The sari is one of the most common

The sari is one of the most common and oldest forms of dress for women in India. Many regional costumes are variations on this basic style. The fabric is either silk or cotton. Saris can be a solid color or patterned; some are embroidered or hand dyed. Others are covered in tiny mirrors or metalic decoration.

A sari is made of 6 metres of cloth that is wrapped to form a skirt and then draped over the shoulder. It is worn with a stitched, fitted blouse called a choli. To wear a sari, a woman begins to tuck one end of the fabric into a matching petticoat and wraps it all the way around her waist. She then pleats the fabric and tucks them all together into the front of the petticoat. The remaining fabric is draped over her blouse and shoulder, falling behind her. This end, called the pallav, is often decorated with detailed patterns or embroidery.