Photo: Darshan Chakma

The Lungi is in the spotlight. What has been a household object for generations now has suddenly come to the forefront of social attention. But before you jump on the bandwagon and go hoarse defending the right to wear a lungi, let's think about why this article of clothing is more than just a tubular piece of cloth (detractors would say a skirt for men) – it is a symbol of unparalleled power.

Lungis have been around for a long time now. They are not exclusive to Bangladeshi men either. A surprisingly large amount of men wear lungis all over Asia. The question remains, why is the lungi such a favorite amongst the male population? In the light of current media attention, I decided to ask around.

The most common answer I got was that lungi is apparently the most comfortable garment ever invented by human kind. The “airy” freedom of movement offered by it is a major attraction for loyal users. “You cannot get any more comfortable than when you're wearing a lungi. I can't sleep without my beloved lungi,” says Anik. Getting to wear a lungi is also a rite of passage for many. “All the men in my family wear lungis at home. When I finally started to wear it I felt like I had become a part of an elite group,” says Rahat.

Photo: Darshan Chakma

Wearing a lungi requires confidence. It requires a certain elegance that few actually possess. Anyone who can 'carry' a lungi must be oozing with masculine charm. Apparently women love a guy who can rock a lungi. It is an expression of self confidence that has no answer. Real men wear lungis. Because wearing a lungi is manly and bold. Also, lungis offer flexibility hitherto unfound in any other garment. Neo-hipsters, with their skinny jeans and baggy shorts are only striving to achieve what the lungi has been offering for ages. When added mobility of the legs is required, it is prudent to fold up the lungi and transform it into the hybrid form known as “kocha mara.” Yes, you know the one. You have seen dudes working on the sewers use this form. As well as dudes climbing trees. Or pushing thela garis.

In the end, the lungi is a part of our culture. A symbol of our heritage. Dhakaiya dudes wearing white lungis or silken lungis for special occasions – these are integral to the image of the classical Bangladeshi man. You can't imagine a country without lungis. If everyone gave up wearing lungis tomorrow, we would lose a huge part of who we are. Rickshawalahs, grocers, hawkers, beggars – these people are not the only ones who wear lungis. Most of the men you see on the streets every day, scrambling to work in formal clothes – they all crave to get home, put on their lungi and their sando genji, take up that newspaper and start sipping that steaming cup of tea.