Short answer: yes, many people choose to call themselves simply “Jain,” but historically the Jain community has split into two main traditions, Digambara (sky-clad) and Śvētāmbara (white-clad). They share the same core goals and many beliefs, but differ in some practices, texts, and interpretations.

What splits them (in brief)

• Clothing of monks: Digambaras practice nudity (renouncing all possessions including clothes) as a sign of complete renunciation; Śvētāmbaras wear white clothes.
• Monastic rules and texts: Each tradition follows slightly different rules for ascetics and relies on different canons for some teachings and stories about Mahavira and other Tirthankaras.
• Women and liberation: Śvētāmbaras generally believe women can attain moksha in this life after rebirth; Digambaras traditionally hold that full monastic vows and certain paths to moksha are possible only for men (though there are also many Jain women who pursue rigorous practice and spiritual goals within Digambara communities). The practical impact varies by community and region.
• Iconography and temples: Idol forms, temple practices, and certain rituals differ between the two communities, though both honor the same 24 Tirthankaras and share core Jain ethics.

Shared core

• Belief in karma, non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
• Reverence for Mahavira as the last Tirthankara and teacher, along with respect for the other Tirthankaras.
• Goal of liberation (moksha) through ethical living, right knowledge, and right conduct.

How to approach this

• You can absolutely identify as a Jain without focusing on the division; many people do. If you’re exploring beliefs and idols, focus on the shared Dharma—ahimsa, karmic consequences, self-discipline, and the pursuit of liberation.
• If you want to participate in a community or temple, you’ll find both Digambara and Śvētāmbara communities nearby, and many practitioners from both traditions learn and practice together, appreciating their differences while upholding common Jain values.
• If you’re curious about how each tradition explains a particular teaching or ritual, you can ask specifically about that topic (e.g., monastic vows, texts, or temple practices) and I can describe it from a Jain perspective, noting where Digambara and Śvētāmbara views differ.

If you’d like, I can also provide brief, traditional explanations of some key contrasts (texts, monastic rules, and iconography) with references to authentic Jain sources.