Kikoi to Huipil: 10 saree-like garments from across the world

Sarees are an iconic part of Indian culture, but different cultures have their own traditional drapes or variations that can be likened to sarees. Here's a list of lesser-known sarees or saree-like garments from across the world:

The Kikoi is a traditional East African garment worn by both men and women. Though it is not exactly a saree, it shares similarities in the way it is draped. The Kikoi is a rectangular piece of cloth, often adorned with vibrant patterns, and worn wrapped around the body, usually over the shoulder.

The Sarong is a garment commonly worn in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is a large piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and tied in place, similar to the way a saree is draped. The sarong is often worn in both casual and formal settings and comes in a variety of fabrics and patterns.

While the Indian saree is well-known, Nepalese women also wear a version of the saree, known as gunyo cholo or Nepali saree. It differs slightly in style and draping, particularly with the blouse being part of the traditional attire, reflecting regional customs.

The Fustanella is a traditional Greek garment worn by men, consisting of a pleated skirt that reaches the knees. While it's a men’s garment, its pleating and wrap-around design bear resemblance to a saree’s flowing style and draping.

The Huipil is a traditional garment worn by indigenous women in Mexico. It is a loose-fitting tunic made from cotton or wool, often embroidered with intricate designs. It shares some elements with the saree in its loose, flowing nature and vibrant color patterns.

A lesser-known garment, the Saraf is worn in parts of Egypt, often by women for ceremonial purposes. It is a long, flowing piece of fabric, similar in style to the saree, but with regional variations in color and fabric choices.

The Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that can have similarities to a saree, especially in the way it is wrapped and secured. Though a kimono’s construction is different, both garments feature vibrant patterns and are typically worn in a ceremonial context.

In Sri Lanka, the traditional saree is slightly different from the Indian version. It is typically worn without a blouse, wrapped in a particular style that leaves the midriff exposed, and often paired with a jacket or shawl.

The Pagne, worn by women in West African countries like Ivory Coast, Mali, and Senegal, is a brightly colored piece of fabric, often used as a wrap-around skirt or dress. The way it is tied and wrapped shares similarities with saree draping, especially in formal settings.

The Chitón was an ancient Greek garment worn by both men and women. It was a long piece of cloth wrapped around the body and fastened at the shoulders, similar to a saree's draping style, though simpler in construction.

These garments from around the world share the aesthetic of using a single piece of cloth that wraps around the body and drapes elegantly, much like the saree. Each of these garments carries its own history and cultural significance, adding to the rich diversity of traditional clothing worldwide.