The curious case of the lungi

Model: Rabbi

Wardrobe Panjabi: Kumudini

Wardrobe Lungi: Amanat Shah Lungi

Summer is knocking and maximum comfort is the only style you need to look forward to. The tubular garb a.k.a. lungi is no longer just a summer essential for men. This week at Star Lifestyle, we are looking into the myriad fusion possibilities with this versatile wear —  be it donning the wrap with a pleated knot, to making trendy western wear for women, we have it all! 

So gentlemen and ladies, do not let the heat and humidity rule you; be bold this summer and reach out to the lungi for your seasonal statement in fashion!

While saying the words, the nawab of his dominion, raised his sword, tagging the bright blue lungi up, folding it around his waist; all ready to attack back. These lines may seem stolen from a random combat scene out of some fantasy Mughal era motion picture, and perhaps rightfully so, but the fascination with the quintessential lungi still remains.

The very comfortable and airy lungi has been somewhat replaced by the trendy and very much western Bermudas, but the trends can be easily turned back if we know how much significance the garb played in the past.

Before donning the English trousers, men, especially Muslims, had no way around except for the lungi.  They used to pair it generally with panjabi or white sleeveless inners. But those were the days of the past; lungi has been brought to the forefront again with the help of quirky theme songs and movie roles portraying the eccentric village chairman's residing in the peripheries of our nation.

Can the lungi be brought back to mainstream fashion again? I say, why not?

If it has played such an important role in the past, it is only proper that we include it at least as our very own, unique fashion statement. Perhaps not as a day-to-day wear, but maybe as the chic garb meant to be worn on special occasions.

ATTEMPTS TO THE LUNGI STYLE

If you are planning on wearing the lungi in a stylish way, please be selective in choosing the prints – horizontal stripes look most traditional.

Pair the lungi with a colourful silk or cotton panjabi – be aware that white potentially gives the 'uncle' vibe.

White lungi has an unparallel glamour quotient. Be it with an ornate border or just a touch of colour, the white lungi is your go-to for special occasions.

Looking for days to wear the lungi without much fuss? Opt for national celebratory days like Pahela Baishakh, Independence Day, Victory Day, etc.

Confused about the footwear to match? We say sandals; converse if you are bold enough

How to style your hair?

Be ready with some ideas of your own; do not just don what seems to be popular! Gelled hair and back brushes look most savvy. Hair turbans made out of grameen check also look dashing

You girlfriend would look out of place standing next to you! Encourage her to don clothes in grameen check and a lungi. It's a mix and match that will make you stand alone in a crowd.

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Models: Mysha, Raj, Arpita, Rabbi, Oshin

Wardrobe for girls: Maheen Khan

Wardrobe for boys: Kumudini,

Amanat Shah Lungi

Location: The Palace Luxury Resort, Bahubal, Habiganj