Before the British arrived, Indian clothing was determined by their state, culture, and society.
Women wore primarily sarees, which were weaved and draped differently in different parts of the country. The more prosperous women could purchase a top and long skirts. The salwar kameez and dupatta were popular among Muslim people and in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
Men would generally wear dhotis, although the draping would vary according to where they were. The top garment might be anything from a kurta to various long shirts. It would be a pajama-shirt in Punjab and a pajama-kurta in Uttar Pradesh. The pajamas ranged in size and form from flowy to tight to ankle-cinching 'churidar.' In southern areas, the 'dhoti' was wrapped in a unique way. Many Muslim males, particularly artists and businessmen, wore colorful lungis. Regional wearing patterns could be seen until around 30 years ago, when they began to combine and become more utilitarian, adjusting to today's living.