The traditional garment worn by Indian women is called the saree or sari. While the exact origin of the saree is not known, yet researches have shown existence of sarees way back in 3000 BC in the Indus Valley civilization. The important characteristics of a saree are as follows:

Characteristics of Saree

• The saree is one of the most common and oldest forms of dress for women in India and it continues to be the most popular dress worn by Indian women. The saree is long rectangular shaped strip of unstitched cloth, ranging from 5 to 9 yards in length.
• The style, colour and texture of this cloth varies and it might be made from cotton, silk or one of the several man-made materials. The most expensive woven saree is in silk. The designs may reflect regional cultures such as the "Kanjivarams" from the south or Muga silks from the east.
• The saree has an age old charm because it is not cut or stiched for a particular size.
• The saree can fit any size and if worn properly can accentuate the woman's curves.
• The variety of designs, drapes, fabrics, and colours in sarees reveal a unique blending of religious and cultural influences of India.

Inspite of the emergence of various western wear and other dresses in the Indian market, saree still remains the most favoured dress of Indian women. No other dress can show grace, elegance and dignity as much as a sari can to any women who wears it.