Sari is as old as the civilization of India. Known records date back to at least before Christ. Cotton was grown and woven into fabric in India five thousand years ago.

Sari was worn by women in various draping styles. Men also used to wear cloths similar to sari but it was called different names like "dhoti", "Lungi" etc.

Relegious Deities have been shown to wear sari in various sculptures and paintings.