A little something called a Blouse!

India is the subject of much fascination around the world thanks to the varied tapestry of its culture. Vibrant hues, innumerable deities and of course our diverse attire has helped bring India under the cultural spotlight. Of these, the Saree has gained the most renown thanks to its timeless elegance and sumptuous sensuality.

The saree’s origin can be traced back to the Indus valley civilization. The unstitched piece of garment was worn differently during those days and has undergone an evolution. Although the evolution of saree is well documented, there is very little reference to the evolution of the humble blouse, which by the way has an intriguing history of its own!

The history of the blouse starts with them not existing at all! Centuries ago, only women belonging to the upper crust of the society wore two pieces of garment, a type of bodice or a band of cloth wrapped around their chest and the other draped around the waist. The lower class women or courtesan would have bare upper bodies.

Multiple foreign invasions changed societal norms forever. Under different regimes, right from Muslim rule to British imperialism, the blouse evolved. Before the British ruled, the value of a saree’s material was inferred from how fine and diaphanous it was. The sheerness of the material was ‘immoral’ according to the British, so their bewilderment at the absence of a blouse can be imagined! The blouse, which had not been standardized throughout India, became a fixed upper garment for Indian women. 

         Edwardian Style                   Frills                                   Puffed Sleeves                   Flower Print                   Checked Blouse  

Since then fashion has changed the blouse in every possible way.From the early 30’s till date, saree blouses have constantly evolved. Frills and ruffles ruled the scene in the mid 30’s, square neck blouses dominated the scene in the 40’s and the 50’s brought checked, striped and flower printed blouses in nylon to the forefront. Puffed sleeves and sleeveless blouses have held sway too. Edwardian styled blouses inspired by the British were once upon a time a running trend. 

Contemporary designers have added and subtracted different elements that have further enhanced their beauty. Blouse-back designs have seen huge changes too and even after adorning the fashion scene for centuries, the allure and the grace of this diminutive piece of garment has not diminished even slightly!