Our clothes, our wardrobe style, define our identity and self-expression, but it can never speak on behalf of our character. Narrow-minded people who are rooted in this entire country are constantly doing justice but not justifying their actions; Commenting, but not moving on with the world. Girls wearing short skirts or crop tops may be called “defiler and shameless” by elders, or this generation itself is labeling and naming such girls at all.
Ustat Kaur, owner of a sustainable clothing brand, shares her thoughts and tells us that her clothes do not define her character. When asked about her ideology as to why skin shows are still taboo, she replied, “Personally, I have a lot of confidence in my skin—whether I decide to wear a crop top or an oversized T-shirt. My clothes don’t define my character. They are just a part of who I am. I definitely feel that growing up as a woman in India means you have to have constant moral control over your body. I’ve been sexually abused endless times but I’ve always been a rebel and it doesn’t affect me anymore. I believe that as a brand, with my clothes, I make all girls feel more comfortable with myself And I want to encourage them to wear whatever they like. However, I can’t promise that people won’t ignore. They can be but we have to learn to push it aside (Remember to be safe!)”
A contemporary Indian designer Aniket Satam also shared his views and said, “India has always been liberal in terms of nudity, it is because of invaders and colonizers, a lot of social taboos have been imposed in our culture. Our sculptures and scriptures are clear. show how fashion-treated skin appears. Rewind why, look at remote villages and settlements and we’ll see how some tribes are almost naked in their outfits. I guess as society grows more As we become more cosmopolitan and cosmopolitan, we become more conscious of our clothing and skin performance.”
On social media, a rebellion has formed where Indian influencers are open and believe in making videos and reels with partial nudity. There have been reactions where such shallow minded people are often posting negative comments, but it is time to accept modernization and urbanization in one step. Wearing a crop top and wearing your own body parts simultaneously obeying the laws should be acceptable and not disgusting.
Asked how this taboo is limiting your exploration of different fashion styles, Ust says, “Skin showing taboo in India is something we still have to overcome. I always have people come over and express that they will never wear things I make, so yes, I agree that my style is limited to people who are willing to explore unique pieces that have a lot of fun. Showing all skin is involved.” While Aniket Satam talked about the reason behind this range and said, “I think more than the old and new mindset it is also about your society and the people around you. I think one should be careful and smart to make wardrobe choices as per the circumstances and respecting the norms of the place. In the end, it’s all about your individualistic choices. Of course, India is progressive in the fashion industry. The beauty of our country lies in its diverse polarity and that is what makes us special. Know your body, understand what your best features are, learn to emphasize it, and embrace your true self with confidence. ”
Lastly, when asked how older Indian women are accepted when they pair their saris with skimpy blouses, but girls wearing crop tops are being uncomfortable, Ust replied, “One word: hypocrisy. It pisses me off thinking that people blame women just because men can’t keep it in their pants. Women are raped every single day, no matter what they wear, what age they are, who they are with, and any number of other illogical factors to be blamed only on the victim, who is just trying herself. Who they are and what they do, what they like.”
The roots of hypocrisy and prejudice are so strong in us that it will take some sacrifices to feel free again. Spread awareness, support each other and wear whatever you want.
by Navya Mittal
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