Why Do We Wear What We Wear!

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 4

INDIAN MENSWEAR

WHY DO WE WEAR WHAT WE WEAR!

Have you ever wondered how Indians started wearing western clothes? What is the reason for this
popular trend? What are the various influences on our cultural dresses and how we adapted to these
changes?

Well, Classic Polo tried to get into the facts for you and look for the reasons behind the change in
Indian menswear. And currently what the millennial is up to in this fast-changing fashion world?

DESI-VIDESI

The development of human civilization is incomplete without a mention of the clothes we wear.
Indian men have been transitioning their style quotient with time over the centuries. Several social
circumstances led to the acceptance of western wear in our country. At first, the emergence of
pyjamas in the Middle Ages was a Persian influence and later pants garnered popularity during the
British era. It was a practical need of the hour for patriotic countrymen fighting against English
soldiers, they had to match up to their counterparts, and therefore they resorted to western pants,
which was a comfortable attire to run, jump with free hands, unlike dhoti or lungi.

Conversely, India contributed to the fashion community; we collaborated with the west to produce
new fabrics, designs, and terms for people living in other parts of the globe. Cotton was first grown on
our land, the most expensive of natural dyes, Indigo was cultivated by indigenous farmers to produce
the color, Khadi movement was introduced to boycott videsi (foreign) goods back in the 1920s, and
the contributions are endless. The earlier handmade fabric was crafted by artisans depending on
regional variations such as weather, religious beliefs, and tradition along with usability among other
aspects.
At present, Indo-western or the fusion of two cultures is woven together to bring the best of both
worlds. These clothing are appreciated by Indian men and appeals to international designers. The
essence of culture in contemporary designs of Bandhgala, Bandi/Nehru Jacket, Sherwani, Jodhpuri
pants, Pathani suit, and Cowl kurtas are quite popular among youth.

DIVERSE INFLUENCE

Several cultures have touched our society and left their footprint on Indian clothing. Today we wear
what we accepted and adapted from the past and what attracted us and keeps us interested from the
west such as denim or t-shirt. Each cloth design narrates its unique story and history on how and why
it originated and evolved throughout the years and in other cases why it disappeared. We have
embraced the change keeping in mind our traditional values.

Political influence on fashion resulted in the development of new garments under British rule such as
Sherwani, elite Indian menswear. The gradual change was witnessed in the shape and fitting of the
clothes in later phases. Advancement in the Indian socio-political set up led to a convenient fashion
for other sections of the society, people who could afford fashionable clothes. Technology is another
reason for the mass production of trendy outfits that are easily available to commoners. Not
dependent on a tailor anymore, people are experiencing freedom in terms of alternatives available.

In the past, accessibility and necessity played a major role in determining the right clothing but
nowadays, purchasing power has increased amid infinite choices in the bazaar. A common man can
afford the style worn by his favorite actor.

We cannot deny the fact that movies are redefining the fashion for its audience and producing fashion
icons for youth. Both Hollywood and Bollywood are inspirational, now and then they create
charismatic characters and the fans follow their favorite actor’s dressing style. India’s 21st Century
witnessed many style icons for youngsters be it Salman’s Tere Naam look, Hrithik’s Kaho Naa Pyaar
Hai, SRK’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Tiger’s Heropanti, Aamir Khan’s Dil Chahta Hai, Ranbir’s Saawariya or
Ranveer’s Bajirao Mastani.

ALPHA INDIAN MALE

In recent years, Indian men have taken fashion seriously and they’re striving to achieve their best
version. Men are moving from a conservative approach to dressing, they are becoming fearless to
experiment and stand out from the crowd just like Ranveer Singh. Not hesitant to mix and match,
cultural and western attire and add bright colors with accessories to complete their look.

The overall idea of dressing sense is sinking in among young men who are more attentive towards
their appearance. Be it effortless office look, Diwali or Christmas, summer or winter New Year party or
gym wear, the alpha Indian male has the right fit for each occasion. They want it all and never miss
the style quotient.

Urban men are connected to the age-old traditional values and it is reflected through their choice of
clothes during Indian festivals. On the other hand, the rural population is getting comfortable in
western wear, in South India lungi is worn with a shirt full of colors and elegance. Western casual and
formal wear have beautifully inculcated in our day-to-day life.

Western casual and formal wear have inculcated in our day-to-day life. It is interesting to note that we
started with a revolt against western clothes but due to globalization and other factors we have
gracefully accepted it over the years.

You might also like