In Jain Dharma, clothing is understood differently among traditions, especially between Digambar and Shwetambar Jains.

Digambar Jains and clothes

• Digambar means “sky-clad”.
• Digambar munis and aryikas traditionally renounce all clothes as part of complete detachment.
• For them, nudity is not for display, but a symbol of:

- Aparigraha — non-possessiveness - Vairagya — complete detachment - Freedom from shame and bodily attachment

• They believe a true monk should not keep even a single cloth, because clothing is also a form of possession.

Important point

• This rule applies to Digambar monks and nuns in the ascetic path.
• Lay Digambar Jains do wear clothes like ordinary people.
• So, not all Digambar Jains are unclothed—only the fully renounced ascetics follow that vow.

Shwetambar Jains and clothes

• Shwetambar means “white-clad”.
• Their monks and nuns wear white clothes as part of their renunciation.
• They consider clothing acceptable for ascetics.

Spiritual meaning

In Jainism, clothing is not just about appearance. It reflects the level of renunciation:

• For householders: modest and clean clothing is appropriate.
• For monks: clothing depends on the tradition and the vow of renunciation.

In short

• Digambar ascetics: no clothes
• Shwetambar ascetics: white clothes
• Lay Jains: normal clothing

If you want, I can also explain why Digambar Jains follow nudity as a religious ideal in simple terms.