Traditional Dress of Kerala – Costumes For Men & Women

In every state and every part of India, you’ll find people dressed slightly differently, and that’s the beauty, because traditional dress is the way to express culture in some sense. So if you wanted to know, like what people traditionally wear in Kerala, you should not be skipping past this post. Here we’ll talk about not just the traditional dress of Kerala, but we’ll talk about how men and women dress up traditionally.

Traditional Dress of Kerala for Men

1. Mundu

The Mundu is essentially the main piece of clothing. Basically, it’s a long length of fabric that is wrapped all around the waist and comes up to the ankles. There is no other step needed, besides wrapping the cloth around your waist and tucking it in. With that, you have the stylish and traditional Kerala attire set for any event.

In the case of formal events such as weddings or visits to the temple, men usually maintain the Mundu in its full length. In the event that you are working or walking a lot, fold it up to your knees and then tuck it at the waist. Only be aware of the fact that you should always keep it extended during prayers or when you are in the presence of elders as a mark of respect.

2. Melmundu and Jubba: Upper Garments

The Melmundu can be described as a very plain white fabric, which is almost like a shawl, and it is generally draped over one shoulder, mainly worn during religious ceremonies or when going to the temple. It is very easy; you just put it on and you’re ready.

As such, the Jubba is a very casual type of clothing that covers the upper body and is made from either cotton or silk. Most of the time, it has embroidery or a golden border on it in case it is used for a festival or any other kind of event.

3. Religious and Community Variations

• Hindu males combine the Mundu with a shirt or Jubba for the Onam festival, temple visits, or weddings. Mundus made of silk and decorated with golden borders are popular at weddings.
• Usually, Muslim males wear the Mundu along with a Kurta or Sherwani. If you place a Kulla cap over it, then you have an orthodox attire perfect for religious services or festive occasions.
• For church occasions, Christian men mostly like to wear the Mundu and a shirt. At weddings, a lot of people are now mixing tradition with fashion by wearing the Mundu along with a blazer or a suit.

Traditional Dress of Kerala for Women

1. Mundum Neriyathum

Well, to start out with the most regular and famous one, the Mundum Neriyathum is the typical clothing of Kerala women. Basically, it is a two-piece outfit; the lower Mundu is tied around the waist, and the upper Neriyathu is thrown over the shoulder and secured by the waist.

The special thing about the dress is the single gold Kasavu border with which it is decorated. There is no need for any other accessory, just a blouse, and you are ready for Onam, Vishu, or any temple festival.

2. Settu Mundu and Kasavu Saree

As we talked about the Mundum Neriyathum earlier, well, it was implied that it changed or, with time, evolved into the Settu Mundu or Kasavu Saree, a single piece of fabric/cloth approximately five and a half meters long, wrapped as a normal saree.

In marriages or during celebrations, people can generally spot women attired in Kasavu Sarees, white ones having golden borders. Simply gather the front into pleats, wear the pallu over the shoulder, fix it with a pin, and there is no further work.

3. Bridal Wear and Festive Styling

• Traditionally, a Hindu female bride would be dressed in either red, maroon, or gold Kanchipuram silk saree and would be touching up the outfit with heavy jewelry. The smell of jasmine flowers would be there in her hair.
• A white saree or gown with a veil is the most commonly seen bridal outfit of the Christian brides, a modest and graceful look.
• Muslim female brides can be seen in vibrant sarees or lehengas that are highly embroidered and complemented by the matching veils. Also, there are some instances where a purdah is added.