By Editor Andhra Pradesh is a state known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich culture, festivals, and traditions in Southern India. Most people of this state are known for the deep connection with their roots, their clothing reflects their heritage and lifestyle, and much more. What people wear in Andhra Pradesh is not about fashion statement alone, but it is more about simplicity, elegance, and comfort over outer beauty. A state’s dressing is influenced by the climate, where Andhra Pradesh has mostly warm weather throughout the year. Due to this, people wear light and breathable fabrics more often.
The top choices among men and women are cotton and silk. The dressing style usually changes region to region in this state, which shows the diversity of clothing, culture, and style. Here, we will learn about the most preferred traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh for men and Women. Let’s get started.
Andhra Pradesh Traditional Dress for Men
Men prefer simple, graceful, and comfortable clothes in Andhra Pradesh, where the outfit is mostly preferred for daily wear and festivals. The common traditional dresses worn by men in this state are as follows:
1. Panche or Veshti (Dhoti)
Panche or Veshti is a type of dhoti that is the most traditional and common bottom wear among men in this state. A dhoti is a long rectangular piece of cloth, usually white or cream in colour. Men wrap it around their waist and legs, tying it securely at the waist. It is worn without stitching, making it very comfortable in the hot climate.
2. Kurta
Most people prefer a simple cotton kurta and a similar-looking shirt along with a dhoti that defines the utmost simplicity of locals. Kurta is mostly knee-length and made of cotton, where people prefer plain and lightly embroidered designs the most. During festivals and important occasions, men in this state opt for a silk kurta in bright colours like cream, yellow, and maroon.
3. Angavastram
Angavastram is mostly preferred for styling, and it is an important part of men’s traditional attire in Andhra Pradesh. It is a long cloth which is similar to a shawl, and it is draped over the shoulders. This shawl-like cloth may look like a simple add-on, but it is just as important as it reflects dignity and grace to the whole outfit.
4. Turban
Most Indian states have their own style of turban. Even though the turban is not mainstream except in Punjab, people in the rural areas of Andhra Pradesh still wear a turban sometimes. It is a head cloth called kanduva or Pattu kanduva.
5. Footwear
Men go barefoot during religious ceremonies traditionally, but for daily use, they wear simple leather or rubber slippers. In urban areas, sandals are more common.
Andhra Pradesh Traditional Dress for Women
Women in Andhra Pradesh wear elegant and colourful clothes most of the time of the year, where the outfit reflects beauty, grace, and tradition. Among the different types of dresses, the most common is the saree. Let’s have a look at what traditional garments women prefer in this state.
1. Saree
Saree is considered the pride of Andhra Women, and it is usually six to nine yards long. Saree is draped gracefully around the body with pleats in front, where the Pallu is placed over the shoulder. The most common fabric is cotton, which has breathability and comfort. The famous types are:
- Mangalagiri Saree
- Uppada Silk Saree
- Dharmavaram Saree
- Venkatagiri Saree
Women take pride in wearing these different types of sarees as part of their identity, as these types of sarees reflect local culture and craftsmanship.
2. Blouse and Petticoat
A saree is styled with a blouse and a petticoat, where the blouse is fitted and covers the upper body, whereas the petticoat is a type of skirt worn under the saree to hold the pleats in place. The blouse is made of silk, cotton, and sometimes velvet, depending upon the saree and attire look.
3. Langa Voni
Langa Voni or Half saree is preferred by young girls and unmarried women, which consists of three parts: a long skirt, a blouse, and a dupatta-type cloth.
4. Footwear
Women wear sandals or slippers made of leather or rubber for everyday use. During traditional events, they prefer decorated footwear to match their sarees.
Bottom Line
These are the common types of traditional dresses worn by Andhra Pradesh men and women. The influence of modern fashion is also there in this state, but you will find most people dressing traditionally.