Kerala  Clothing

Clothing for most Keralites is  quite simple and typically untailored. But most people  wear light, loose clothing because of the hot climate. Clothing worn by Malayalees varies slightly from region to region. Members of the various religious groups may also dress in a slightly differently manner. Men frequently wear little more than a broadcloth dhoti (a simple white garment wrapped around the legs), worn as a loose loincloth. The dhoti (mundu) forms a sort of loose trousers. The more affluent and  urban dwellers generally are more inclined to wear tailored clothing, including various types of trousers, jackets, and vests.

Most women wear a saris (a straight piece of cloth draped around the body as a long dress) and short blouses. They place its loose end over the head or shoulder. Wealthy women may wear saris made of silk, with borders of gold thread. Many of the women in urban areas wear pyjamas (full trousers) with a long blouse and a veil. Western style of clothing, like jeans and T-shirts are gaining popularity. Like other Indian women, women in Kerala also wear jewellery, especially earrings and bracelets. Many women also wear a kumkum (round dot) in the middle of the forehead. The kumkum, which is usually prepared from a red or black powder, is considered a mark of beauty.
It is during the festivals, especially Onam and Vishu, that one can see the typical Kerala dressing when the women in 'Set Saris' (white saris with borders of gold thread (Kasavu)) and  blouse matching the sari border colour could be seen with men, who prefer white dhoti with 'kasavu' borders for such occasions. Young girls wear long skirts and blouses of various colours.
Most rural people, especially females, do not wear shoes and, when footwear is necessary, prefer sandals.
Throughout Kerala, however, Western dress is increasingly in vogue, especially among urban and educated males, and Western-style school uniforms are worn by both sexes in many schools, even in rural areas of Kerala.