Panche – Panche is a traditional Kannada term for the garment most commonly known as a dhoti. It is a piece of cloth, usually around 5 yards long, that is traditionally worn around the waist and legs, resembling pants. It is commonly worn by men in many formal and religious occasions in Karnataka.

ನನ್ನ ತಾತ ಪ್ರತಿ ಹಬ್ಬದಂದು ಪಂಚೆ ತೊಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. (Nanna tāta prati habbadandu panche toḍuttāre.)

Seere – Seere is the Kannada word for a saree, an elegant and versatile piece of clothing that is a staple for women in Karnataka as well as other parts of India. It is typically a long piece of fabric, about 6 to 9 yards in length, that is wrapped around the body with one end draped over the shoulder.

ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಸೀರೆಗಳು ತುಂಬಾ ಸುಂದರವಾಗಿವೆ. (Namma saṃskr̥tiya sīregaḷu tumbā sundaravāgive.)

Blouse – Blouse in Kannada is referred to as a “ravike”. This is the upper garment that women pair with a seere, usually with short sleeves and a fitted design. Ravikes can be simple for everyday wear or elaborate for special occasions, often with detailed embroidery or patterns.

ಅವಳ ರವಿಕೆ ಅವಳ ಸೀರೆಗೆ ತಕ್ಷಣ ಹೊಂದಿಕೊಂಡಿತು. (Avaḷa ravike avaḷa sīrege takṣaṇa hoṇḍikoṇḍitu.)

Kurta – A Kurta is a loose collarless shirt that is traditionally worn by men, but also commonly used by women in a style that is known as ‘Kurti’. It is worn with a pair of pants or under a panche and is suitable for casual as well as formal occasions.

ಅವನು ನೀಲಿ ಬಣ್ಣದ ಕುರ್ತಾ ಧರಿಸಿದ್ದಾನೆ. (Avanu nīli baṇṇada kurtā dharisiddāne.)

Mundu – Mundu is similar to the panche but is generally worn in a slightly different style. It is also a traditional garment worn around the waist, typically in a more relaxed fashion for comfortable daily wear or at informal occasions.

ಹೊಸ ಮುಂಡು ಖರೀದಿಸಿದ ನಾನು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಸಂತೋಷಗೊಂಡೆ. (Hosa muṇḍu kharīdisida nānu atyanta saṃtoṣagoṇḍe.)

Angi – Angi is a traditional form of a jacket or upper garment, often worn over a kurta for added warmth or as a statement piece. It can come in various styles with different types of embroidery, patterns, and fabrics.

ಉತ್ಸವಕ್ಕೆ ಅವರು ಬೆಳ್ಳಿ ಕಸೂತಿ ಅಂಗಿ ತೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದರು. (Utsavakke avaru beḷḷi kasūti angi toṭṭiddaru.)

Choli – Choli is a midriff-baring blouse or upper garment similar to a ravike but more commonly paired with ghagras or long skirts in traditional attire. The choli is matched with the outfit and can be highly decorative with beading, sequins, or other embellishments.

ಅವಳ ಚೋಲಿ ಅದ್ಭುತವಾಗಿ ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. (Avaḷa choli adbhutavāgi alaṅkarisalāgittu.)

Understanding the traditional clothing vocabulary of Kannada can enrich one’s cultural experience and provide a deeper insight into the heritage of Karnataka. Language learners and enthusiasts would benefit from familiarizing themselves with these terms, which may often arise in literature, cinema, and conversations related to Kannada culture and traditions.