Are you curious about the evolution of Indian fashion? Learn about the timeless clothing traditions of ancient India, from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Mughal Empire, and discover how these garments still influence today’s fashion.
As you explore traditional Indian attire, you’ll find out how cotton, silk, and detailed embroidery played a crucial role in defining the culture of each period.
In this article, you will discover:
- The roots of Indian fashion
- Clothing styles from different eras
- Key materials and their significance
Keep reading to understand how ancient clothing continues to impact modern trends.
1. Historical Root
History of Indian Fashion
Ancient Period (Indus Valley Civilization): Clothing was simple and practical, made from cotton and animal skins. Men wore loincloths (dhoti), and women draped saris. Jewelry and elaborate hairstyles indicated social status.
Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE): Draped garments like dhoti, saree, and Angavastram were prominent. Clothing styles reflected religious and cultural influences, with an emphasis on modesty.
Maurya and Gupta Empires (322 BCE–550 CE): Luxurious fabrics like silk and muslin were popular. Intricate jewelry and embroidery signified wealth and status. Stitched garments like tunics and blouses became common.
Medieval Period (Mughal Influence): The Mughal era introduced rich textiles like brocade, velvet, and silk. Garments such as sherwanis, churidars, and lehengas gained popularity, adorned with heavy embellishments and Persian-inspired motifs.
Colonial Period (18th–20th Century): British influence brought Western tailoring and fabrics like lace and tulle. Traditional Indian clothing adapted to include blouses, petticoats, and Victorian-inspired designs.
Post-Independence Era: Fashion shifted to combine traditional techniques like handloom weaving, block printing, and embroidery with modern trends.
Contemporary Period: Indian fashion today reflects a blend of tradition and global styles. Designer labels, sustainable fashion, and modern silhouettes coexist with age-old craftsmanship, highlighting India’s rich textile heritage.
2. Indian Clothing in the Early Period
Women’s Style
Women wore draped garments like a sari (or something similar) that covered the body. These were likely made of cotton or wool, depending on the region. Evidence also suggests the use of skirts or skirt-like garments, sometimes paired with draped fabrics.
Simple tops or bodices might have been worn to complement these outfits. Jewelry, including necklaces, bangles, and other accessories crafted from beads, metals, and shells, was common, reflecting a preference for adornment and style.
Men’s Style
Men in the Indus Valley Civilization wore garments such as the lungi or dhoti, which was a cloth wrapped around the waist and tied in place. They might also wear shawls or draped cloths over their shoulders for additional coverage.
These simple garments, often secured with belts or cloth ties, were crafted from cotton, wool, and linen, which the people of the Indus Valley wove into various types of textiles.
3. Indian Clothing in the Vedic Period
Women’s Style
Indian Costumes for women included saris or antaris, simple draped garments that could be wrapped around the body, often paired with an Uttariya to cover the upper body. The attire was usually completed with a choli and a basic blouse.
The increased availability of cotton provided options for comfortable and practical clothing. Accessories and jewelry continued to play a significant role in personal adornment.
Men’s Style
The dhoti was the most common garment for men, consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and often tied in a knot. Men also wore a Uttariya, a cloth draped over the shoulders or head, often paired with a Pari (a waistcloth) for additional coverage.
Cotton became more widespread during this period, as the Indus Valley Civilization developed advanced techniques for cotton cultivation and weaving, ensuring a reliable supply of clothing.
See Also South Indian Fashion
4. Indian Clothing in the Maurya and Gupta Periods
Women’s Style
Women wore various draped garments, including saris, which became more defined during this period, and antaris or other similar garments. Cholis were worn to cover the upper body, and these garments were often decorated with intricate embroidery.
Wealthy and royal women also wore silk clothing, which was popular for its elaborate styles. Jewelry, including necklaces, bangles, and headpieces, was commonly worn by women to highlight their status and beauty.
Men’s Style
During the Maurya and Gupta periods, clothing became more elaborate. Men continued to wear the dhoti, and the upper classes often draped a cloth across the shoulder called the Uttariya.
Royalty and nobles also wore Angavastras, clothes draped over the body, to signify their high status. The wealthy and royal classes had clothing made from fine silk, often in detailed styles.
Silk became more widely used, especially by royalty and nobility, alongside cotton. Weaving techniques advanced during these periods, leading to the production of rich and intricate textiles. The wealthy commonly wore Jewelry such as armbands, necklaces, and crowns to show their wealth and status.
5. Indian Clothing in the Medieval Period
Women’s Style
Women’s attire included Angarkhas, long robes often worn with a belt. The sari continued to be worn, but the ghagra-choli ensemble began to evolve. The ghagra, a long skirt, was paired with a choli, a blouse, creating a more structured and defined outfit.
The introduction of Islamic influence led to more modest and detailed styles, with embroidery and decorative elements becoming more common. Jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and headpieces, remained an essential part of women’s attire.
Men’s Style
The introduction of Islamic rule had a significant impact on clothing during the Medieval period. Tunic-style garments, such as the kurta, became more common. Men also wore churidars and shalwars, loose trousers that were comfortable and practical.
These garments often featured intricate designs and were made from fine materials like silk and cotton. The period saw the blending of indigenous and Islamic styles, leading to more detailed and refined clothing.
See Also Indian Work Culture
6. Indian Clothing in The Mughals
Women’s Style
Women wore long, flowing garments such as Angarkhas or salwars (loose trousers). The dupatta, a long scarf, became widely popular during this period. Many women also wore veil-like garments that covered their heads, in line with the modesty practices of the time.
Men’s Style
Mughal men wore chogas (long robes), tunics, and jamas (a type of tunic), often paired with turbans. Clothing during the Mughal period was influenced by Persian and Central Asian styles.
Their attire was elaborate, made from materials such as silks, brocades, and velvets, and often decorated with intricate embroidery, precious stones, and jewelry. These garments reflected the wealth and grandeur of the Mughal court.
Ancient Clothing in India: A Recap
Ancient Clothing in India reflects the country’s cultural heritage, from the simple drapes of the Indus Valley to the detailed garments of the Maurya and Gupta periods. Materials like cotton, silk, and wool, along with intricate embroidery, show the connection between clothing and cultural identity.
The influence of ancient Indian clothing remains strong in modern fashion, with garments like the sari and dhoti still central to Indian culture. These timeless clothes are celebrated for their beauty, practicality, and cultural significance.
Ancient Indian clothing represents both artistic achievement and tradition. It remains a symbol of pride and continues to inspire, preserving the essence of India’s rich history.
