While a lungi is more like a wrap around, wearing the dhoti involves the creation of pleats by folding it. A dhoti also passes between the legs making it more like a folded loose trouser rather than a skirt.
In contrast to a lungi, which is typically wrapped around the body, wearing a dhoti involves creating pleats through folding. Moreover, a dhoti has a unique characteristic of wrapping around the legs, giving it characteristics more similar to a folded, loose-fitting pant rather than a skirt.