The dhoti is an ankle length garment worn by men of South Asia. The traditional dress of Indian men,it is one of the most ancient garments known to exist since at least the 10th century. It evolved from an ancient loincloth called the 'pasasari' which is mentioned in the Rig Veda. The dhoti is usually made of woven cotton or silk fabrics, and is typically white or cream in color. It consists of a large sheet of fabric that is pleated or folded around the waist and fastened in a knot at the center. The material is often left to drape down below the ankles, but it may also be pulled up and tucked into the front or back of the waistband. In the past, the dhoti was traditionally considered semi-formal and was worn when going out. The wear of the dhoti has evolved over the centuries from elites in the Mughal court to the everyday wear of farmers in India. It eventually became a symbol of Indian culture and was often the symbol of a man's caste. Today, the dhoti is still seen in formal and traditional settings, but it has also become fashionable in the west in recent years, as part of modern Indian fashion.