Attire of India: A Complete Guide to Traditional Clothing and Indian Designer Fashion

The Rich Tapestry of Indian Attire

India is a land of immense cultural diversity, and nowhere is that more visible than in its clothing. The attire of India reflects centuries of tradition, regional influences, religion, and fashion evolution. From traditional Indian dresses like sarees and lehengas to modern Indian designer wear, the country’s fashion scene is a seamless blend of old and new.

In this guide, we explore the types of Indian dresses, what Indian clothing is called, and the history of Indian fashion, along with where to buy Indian designer dresses online in India and internationally.

1. What is Indian Clothing Called?

Indian clothing has many traditional names that vary by region and purpose. Some common terms include:

• Saree (Sari): A six to nine-yard drape worn by women, often paired with a blouse and petticoat.
  
• Salwar Kameez: A tunic (kameez) worn with trousers (salwar) and a scarf (dupatta).
  
• Lehenga Choli: A long skirt (lehenga) paired with a cropped top (choli) and dupatta.
  
• Kurta Pajama: A long shirt (kurta) with loose pants (pajama), typically worn by men.
  
• Sherwani: A formal long coat-like garment worn by men for weddings or festivals.
  
• Dupatta: A versatile scarf worn with most traditional Indian outfits.
  

2. Types of Indian Dresses and Regional Variations

India’s traditional attire varies dramatically between regions:

North Indian Dress Styles

• Punjabi Suit: Characterized by vibrant salwar kameez sets.
  
• Phiran: A loose garment worn in Kashmir.
  
• Chikankari Kurtas: Hand-embroidered cotton tunics from Lucknow.
  

South Indian Dress Styles

• Kanjeevaram Saree: Luxurious silk sarees from Tamil Nadu.
  
• Pavada (or Langa Voni): A traditional two-piece outfit for young girls and brides.
  
• Mundu and Kasavu: White-gold bordered garments worn in Kerala.
  

Western India

• Ghagra Choli: Popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan with mirror work and bright colors.
  
• Bandhani Sarees: Tie-dyed sarees common in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  

Eastern India

• Mekhela Chador: A traditional two-piece saree from Assam.
  
• Gamcha Dhoti Kurta: Lightweight and culturally significant men’s wear from Bengal.
  

3. Traditional Attire in India: Religious and Cultural Significance

Many traditional outfits of India carry deep spiritual and cultural meanings:

• Hindu Clothes Names: Saree, dhoti, kurta, angavastram, and dupatta.
  
• Muslim Clothing in India: Includes shararas, hijabs, and embroidered abayas.
  
• Sikh Attire: Includes kurta pajamas, salwar kameez, and turbans.
  
• Christian Communities: Often wear sarees or western-style gowns for celebrations.
  

4. Types of Indian Wear: From Classic to Contemporary

Here are some major types of Indian attire:

• Daily Wear: Cotton sarees, simple salwar kameez, kurtis
  
• Festive Wear: Anarkalis, lehengas, embroidered sarees
  
• Bridal Wear: Red lehenga, Banarasi saree, designer fusion outfits
  
• Fusion Wear: Indo-western styles like crop tops with palazzos, saree gowns, cape kurtas
  

5. Indian Designer Dresses Online in India and Beyond

The global popularity of Indian fashion has led to a surge in Indian designer dresses online in India and abroad. Leading platforms include:

In India:

• Aza Fashions
  
• Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop
  
• Jaypore
  
• Manyavar and Mohey
  
• Meena Bazaar
  

For International Shoppers:

• Carma Online
  
• Indian Designer Wear USA
  
• Cbazaar
  
• Utsav Fashion
  

These platforms offer everything from wedding lehengas to casual Indian wear, making it easier than ever to find authentic, modern, and traditional styles worldwide.

6. Fashion Design History: Evolution of Indian Attire

The fashion design history of India is deeply rooted in ancient culture and craftsmanship:

• Indus Valley Civilization: Evidence of cotton garments and dyed fabrics.
  
• Mauryan to Mughal Era: Introduction of silk, brocade, and tailored garments.
  
• British Colonial Period: Western influence led to hybrid dressing styles.
  
• Post-Independence: Rise of khadi, handlooms, and revival of regional crafts.
  
• Modern Era: Emergence of Indian fashion designers on the global stage blending tradition with innovation.
  

Notable designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra, and Ritu Kumar have redefined Indian traditional attire for the 21st century.

7. Designer Indian Clothes Online: Top Trends in 2025

Indian fashion is seeing a boom in demand for:

• Two-Piece Sets: Crop tops and skirts or blouse-trouser combos
  
• Saree Gowns: A modern twist to the traditional sari
  
• Jacket Lehengas and Cape Sets
  
• Handloom and Sustainable Fashion
  
• Pastel Bridal Wear over traditional red and maroon
  
• Gender-Neutral Kurtas and Fusion Wear
  

For fashion lovers in the USA or UK, several Indian designers in the USA now cater to Western clients with easy shipping and custom measurements.

8. Indian Women’s Clothes Names: A Quick Glossary

Here are common Indian women’s clothing names you should know:

• Saree
  
• Lehenga
  
• Choli
  
• Kurti
  
• Salwar
  
• Dupatta
  
• Pavada
  
• Anarkali
  
• Sharara
  
• Ghagra
  

9. Images of Indian Traditional Dresses: Why Visual Culture Matters

Whether you’re shopping for Indian designer dresses online in India or researching for fashion design inspiration, visual references are essential. Pinterest, Instagram, and fashion blogs are great platforms to explore images of Indian traditional dresses and discover new styles of Indian dresses.

10. Embracing Indian Fashion: For Designers, Buyers, and Historians

Whether you’re a fashion student exploring fashion design history, a bride shopping for Indian designer wear, or simply curious about the clothes of North India vs. South Indian dress traditions, India offers one of the richest textile and design legacies in the world.

Conclusion: The Beauty and Diversity of Indian Attire

From different types of Indian outfits to globally popular designer Indian clothes online, India’s sartorial story is colorful, intricate, and ever-evolving. As the world embraces diversity, the attire of India stands out as a shining example of how tradition can meet innovation.