By Editor See, when we talk about the ancient cultures, no a single doubt in the fact that we must talk about how the southern part of India has a lot to do with it, right? Especially Tamil Nadu, which quite literally is among the most culturally rich states in India, and if you want to have a first-hand experience, the only option is to go visit it yourself. And the first thing you’ll notice when visiting this stunning state is surely the way people prefer traditional dress over the modern ones. That’s the very reason we’re here to talk about the Traditional Dress of Tamil Nadu, both for them and women. So let’s just get to it then.
![Traditional Dress of Tamil Nadu [For Men & Women]](https://www.statesinsights.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Traditional-Dress-of-Tamil-Nadu-For-Men-Women.webp)
Traditional Dress of Tamil Nadu for Men
1. Veshti (Dhoti)
It is quite literally the main garment that men like to wear here in Tamil Nadu. It is a single long piece of either cotton or silk material, most commonly white or cream in color, which is wrapped around the waist. There is no sewing done; it is just simple folding and tucking. The men, at weddings, pujas, or temple visits, generally wear the panchakacham style veshti, in which the cloth is pleated neatly and passed between the legs. Besides looking very traditional, it is also quite comfortable and super practical. A lot of veshtis have a gold or coloured border, which is called karai, and it gives a royal look.
2. Lungi
Sure, while veshti may be used mostly for special occasions, a lungi is the daily choice of most people. Generally, a lungi is a bright coloured one with a checked or striped pattern, and is made/stitched like a tube. To wear it, men just have to step into the lungi and tie it. To work or rainy days, they fold it up to the knee and wrap it around their waist.
3. Shirts and Upper Wear
Typically, men would be seen in cotton shirts paired with veshti or lungi. For the festive occasions, one can spot the glam of silk shirts in colors like cream, gold, maroon, or white quite often. A good number of people would choose plain white cotton shirts or go without a shirt during pujas.
4. Angavastram
Angavastram is basically a lengthy cloth that is simply draped over the shoulders, plain and simple! The fabric is generally cotton for daily wear, but silk with gold borders is used during special occasions. It is a costume that is specially Priest, elder, and groom’s attire and hence a dignified one.
5. Small Traditional Touches
And yes, the majority of males, as a part of their daily tradition, place vibhuti or kumkum on their foreheads. And surely, a few might be seen adorning with rudraksha beads or plain amulets. The footwear is simple, and a lot of them, worshipping in temples, would be found to have removed their shoes and walk barefoot.
Traditional Dress of Tamil Nadu for Women
1. Saree
Not a single doubt in the fact that Tamil ladies of any age group drape a saree in a very tidy manner with pleats in the front. Like, among the sarees, the Kanchipuram silk saree is the best seller by far, especially for weddings. Thick silk, lavish zari work, and vibrant contrast borders are what make them so invaluable as every family’s heirloom. As for everyday wear, breathable cotton sarees from Madurai, Coimbatore, or Salem are nice and super duper comfortable.
2. Half-Saree (Pavadai Dhavani)
What girls do before getting married is that they put on the half-saree. Basically, it is a long skirt, blouse, and a dhavani, which is draped like a saree pallu. This outfit will be seen at the time of festivals, school events, and family functions.
3. Pavadai Chokka (Skirt and Blouse)
The little girls and sometimes even women in the villages put on pavadai chokka. For their functions, they wear silk pavadai, and for their daily wear, they take cotton ones. Easy and comfortable.
4. Salwar Kameez
Really? Well, yes, lots of metropolitan ladies choose salwar kameez as their daily wear; however, they carry a Tamil influence like silk dupattas, zari borders, and jasmine flowers in their hair.
5. Jewellery That Completes the Look
Right here in the state, well, women usually glam gold jhumkas, bangles, anklets, maang tikka, and the conventional waist belt known as oddiyanam. The significance of each piece varies with age, occasion, and cultural traditions.