Sri Lanka : Fashion Revolution (2024)

FAQs

What is the fashion culture in Sri Lanka? ›

Traditions and dresses of Sri Lanka have been passed down by ancestors for decades. Most popular items of clothing consist of the sari or wrap-around skirt with a blouse for women and sarong for men, though the traditional dress for women is more complicated, it is more straightforward, smart and cleaner for men.

A national movement for political independence arose in the early 20th century, and in 1948, Ceylon became a dominion. It was succeeded by the republic of Sri Lanka in 1972.

It started in the 1950s but grew significantly in the 1960s and 1970s as Sri Lanka provided low-cost labor. The industry boomed in the 1980s due to open trade policies and cheap labor costs that were lower than other Asian countries.

Fashion Revolution is a not-for-profit global movement represented by Fashion Revolution CIC with teams in over 75 countries around the world. Fashion Revolution campaigns for reform of the fashion industry with a focus on the need for greater transparency in the fashion supply chain.

The culture of Sri Lanka mixes modern elements with traditional aspects and is known for its regional diversity. Sri Lankan culture has long been influenced by the heritage of Theravada Buddhism passed on from India, and the religion's legacy is particularly strong in Sri Lanka's southern and central regions.

Dress code

Ladies could come in dresses, skirts or long shorts, but not in any beach/swimwear. Dress modestly at religious sites. Women should wear long skirts, dresses or loose trousers and modest blouses. Men should wear long trousers.

The LTTE also scored a major victory when one of its suicide bombers killed Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in May 1993. In November 1993 the LTTE defeated the army in the Battle of Pooneryn. This attack left 532 Sri Lankan soldiers and 135 sailors either dead or missing in action.

Pre-Crisis Phase (February 4, 1948-August 11, 1953): Ceylon formally achieved its independence from Britain and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (CON) on February 4, 1948. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) was established by Don Stephen Bandaranaike in 1951.

The 1987–1989 JVP insurrection, also known as the 1988–1989 revolt or the JVP troubles, was an armed revolt in Sri Lanka, led by the Marxist–Leninist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, against the Government of Sri Lanka.

Sri lankan Apparel categories span Sportswear, Lingerie, Loungewear, Bridalwear, Workwear, Swimwear and Childrenswear. These products are manufactured and exported with the flexibility of catering to specific seasons of many countries around the world.

What are Sri Lankan dresses called? ›

There is no official national costume in Sri Lanka. But the most popular items are sari for women and sarong for men. The traditions in men's clothing are simpler and clearer – men of any age wear sarongs or trousers.

Sri Lanka is noted for its high-quality tea. Ceylon tea here is globally famous, and one can find a variety of flavors and blends.

Lidiya Beida. Lidiya Beida (she/her) has been Fashion Revolution Canada's Policy Lead since the start of 2023. Based in Montreal, she works on the intersection of fashion and environment.

The 1960s were an age of fashion innovation for women. The early 1960s gave birth to drainpipe jeans and capri pants, a style popularized by Audrey Hepburn. Casual dress became more unisex and often consisted of plaid button down shirts worn with slim blue jeans, comfortable slacks, or skirts.

Fashion Revolution is a global non-profit movement founded by Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro in 2013 in response to the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh. Its main goal is to end human and environmental exploitation in the fashion industry.

The Kandyan sari is mostly worn at wedding functions and auspicious occasions in Sri Lanka, and is still worn as an everyday garment in the town of Kandy in Sri Lanka with pride and poise.

Bridal Sarees in Sri Lankan

During the wedding ceremony, the Sri Lankan bride wore a heavily embroidered white silk saree with a long-sleeve blouse. Nowadays, fashion-savvy brides prefer the latest saree blouse designs for their wedding. The traditional Sri Lankan bridal saree is rich in gold and silver threadwork.

However, most men of upper social classes (whose public attire is usually trousers) wear the sarong only for ceremonial purposes, as a convenient night garment or only within the confines of the house. The Tamil-speaking communities, the Sri Lankan Tamils and the Sri Lankan Moors people also call it saaram or chaaram.