A sari, or saree, is a piece of clothing that is worn by women in a variety of cultures. This clothing is most popular in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Bhutan, and Malaysia. This piece of cloth, which is left unstitched, typically ranges in size from four to nine yards in length and can be worn over the body in a variety of different variations. There are several different styles of draping, making the saree a statement of fashion for these cultures.
While several cultures wear the saree, the most well known and recognizable of these are those that come from the Indian culture. The Indian saree dates back well over 5000 years ago. While the styles and designs of the saree have changed over time, it is still used just as prevalently and is manufactured to be one of the most elegant pieces of clothing available to women in the Indian culture. This article of clothing is worn to almost every formal or religious occasion.
There are sarees that are indicative of each part of the India, including West india, North India, South India, and East India.
In West India, there are seven different kinds of sarees that are typically worn by women. These are Patola, Emrboidered Tinsel Sarees, Patola, Bandhani, Gadwal, Paithani, and Chanderi & Maheshwari sarees. Each of these saris can be used as fasion statements and can also be used to indicate other things as well. For example, the Chanderi saree is very light and is meant for use during the Indian summer while the Patola sari is extremely elaborate and elegant and includes five different colour designs.
The sarees from North India include the Kota Doria and Banaras Brocade. The sarees from South India include the Konrad Saree and the Kanjeevaram Saree while the most typical saree found in East india is the Baluchari saree. Again, each of these sarees represents a different fasion statement. While some are mostly worn for special ocassions or religious observations, others are used for more everyday activity. There are also some sarees that are made with brilliant and intricate colours while others are made to coincide with the weather, climate, or temperature.
The Saree has maintained its status in the Indian culture as a garment that is used quite habitually by women. This attire can be used in a variety of different ways and can produce several different fashion statements.