The Indian saree sees new designs and drape patterns each year. But the ethnic style continues to be the best. The traditional navvari as the name suggests is a nine yard saree and comes in typical colors that is the specialty of Maharashtrians. Along with the same a silk bordered blouse is seen with the saree. The same pattern of nine yard drape is the poduvai of the Tamilian Brahmins which originally seemed to be coming in the color reddish-rust and now seen in dust gold, mango and green. The drape is totally different from a navvari or a saree and that is its splendid beauty.
The dhoti in the North is a divided portioned outfit and secures itself on the waist. Men’s wear in dhotis comes in silks and the regular cottons. The dhoti in the Hyderabad changes its name known as a lungi which is in plaids, blocked and short in breadth. It is more of an easy wear garment preferred by men in the casual daily fashion. The soman of the Brahmin clan of south Indian is another drape style akin to the dhoti but again set apart in its fall and tying style. The muslin south variety of veshti-angavastram is also similar to the casual dhoti but is made of soft material particular to beat the sweltering heat.
The salwar kameez of Punjab is usually worn with a patiala style that is the cowled pant form and the beauty is set off with the phulkari or handmade. The simple style of gota work on the Punjabi dress with long poncha style pant edgings can be worn with a above the knee tight fit kurta or a semi loose fitting top. The overall style is enhanced with the dupatta and accessories. Coming in an urban form, the salwar kameez catches with the fusion mix of designer dresses and stays conservative in its format and also changes its mood as per the new rules on the ramp.
The chaniya choli or the lehenga is a exclusive garment when worn by the bride or at an engagement. The blouse pattern is usually a tight fit and with the western trends the patterns go from sleeveless, single straps, noodle ones and also off shoulder ones. The drape of the dupatta sets apart the lehenga choli and is seen in new colors, brocade work, textiles and patterns. The baby girl dresses in chaniya choli comes in cottons too to resemble the beautiful mirror work during navratri also known as the ghagra choli.
