SALWAR KAMEEZ

Salwar kameez is the traditional dress worn by various peoples of South Asia. Salwar are
loose trousers and the kameez is a long shirt.

It is the usual everyday dress for both men and women in Pakistan where it may be
transliterated into English as shalwar qamiz. It is also popular in India and Bangladesh and
often worn in Afghanistan. Some versions are sometimes called a Punjabi suit, after the Indus
valley area called the Punjab. In Gujarat it is usually called a Zabho.

Salwars are loose pajama-like trousers. The legs are wide at the top, and narrow at the
bottom. The legs are pleated or gathered into a waistband with a drawstring. The pants can be
wide and baggy, or they can be cut quite narrow, on the bias. In the latter case, they are
known as churidar.

The kameez is a long shirt or tunic. The side seams (known as the chaak) are left open below
the navel, which gives the wearer greater freedom of movement. The kameez is usually cut
straight and flat; older kameez use traditional cuts, as shown in the illustration; modern
kameez are more likely to have European-inspired set-in sleeves. The tailor's taste and skill
are usually displayed not in the overall cut, but in the shape of the neckline and the decoration
of the kameez.

When women wear the salwar kameez, they usually wear a long scarf or shawl called a
dupatta around the head or neck. For Muslim women, the dupatta is a less stringent
alternative to the chador or burqa (see hijab). For Hindu women (especially those from
northern India, where the salwar kameez is most popular), the dupatta is useful when the head
must be covered, as in a temple or the presence of elders. For other women, the dupatta is
simply a stylish accessory that can be worn over one shoulder or draped around the chest and
over both shoulders.

Etymology and history

The pants, or salwar, are known as salwar in Punjabi: , salwaar or shalwaar in Gujarati, and
shalwar in Urdu: ‫شلوار قمیض‬. The word comes from the Persian: ‫شلوار‬, meaning pants. The
shirt, kameez or qamiz, takes its name from the Arabic qamis.
The Salwar, also known as the shalwar or salwar kameez, is a traditional outfit worn by both
men and women in South and Central Asia. The history of the salwar dates back several
centuries and is intertwined with the cultural and social practices of the region.
The salwar is believed to have originated in Central Asia and was brought to the Indian
subcontinent by the Mughals in the 16th century. It was initially worn as a loose-fitting
trouser that was tied at the waist with a drawstring. Over time, the salwar evolved into a more
fitted garment that was worn with a tunic or shirt called a kameez.
In India, the salwar kameez became a popular choice of dress among women during the
Mughal era. The Mughal empresses and princesses were known for their exquisite salwar
kameez outfits, which were often made of rich fabrics such as silk and brocade and
embellished with intricate embroidery and beadwork.
In Pakistan, the salwar kameez became the national dress in 1947 after the country gained
independence from British colonial rule. It continues to be a popular choice of dress among
both men and women in Pakistan and is worn in a variety of styles, ranging from simple and
casual to elaborate and formal.
Today, the salwar kameez is not only a traditional outfit but also a fashion statement. It has
evolved over time, with designers incorporating modern cuts, fabrics, and embellishments
into the traditional design.
Salwar Kameez Background/History/Origin
The Salwar Kameez is a highly beloved dress - one of those few types of ethnic dresses
you’re more likely to see in most Indian women’s wardrobes. In Pakistan, the dress is also so
much loved to the extent that it has been made the national dress of the country. How did the
salwar kameez become such a fashion staple for all? It began sometime around the 13th
century.
The salwar kameez traces its origin to the legendary Mughal Empire era of India. Around the
13th century, the Muslims first arrived in South Asia. The dress was introduced into South
Asia by the Mughals. Soon after, it became the traditional dress of the historical Punjabi
region. From there, the salwar kameez spread far and wide from being a regional dress to the
international dress it is today.
But the Salwar Kameez story is not limited to South Asia. The salwar kameez was also
introduced to Singapore after World War II when more women from India migrated to
Singapore, increasing the population of the country’s Indian community. From here, the dress
became more popular among the Punjabi women and eventually grew to be loved by even
women of other ethnicities.

