Before we take account of the characteristic garments of Asia, we ought to have a brief glimpse of the social and religious climate of the continent, which by far have impacted the costume and fashion institution for generations. Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism are the significant religions, the conventional beliefs and practices of which till today have bound the people and their expressions. The populations of Asia comprises of several castes and tribes, each of whose members wear distinct clothes and ornaments. The present generation although aspires to follow the western culture, traditional clothes of the region still seems to dominate people’s choice.

In ancient Asia religion has defined the dress codes for people of different castes and region. Turban wore by men in Punjab of India is an emblem of faith, courage and spirituality. A long cloth wrapped around men’s uncut hair, the turban has become a unique Sikh identity.  For Muslim women their cloaks and gaze is eminently meaningful. “And say that the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modestly that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should  draw their veils over their bossoms…” - Qur’an [24:31]

Costume designs in Asia are more gender-specific than noticed in other parts of the world. The garments incorporate multiple pieces where men commonly wear pants, and women skirts. Covering the body is the basic traditional norm for Asian women, where Shalwar Kameez and Burkha in the Islamic customs, Saree in India and Bangladesh, and Deel and Cheongsam in Mongols and Chinese have been worn with pride and glory for centuries. Kurta, Dhoti, Lungi, kimono and Changshan are the male versions.

Said to have originated from Afghanistan, Salwas kameez is a set of loose trouser and shirt made with thin fabric for both men and women. The Dupatta or Churni, which is a long scarf used in India, and Burkha an outer garment commonly seen in Islamic traditions, are worn by the women over the Shalwar kameez as a symbol of modesty. Saree, the Indian national dress, has earned international fame for its grace and beauty. It is a long piece of patterned cotton or silk wrapped around the body with one end left loose, carrying the concentrated design. The Mongolian Deel and the Chinese Cheongsam are traditional one piece garments for women of Central Asia. They are body-hugging coats made from silk or brocade. Kimono is the traditional garment worn by men and women in Japan. Full length robes, the kimonos are meant for special and formal occasions, which are wrapped around the body with left side over the right.

The essence and beauty of the ancestral designs of costumes in Asia that was transmitted through the past decades, has finally been discovered and imbibed by the contemporary fashion industries of the world. The improvised versions of these have accessorized the glamour world leading it to the summit of art and creativity.