that were to be followed by generations and we can see its presence felt even today.

Indian fashion has witnessed a great modification since the ancient period. The basics of Indian clothing remaining same, great western influences are seen in modern Indian dress designs. As far as the Ancient Indian clothes and accessories are concerned, dresses were not stitched together. Cotton clothes were mostly preferred. But affluent people also used silk clothing materials.

Cotton clothing was predominantly used in India during the olden days. This was as early as the Harappan civilization. Ancient india clothing was mainly cloth tied around various parts of the body. Even though needles are said to have existed not much use was made of it in ancient Indian clothing. From the Sari to the turban and the dhoti, ancient India clothes were mostly wrapped around in various ways. The sari was worn with a breast-band tied with a knot at the back. Even children just wore a piece of cloth tied around the waist with strings. Both men and women wore ornaments. Early ornaments were mostly made of terracotta beads or shells strung together till metals came on the scene. Jewelry like necklaces, bangles and earrings etc were common.

¤ Ancient Indian Clothes and Accessories for Women
The women of ancient India mostly preferred sari. Both cotton and silk saris were in use. Saris were usually 5 to 9 yards in length. The women wore sari as a skirt with its upper portion around the shoulder. At times, sari was also tucked between the legs. This pattern of wearing sari has remained the same till date. Wearing of blouses with sari were also common in ancient India. The blouses were just fastened with a knot at the back. The Persian influences introduced the fashion of wearing Salwar Kameez came into existence. The women of ancient India also loved to wear a variety of accessories. Ancient India often associated Gold with luck. Thus, wearing of gold jewelry was very common in the ancient days.

¤ Ancient Indian Clothes and Accessories for Men
In Ancient India, men were comfortable in dhotis and kurtas. White dhotis were mostly preferred. They wrapped the dhoti (DOE-tee) around their legs to make sort of pants like the working women. Dhotis though were shorter so they didn’t have the part that covered the chest and shoulders. Men also often wore long cotton cloths wrapped around their heads as turbans.