South Region Traditional Dress

Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil nadu, Karnataka comprises the main South Indian states.

Andhra Pradesh
Women of all cultures and faith communities in Hyderabad typically wear either the traditional Indian dress, the sari, and increasingly the Salwar Kameez. As a sign of public modesty, a large percentage of Muslim women in the city wear either the burkha or the hijab.

Kerala
Mundum neriyathum is the traditional clothing of women in Kerala, South India. The mundum neryathum consists of two pieces of cloth: A mundu is a one-piece cloth draped on the lower part of the body while neriyathu is worn over a blouse and could be worn in either the traditional style with the neriyathum tucked inside the blouse, or in the modern style with the neriyathum worn over the left shoulder. It is worn by women from all communities of Kerala and is often referred only as "Kerala saree". The mundum neryathum for festive occasion has golden coloured borders or a broad zari border known as Kasavu, lending the costume another name of "Kasavu Saree".

Tamil Nadu
Till a few years ago, the half-sari or Pavada besides being the traditional dress, was also the most popular dress of young girls in Tamil Nadu. Full skirt, short blouse and a davani (shawl) constitutes this dress style. This traditional pleated dress has been replaced by sarees, salwar kurtas, jeans and trousers.

Karnataka
Saree is the traditional dress here. The only difference is in the way of wearing the saree. The Coorgi style of Karnataka of draping a saree involves tying the pleats in the rear instead of the front and a small portion of the pallu is placed over the shoulder.