In Jain dharma, wearing white clothes is mainly for these reasons:

1. Symbol of purity (shuddhi)

White reminds us to keep our thoughts, speech and actions pure. As the cloth is clean and plain, we remember to keep our mind clean and plain too.

1. Non‑violence and simplicity (ahimsā, aparigraha)

- White, simple cotton is usually less violent in production than fancy, dyed, heavy, or silk clothes. - No heavy design, no show‑off → helps reduce attachment and pride.

1. Less distraction in dharma

Bright colours, prints, fashion clothes can attract attention and disturb our own mind and others’ mind. White and simple dress makes it easy to focus on prārthanā, samayik, pratikraman, pūjā etc.

1. Equality and humility

When everyone wears similar white clothes, rich–poor difference is less visible. It creates a feeling of samatā (equality) and vinay (humility) in satsang and temple.

1. Traditional practice – sect-wise

- Śvetāmbara: - Monks and nuns are called “shwet‑ambar” = white‑clothed. - Shravaks/shravikās are also encouraged to wear simple white especially during dharma kriyā (temple, pratikraman, fasting days, Paryushan, etc.). - Digambar: - Monks are sky‑clad (without clothes) as a sign of total renunciation. - Lay followers still usually wear plain white, light clothes for dharma, with same aim: simplicity and non‑attachment.

So, we wear white not just “because tradition says so” but to support inner purity, ahimsā and aparigraha, and to keep the mind calm and focused on the soul.

You can read more about Jain clothing and colours for dharma here and here .