Karnataka Dresses

Karnataka dresses share the distinctiveness and elegance of South Indian clothing. The dresses of Karnataka bespeak grace, convenience and decency which are integral to the cultural ethos of the state. The men wear shirts or kurtas along with a lungi on the upper and lower body respectively. Although there is not much of a variation of the men's dresses in Karnataka, yet the dresses follow strict codes of custom laid down by tradition since the ancient times. Sarees have been the traditional dress for women in Karnataka. Traditionally, the saree is worn in the characteristic nivi style of southern India with pleats in the front and sometime passed on to the rear to facilitate movement.

The Coorgi style follows the usual manners of Karnataka's dresses but with slight variations. Members of the Coorg community of the Kodavu district have their individual and slightly distinct style of wearing the saree. Here the pleats are created on the back allowing free movement of the legs. The remaining part of the saree is then brought over the right shoulder and pinned. Mysore is famous for its exquisite silk sarees which form an integral part of Karnataka dresses which are exported and are extremely sought after by people from all parts of the country. The famous Ilke sarees employing the celebrated kasuti embroidery are also popular extensively made in Karnataka.

It should however be noted that the recent developments of Karnataka have given rise to many cosmopolitan cities where people come from all corners of India. They bring along with them their individual styles, and that have exercised clear influences on Karnataka dresses. At the same time western wears are gaining in popularity because of their added convenience. However, the traditional Karnataka dresses still continue to be heartily cherished by the inhabitants of the state.



Last Updated on November 13, 2025 March 2013