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There’s no denying that ethnic wear is an integral part of Indian culture. 

Indians have always been regarded worldwide for their unique dressings and clothing. India is a land of varied cultures, religions, ethnicities, and ways of living, all of which are directly reflected in the way we dress. Our ethnic wear is deeply rooted in ancient times, inspired by the various cultures and the availability of different materials that dominated every era. It’s rich, resplendent and absolutely stunning. With the passing of time, Indian designers have embraced ethnic wear to create gorgeous outfits and patterns. 

But what makes Indian ethnic wear so special? Is it the origin of their production? Or the material used to make them? Maybe it’s the embroideries used.

If you’re curious to learn more, then scroll down and understand what authentic Indian ethnic wear actually looks like around the country.

Indian Ethnic Wear: An Insight

The Booming Market Indian Ethnic Wear

When it comes to fashion, no other industry in the world is as vivid and vivacious as Indian ethnic wear. Designers of Indian ethnic wear, whether it’s a saree or a lehenga, have done an outstanding job at creating ethnic clothing that reflects the rich heritage of Indian traditions. 

While it is somewhat customary, Indian ethnic wear is versatile. You can wear it for formal occasions or jazz it up for a traditional festive function or wedding to create an enchanting show. And thanks to this, the ethnic wear market has always been a booming industry. 

Read More: The Ultimate Modern Bridal Wear: An Insight Into What’s In Vogue

Several reports explain how the ethnic wear market grows 10% every few years. While sarees dominate in the east, west and south, Northern India witnesses a major demand for salwar kameez and lehengas. In fact, the term ‘Tradition never goes out of fashion’ is made true when you learn that the Indian apparel market is dominated by ethnic wear brands. 

Types of Indian Ethnic Wear 

In principle, ethnic wear in India comprises outfits like sarees, lehengas, salwar kameez, kurtas, ethnic gowns, shararas, ghararas, sherwanis, bandhgalas, Nehru jackets and more. 

Sarees have been in trend for centuries. It is a piece of clothing that never goes out of fashion. They’re available in different styles, colours, materials and designs. One can buy different sarees for different events- from simple printed ones for formal occasions to bedazzled embroidered pieces for festivals and weddings. There is no doubt that India is a gold mine for sarees and different states are offering special and unique sarees to their customers. And the one kind of saree everyone loves is one made with authentic, pure silk. 

Know More: The Fabulous Festive Panorama of Indian Silks

The second most popular kind of ethnic garment is, of course, salwar kameez and kurtas. Kurtas have been consistently preferred by men and women for various formal and festive occasions. It is one of the most in-demand items and is versatile in dressing. You can pair a kurta with a salwar or even a pair of jeans or even a dhoti! Online and offline portals offer huge varieties of kurtas and salwar kameez for every occasion. 

The next in line in terms of popularity are lehengas. Lehengas are everyone’s go-to outfit for a wedding. Whether you’re a bridesmaid, a guest or the spectacular bride herself, a lehenga as your outfit of choice never disappoints. They also come in a range of materials and designs with many women focusing on crafty blouses and flowy lehenga skirts. Invariably, most brides opt for a lehenga for their wedding day, styling them gorgeously with beautiful ornaments, makeup and hairdos. 

Apart from these, other absolutely loved ethnic wear for women include Anarkalis, ethnic gowns and shararas that come in various styles and designs, boasting elegant embroiders and immaculate designs.  

Ethnic wear is, indeed, one type of clothing that matches everybody’s styling.

Materials Used For Making Indian Ethnic Wear

Ethnic wear for the most part comes in all sorts of materials in various prints and patterns like floral, paisley, chevron etc. The embellishments can be anywhere from basic fabric paint to mirror work and zari embroideries. However, the one thing that really matters is the material it is made from. For most parts, cotton and synthetic materials like rayon, acrylic, nylon and polyester are most preferred for everyday ethnic wear. Whereas, when it comes to festive and wedding ethnic wear, it’s common to find materials like silk, velvet, chiffon, tulle and soft cotton being used. 

Silk is, undeniably, the most popular choice of fabric for ethnic wear. India boasts a large industry of silk that is used for creating impeccable outfits that become heirloom pieces for families. The material shines like no other and fares very well with both weave and embroideries. And when it comes to pure silk, it is always best to go with something that has the Silk Mark Label on it, which assures its purity and authenticity.

Do Read: When Glamour Weds Craft & Culture- Weddings & Traditional Silks

About The Silk Mark Label

Due to their popularity, Indian silks have become the victims of poor duplicates and fakes being circulated in the market at throw-away prices. It’s tough for a customer to find authentic, pure silk. However, thanks to the Silk Mark Label, finding yourself an authentic pure silk garment has become easier. 

Silk Mark Label is the world’s first and only label of purity of silk from the Government of India. It is a label affixed only to 100% pure silk products after due diligence. The authenticity of Silk Mark is assured by the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI). According to their guidelines, a 100% pure silk product is one in which the base fabric, both warp and weft, is made up of any of the 4 varieties of natural silks namely, Mulberry, Tussar, Eri and Muga Silk.

Know More: Say Hello To Silk Mark Assured Pure Silks- Adding Glitter To Weddings!

For those looking to purchase authentic silk products, the Silk Mark Label makes it easier to buy high-quality, pure silk sarees. Moreover, as buyers, the Silk Mark Label helps us fulfil our responsibility to support the livelihood of almost 10 million marginal farmers, reelers, dyers, weavers and craftsmen across the country involved in the silk industry.

Final Words

In conclusion, whether you choose a suit, saree or lehenga, ethnic outfits shine brightest when they’re made of pure silk. Their values increase by ten folds and just the sentiment of wearing a pure silk ethnic garment transcends that of anything else. 

So, to add some shine and glamour to your wardrobe, a pure silk ethnic outfit would be perfect! Just keep an eye out for the Silk Mark Label to ensure that you're purchasing silk only of the highest and purest quality. Check out their website to learn more about all the stores that carry fabrics that are Silk Mark Label assured!

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An Insight On Indian Ethnic Wear

by Shivani Singh

An Insight On Indian Ethnic Wear