The Sari

Fashion in India involves many outfits, but the most identifiable is the sari. I have been reading The Sari by Mukulika Banerjee, which provides an interesting history of this specific form.

The sari is a long stretch of fabric, some as long as nine yards. This fabric is not stitched in any way, but draped in different fashions. Usually a petticoat and a blouse (called a choli) is worn under the sari. Because the sari is just a length of fabric, it can be draped up to 80 different ways and is very versatile.

Below is one of the ways to wear a sari, with the fabric wrapped around the waist and then over the shoulder.

However, there are many other ways:

I find it interesting that one item of clothing can be used in so many different ways. I cannot think of any western article of clothing that is as versatile! Also, when compared with traditional dresses of Europe, the sari is much simpler without the many added layers of petticoats, probably because of the climate.