Clothing in India is colorful and diverse, and it varies according to region and religion. The basic Indian apparel for women consists of a sari, a long piece of unstitched fabric that is wrapped around the waist and then draped over the shoulder. A typical sari can be up to nine yards (about eight meters) in length and may be made from a variety of materials, from plain cotton to silk embroidered with metallic gold.
Saris are worn with a tight-fitting blouse called a choli, another staple of Indian apparel. Cholis are cropped and have a low neck, revealing the midriff and upper chest. Because the traditional choli is worn without a bra, many come with padding or a soft, sewn-in brassiere for support.
The second most common type of Indian apparel for women is the salwar-kameez, a set of baggy, wide-legged trousers and a long shirt or tunic. The traditional salwar-kameez is cut straight, with a simple cut on the side seams to allow movement. Modern clothing is much less modest than traditional clothing, and kameez are now being made with plunging necklines and deeper side cuts, and even in semi-transparent fabrics. The dupatta, a large scarf that is used as a shawl, is also a typical piece of women's apparel. Dupattas are worn over the salwar-kameez or used to cover the head for religious reasons.
The typical Indian apparel for men consists of a dhoti, which is a variation of the sari. Dhotis are wrapped between the legs, tucked in the waist, and worn with a long shirt, called a kurta, on top. The combination is usually known as dhoti kurta and is worn in all formal occasions and settings. In large cities, many professionals wear trousers and shirts when working in office settings.
Many Indian teenagers have moved away from traditional Indian clothing and now wear jeans or dresses. Children in general, but especially boys, usually wear Western clothing.
Jewelry is a big part of Indian apparel. Forehead ornaments, earrings, nose rings, and ankle bracelets are common for all women, while married women also wear toe rings.
