Dhotis - A Complete Overview

By Author: Ulama Textile
Total Articles: 686
Comment this article

Dhoti is a traditional Indian men's garment. It is frequently confused with handloom lungi, but the two are very different wears. The dhoti's style and attitude vary from state to state in India. It is regarded as essential in a variety of functions and proceedings. Veshti in Tamil Nadu, Mundu in Kerala, Dhotar in Maharashtra, Laacha in Punjabi, and Mardaani in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are some of the regional names.

Origin & History
The term 'dhoti' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dhauta'. Dhoti is also the traditional attire of several prominent Indian politicians from across the Indian subcontinent. It was and still is a part of traditional attire in countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Originally, it was only worn with a kurta. The dhoti is also regarded as an attire that commands dignity and respect.

Style
Dhotis are available in off white or cream. Dhoti can be made from either cotton or silk. It is mostly made with a golden strip border in most southern regions. This gives it a more opulent and sophisticated appearance. Typically, 5 yard long strips of fabric are used ...
... to make this garment. This garment is wrapped with about five knots. The manner in which people dress varies by region. In other parts of India, it is mostly worn in a pant style rather than the skirt style that the people of the southern region prefer. A portion of the dhoti is tucked behind the waist to resemble a pant.

Influence over the Years
People in India have long been influenced by western clothing and traditions. The people of India have absorbed a great deal of Western culture. This turns dhoti wear into home wear. People don't usually wear it to work or to parties. It has evolved into a more traditional garment.
That being said, one cannot deny that its style has evolved as well. Of course, many people in India still believe that wearing a dhoti folded to knee length is disrespectful. As a result, they do not fold it to that extent. Its availability in various colours is also due to its global influence and appeal.

Innovation
Dhoti has gone through a lot of evolution. It is still dominant in various circles of society as a traditional wear; however, several improvisations and westernisations have given the world dhoti pants, which have the structure of a dhoti combined with western pants. This lovely invention is completely unisex. The brilliance of design and tasteful colours combined to bring out the essence of these pants can be seen. This innovation has become a smash hit, particularly among young people.

Occasion
Dhotis are typically worn during a festival or a marriage ceremony. To be more specific, dhoti is an essential part of men's attire at most south Indian weddings. Almost every politician dresses professionally in a dhoti. Dhotis are the traditional attire of Pandits and those who adorn the temples. Males in most rural and urban areas enjoy the relaxation provided by dhoti in the comforts of their own homes.

Suitability
This clothing is appropriate for almost all seasons. The reason for this is that they come in both silk and cotton. Silk varieties are used in traditional customs and marriages, whereas cotton varieties are worn on a daily basis.

Global Influence
It has had a wide-ranging impact on global culture. People all over the world are wearing the traditional dhoti in pant style, making it a modern-day style statement even for westerners.

Accessorizing
Men also wear a kurta over cotton vests or shirt with their dhoti. They wear an angavastra cloth to cover their upper body during ceremonies. In the case of farmers, angavastra is replaced by a towel. Women can accessorise their dhoti pants with pearl necklaces or beads, adding to the outfit's inherent charm.

Know more about Ulama Textile, please visit www.ulama.co.in.