Identification

• Sari cloth seller in New Delhi
  
  A sari is a long piece of fabric wrapped around the body once, then under the right arm and draped over the left shoulder to create a fall in the back. A plain blouse and petticoat are worn underneath the sari.
  
  

Features

• Brilliant saree and flowers
  
  Saree can be plain or fancy, made of cotton, silk, chiffon, georgette or embroidered brocade fabric. Plain saree made of lighter-weight fabric are worn during the day, and saree of heavier, embroidered fabric are worn in the evening. Bridal saree are the most elaborate. Anywhere from 5 to 8 yards of fabric are used for a sari.
  
  

Types

• Sari on an Indian street
  
  Different styles of saree have evolved in the various regions of India. The West is known for resist-dyed fabrics, where wax or another substance is placed on the fabric in designs before it is dyed, creating spots where the dye does not take. North India is known for brocade saree, and South India for embroidery with gold thread. In the East, the predominant sari is from Bengal, usually red, purple or deep blue. In some regions, long skirts (West) or trousers (North) are worn with the sari.
  
  

History

• Saree and other forms of Indian dress have evolved slowly over the centuries. The earliest known inhabitants of this area wore clothing made of draped fabric as far back as 2400 BC. Greeks brought new influences when they invaded the area, as did the horsemen of Asia and the Moghuls. The sari and similar Indian styles of costume are represented in early Indian art.
  
  

Taxonomy

• The word "sari" was used since the 15th century to describe this traditional garment. According to author Doreen Yarwood, scholars resisted using the word for just a big piece of unsewn cloth. In recent decades, because the specific method of draping the fabric remained unchanged through the years, the sari is recognized as a distinct garment.