Men’s Lungi

Blue and white checkered pattern

A lungi is a traditional textile worn around the waist as a garment. Lungis can be formed as a stitched cylinder or left as open rectangular cloth tied securely with a double twist or knot at the waist. The standard adult lungi is 115 centimetres (45 in) in height and 200 cm (79 in) in length, when opened flat.

The most common styles are solid-colored and plaid, reflecting the relative ease and cost-effectiveness of producing these patterns on a power loom. Blue is particularly popular, since it fades to pleasant tones in contrast to other colors.

Resembling a sarong, also a textile wrapped around the waist, lungis are worn by Indian men as normal, everyday wear, or for lounging, or sleepwear. Lungis are favored across the subcontinent for their breathability and comfort in hot, humid climates.

• Title: Men’s Lungi

• Date: 2007

• Geography: Gujarat, India

• Medium: Cotton, rayon

• Dimensions: H. 73.25 in.  W. 45 in.

• Provenance: Purchased in Ahmedabad, India

• Inventory Number:  IN.04