A veshti or vēṭṭi is a rectangular piece of non-stitched cloth, with varying lengths, used as a wrap for the lower body by the Tamils. It is often white, bordered in brightly coloured stripes. It is generally wrapped around the legs, knotted and secured by a corner being tucked beneath the wrapped cloth at the waist.1 The style of draping might vary between communities, and men sometimes wear a hip belt to hold the veshti in place.2 Predominantly worn by men, it is sometimes worn by women and the drape is known as vetti-mundu.23
Dhoti is a costume similar to veshti, which is a long, white rectangular piece of non-stitched cloth, that is wrapped around the waist, looped around the legs (similar to trousers) and knotted at the waist.4 A lungi is also similar to a veshti but made tubular with the ends stitched together, designed with colourful batik patterns, and is a common form of male attire in the countryside.15
References
References
- "Veshti Vs Dhoti". The Economic Times. 15 May 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- Boulanger, Chantal (1997). Saris: An Illustrated Guide to the Indian Art of Draping. New York: Shakti Press International. pp. 6, 15, 29–32. ISBN 978-0-966-14961-6.
- Anawalt, Patricia Rieff (2007). The Worldwide History of Dress. Thames & Hudson. p. 232. ISBN 978-0-500-51363-7.
- "About Dhoti". Britannica. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- "Clothing in India". Britannica. Archived from the original on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.