Designer Salwar Kameez for Women

Also known as the Punjabi suit, the salwar kameez has undergone several evolutions over
time. Today’s variations tend to be sleeveless and often more tight-fitting compared to the
conventional salwar kameez dress. Everything from the width of the trouser cuffs to the
length of the kameez top has seen (and continues) to see certain changes.
The Making Of A Salwar Kameez (Process, Fabric, etc)
Simplicity, versatility, and affordability are some of the key things that have endeared the
Salwar Kameez to women the world over. Talking of versatility, you can get your salwar
kameez made in almost any type of fabric from silk to cotton, georgette, chiffon, velvet, and
what have you ( the classic material for the salwar kameez is cotton. For many centuries, the
salwar was mostly made using the cotton fabric).
Similarly, you can choose to have diverse kinds of embroidery or print work on your dress,
whatever catches your fancy! In making a salwar kameez, the general dress style usually is a
long and straight silhouette with two side slits. The dress usually extends below the knee
length with the chunni or dupatta always spotting a rectangularly-shaped style.
Different kinds of salwar kameez usually sport different kinds of designs.
Two of these prominent designs include the Patiala suit and the Anarkali suit. The Patiala suit
can be traced to the Patiala region of Punjab, a place whose tradition, arts, and crafts are
highly developed. Patiala salwar suits are designed to include a knee-length kameez paired
with a baggy salwar. The salwar is designed to be more voluminous than average while the
chunni is also designed to be much longer than others.
Anarkali suits, on the other hand, sport a slightly different style.
An Indian Salwar Kameez Style

The dress, whose origin goes directly back to the Mughal era has a characteristically long
kurta that could either be as long as around the ankles or even as floor-length anarkalis, in
some cases. The Anarkali suit design is usually designed to look like this long flowy skirt
with a tight bodice that flares out around the waistline. Unlike most other salwar kameezes
that are often worn for casual outings and everyday use, the Anarkali is commonly worn on
special occasions because of its regal and highly sophisticated appearance.
The Most Popular Salwar Kameez Styles & Types
There are different variations of salwar kameez which can serve different purposes and
occasions. Here are some of the most beautiful and stylish ones you might want to get for
yourself anytime soon;
1. Anarkali Style Salwar Suits: this salwar suit style includes a long frock-style top that
usually extends to the ankle or floor along with a slim-fitted bottom. The top consists
of a fitted bodice upper area that then flares out at the waistline to look like a
circular skirt. These may or may not have slits and are perfect for weddings and
formal events.
2. Cigarette Salwar Suits: this salwar style usually features slit kameez tops that extend
to the knee paired with tight-fitting cigarette pants.
3. Patiala Suits: this includes a knee-length kameez top paired with baggy salwars with
loose layers that create an illusion of a fuller shape of the lower section.
4. Palazzo Suits: best-suited for tall and average height girls, the main differentiating
factor in this design is the loose palazzo pants paired with the salwar top. Palazzo
suits have this casual and more relaxed vibe.
5. Salwar Kameez Kurta: Short kurtas paired with modern-looking pants can be stylish
and are popular among girls who want something that looks simple and more modern.
The kurtas can be paired with dhoti or Patiala as the case may be.
6. Slit Salwar Suits: this type of salwar suits have their slits in the front rather than on
the sides. They can help make a woman appear taller and are most suitable for women
of average and tall heights.
7. Conventional Salwar Suits: women of all heights, sizes, and shapes are bound to
look awesome in a conventional salwar suit. Some of these include salwars with a
broad lower part that is usually tapered at the base, paired with a kameez that stops
below or around the knee length.
Salwar Suit with Embroidery Work
The Hottest Salwar Kameez Trends Right Now
Are you eyeing salwar suits and would like to add one or more salwar kameez dresses to your
wardrobe? If so, here are some of the trendiest salwar suits currently in vogue;
1. Sharara salwar suits: the sharara salwar usually flares out at the waist to the bottom.
More of these salwar dresses have been dominating the scene recently, sporting
beautiful embellishments from zari to stones, sequins, etc.
2. Bandghala for women: think bandhgala is exclusively for men? Think again!
Bandghala for women are having a great time in Bollywood and they’re a great sight
to behold in their different prints and patterns.
3. Pre Attached jackets/dupatta: don’t know how to style a dupatta? You can grab one of
these new salwar suits pre-attached with dupattas, and even jackets, in some cases.
 4. Gota Patti and Patra: in recent times, we are beginning to see more Anarkali suits
sporting gota Patti and Patra embroidery and they’re beautiful to look at!
5. Cropped salwar pants: from crop tops to crop pants, the fashion scene continues to
evolve at an incredibly fast pace. You’re sure to like many of these new salwar suits
with their unconventional crop salwar pants that gives salwar suits and their wearers a
kind of rich and sophisticated look.
6. Ankle-length Anarkali: Anarkali suits that stop just around the ankle are coming out
in diverse styles and designs. Pair these with matching churidars, palazzo, and a
dupatta and you’re sure to look effortlessly chic.
7. Unconventional sleeves: from bell sleeves to floor-length Anarkali with cape sleeves,
churidar sleeves, hem cloud, tassels, and more are redefining salwar suits and their
sleeves, different from what we’ve always known.

