We all know how rich in culture and traditions; Tamil Nadu is. There are a lot of factors and things that account for the traditions of the state and one among them is the traditional dresses that they have. Almost all the dresses that the people here wear are simple and elegant. That’s mostly because the traditional dresses of Tamil Nadu rightfully portray the culture of the people living here.
With what they wear, one can rightfully get the traditional essence of the state. Not just in terms of attire options but even the fabrics that are used to forge the clothes. You get clothes of different fabrics and each of them having some or the other unique thing about it.
Check out the list of traditional dresses and accessories that the people of Tamil Nadu wear.
| Traditional Tamil Nadu Attire for Men | Traditional Tamil Nadu Attire for Women | Accessories worn |
Traditional Tamil Nadu Attire for Men
The costumes for men of Tamil Nadu are quite simple yet elegant in many ways. But a lot of people including foreigners fancy the attire. If you visit the state, you too can make sure to try it once.
1. Shirt
Mostly you will find men wearing shirts of different colours. That’s what they like and enjoy wearing. It is easy to carry for them. Most men wear white shirt because it is a solid colour that goes great with any bottomwear. Secondly, it shows the financial status of the wearer.
2. Angavastra
This is another piece of attire that is one over shirt and even on a bare torso. Initially it was a symbol of someone’s pride or financial status in the society. The Brahmans of Tamil Nadu do not forget to wear this on special locations or during the pujas in temples.
3. Lungis
Monkeys are one of the most popular attire and common in Tamil Nadu. As soon as you enter the state you will see a lot of people wearing this bottom here mainly because of its comfort. Tamil Nadu is situated on the coast and it remains hot and humid throughout the year except for the hill stations, so wearing a Lungi gives people added comfort and relief from sweat.
4. Veshti
Veshti, also known as Veshti mundu or dhoti, is a quintessential traditional attire worn by men in Tamil Nadu. It’s a symbol of simplicity and cultural pride. The Veshti is a rectangular piece of unstitched cloth, typically made from cotton, that is wrapped around the waist and tied in a specific manner to create a garment that covers the lower body.
What makes the Veshti unique is its versatility and comfort. It is well-suited for the hot and humid climate of Tamil Nadu, allowing for ample air circulation. This traditional attire is not only a reflection of the state’s heritage but also an embodiment of traditional values and respect. The Veshti is commonly worn for religious and cultural events, as well as daily activities, demonstrating its enduring significance in Tamil Nadu’s cultural tapestry.
Traditional Tamil Nadu Attire for Women
For women there are quite a few attire options and if you go shopping you will find a huge variety even in terms of fabric. Here we have listed a few for you!
5. Saree
One of the most popular attire that is worn by women in many states of the country. But the uniqueness in Tamil Nadu is the handwork on the saree. From parties to visiting temples, ladies wear this attire quite frequently. It is worn with a blouse that covers the upper portion of the body.
6. Pavda
This is a close relative of saree and is worn by many women. Usually those who cannot afford high-grade sarees. But that doesn’t mean Pavda is a low grade saree replica or replacement. Before buying, make sure you know what fabric you are going for.
7. Kanchipuram Saree
One of the most popular types of saree and the one that people from different parts of the county wish to buy is the Kanchipuram Saree. It is a type of saree that was initially popular because it was made of silk. Nowadays, you have multiple options in terms of fabrics. If you want to get something from Tamil Nadu for your wardrobe, make sure it is this one.
8. Salwar Kameez
The name describes the attire completely, salwar kameez is the same that you see in north India usually. It’s all about the way Tamilians wear it. You can surely get a lot of options in the markets in terms of multiple aspects. The number of options that are available in Tamil Nadu are huge. You can select ones on the basis of colours that you want, the type you want, and also the fabric that it is made up of.
9. Pattu Pavadai
Pattu Pavadai is a traditional and charming attire worn by young girls in Tamil Nadu. It consists of a vibrant and intricately woven silk skirt and a matching blouse. This traditional ensemble is celebrated for its resplendent aesthetics and cultural significance.
The silk skirt, often richly adorned with golden zari work, comes in a variety of bright colors and intricate patterns, capturing the essence of Tamil culture. The blouse complements the skirt and is typically made from silk or cotton. Pattu Pavadai is commonly worn during festive occasions, special ceremonies, and celebrations. It signifies the transition from childhood to adolescence and symbolizes purity and grace. This cherished attire exemplifies the state’s deep-rooted cultural traditions and the love for vibrant, ornate textiles in Tamil Nadu.
10. Sattai
A “Sattai” is a traditional garment worn by men, often for festive occasions and cultural events. The term “Sattai” typically refers to a shirt with a distinct and timeless design. It features a full-length buttoned front, and long sleeves, and is usually tailored with a slightly loose fit for comfort. The Sattai may be made from various fabrics, including cotton and silk, with different designs and colors depending on the occasion.
This traditional attire holds a significant place in Tamil culture, reflecting a blend of classic elegance and cultural pride. It is often paired with a Veshti or Dhoti, completing a traditional and dignified look.
Accessories worn
Tamilians are very strongly bonded with their culture and that is shown in all their dresses and accessories. Here are some of the most used, loved, and popular accessories.
11. Mangamalai
This is an accessory that is worn by ladies during special occasions. The most frequent times you see them is either during a festival celebration or during a wedding. To be very frank this is one of those accessories that you should buy if you are open to the options because this is not available everywhere in the country. Secondly it looks elegant if you wear it simply on your Indian attire. Although the ladies of Tamil Nadu wear it on saris usually but even if you wear it on your suit it would look good.
12. Vanki
Vanki is a kind of armlet that is worn on the biceps region by ladies. Although you will see a lot of people wearing it on a regular basis, mostly this accessory is worn by the ladies during special events. With this we mean to say that either during a wedding, a celebration of a festival, during their puja at the temple on an occasion or during a grand celebration.
13. Pavada
14. Gajra
Conclusion
If you belong to Tamil Nadu or are someone who has a lot of understanding about traditional attire then do let us know if we have missed out on anything important. This blog contains the popular dresses that are worn by people generally or on occasion.
If you are visiting this southern state of India anytime soon, then don’t forget to pen down a few dresses for your wardrobe. We believe, a bit of diversity won’t be any harm and it will surely enrich your wardrobe.
See Also: Traditional dresses of Rajasthan | Traditional dresses of Telangana
Traditional dresses of West Bengal | Traditional dresses of Karnataka