A Typical Pakistani Style Shalwar Kameez

How/When To Wear A Salwar Kameez
The good thing about salwar kameez is that they’re very easy to wear and there’s always a
salwar suit for almost every occasion from weddings to casual outings, funerals, parties, etc.
While salwar kameez dresses are common among women and young ladies, more women
today see the salwar kameez as a traditional outfit that kind of suits their lifestyle needs, in a
slightly different way to the saree. And unlike the saree, the salwar kameez is much easier to
wear and you’ll hardly have to worry about learning how to wrap or drape it.
What Makes Them Popular/Loved
There are probably a million and one reasons to love the salwar kameez. From the simplicity
of the outfit to the ease at which it can be worn, the list is virtually endless.
Salwar kameez makes it easy to move around freely and this is why it can easily be worn as a
workplace dress for working-class women.

Anrkali Style Salwar Kameez for Women

Fashion trends decided the fitness factors are mentioned below:

Tight fitted,
Semi fitted,
Medium fitted and
Loose fitted.
Decorative neck parts may also be made with sophisticated embroidered to enhance the
aesthetic appearance. Sleeves, Hems and Side slits of the portion also made with the surface
ornamentations with the following:

Mirror work,
Aari work,
Zardosi and
Embroidery embellishments.
Suitable materials for spring/summer collections-

Cotton,
Cambric,
Voile,
Poplin,
Linen and
Long cloth
As well as any cotton fabrics with softer to medium weight, mostly suitable.

Suitable materials for autumn/winter collections-

Silk, pure silk and artificial silk.

Synthetic,
Georgette,
Crepe, and
Lightweight wool, poly viscose, rayon, jute.
Readymade sizes are as follows:
 XXXL
 XXL
 XL
 XS
 S
 M
 L
Table-1: Size chart of salwar kameez

Neck Design and Styles are listed below:

1. Pot neck
2. Cowl neck
3. Collar with v-neck
4. Square neck
5. Scoop neck
6. Halter neck
7. V-neck
 8. Asymmetrical-neck
9. Collar style-neck
10. Boat-neck
11. Round-neck
12. U-neck
13. Mandarin/Chinese collar
14. Embroidered neck
15. Dori neck
16. Sweetheart neck
17. Crew neck
18. Closed neck
19. Keyhole neck
20. Cape neck
21. Piping placket neck
22. Angrakha neck
23. Jewel neck
24. Queen anne with scoop neck
25. One shoulder neck
26. Front high neck
27. Piped neck
28. Strapless neck
29. Peterpan neck
30. Illusion neck
The Best Salwar Kameez Brands:
1. Sangria
2. Aks
3. W for Woman
4. Aum
5. Biba
6. Rain & Rainbow
 7. Bhama Couture
8. Ives
9. Raindrops
10. Indus Diva
11. Fabindia
12. Melange
13. Libas
14. Global Desi
15. Soch

Special Acceptance and Reasons of Salwar Kameez:

1. One of the most sophisticated and good-looking fashion clothing for women in India
is Salwar Kameez in recent days.
2. The beginning of the cloth has its roots in Punjab, a divided north Indian state.
3. But in recent times the pattern has changed as now the fashion of wearing the salwar
kameez is not only limited to Punjab but had spread in all over India.
4. In India this salwar khameez is ahead acceptance all over the globe among the Non-
Indians also.
5. The style and the beauty of a woman get another level of charm while wearing this
salwar-kameez suit.
6. There are three parts of the dress.
a. Salwar, the loosely fitting pant,
b. Kameez, the long tunic style shirt, and
c. Dupatta, a longer version of a scarf/shawl.