The traditional Indian Salwar Kameez is one of the most popular outfits that has been in used for years and in modern times, it is the favourite dress of working women as well as homemakers because it provide absolute freedom of movement without deviating from the traditional roots. No doubt it is considered as an awesome dress throughout the world. The salwar kameez is the traditional outfit of the women of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana and it has its roots in central and south Asia and is an everyday dress of both men and women in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The
salwar kameez suits comprises of three separate pieces of clothing - the salwar or loose pajama like trousers, the kameez or tunic that can be of short or long length and a long dupatta or scarf that is used to cover the head. Modern women use the scarf as a stylish accessory and drape it around the neck or over one shoulder in order to have a stylish and elegant look.
The History and Origin of the Salwar Kameez
It is believed that the first traditional salwar kameez was designed and worn by the Turkic-Iranian horse riding people of Central Asia. A considerable number of people from this group converted to Islam. Starting from the 12th century, the descendants of these groups started invading India and the Islamic Turkic-Iranian rule was set up in India through the establishment of the Mughal Empire in Delhi and the influence of the Mughal rule was spread over much of northern India and Pakistan. As a result, their culture, traditions, food and fashion, everything infiltrated into these areas and the salwar suit became a popular outfit among the inhabitants as well. Presently, the salwar kameez is worn by women of various religions.
Different Types of Salwar Kameez
So, now that you know the historic background and the origin of salwar kameez let us take a look at the numerous types of modern salwar kameez.
Patiala Salwar Kameez - This is the most common type of salwar kameez that falls in the group of traditional Indian clothes. As the name suggests, the Patiala salwar is a special type of salwar that has its origin in Patiala, a state of Punjab. The salwar has a loose baggy style, and it is paired with a short kameez. This is one of the classical salwar styles that have been worn by women for ages, but it never goes out of style.
Churidar Salwar Kameez – The Churidar salwar suit is a popular Indian fashion salwar kameez that is famous for its sleek looks. The Churidar pants have a tight fitting, leg hugging style which gathers at the bottom. It is extremely narrow at the ankle area. The Churidar are mostly worn with
Anarkali kurtis and A-line kameez. Churidars are available with waistbands and with strings. Churidar salwar kameez is popular among females because it provides an elegant shape and outline to the body.
Punjabi Salwar Kameez - The Punjabi salwar kameez consists of a three piece set of the salwar kameez dupatta. This is the traditional outfit of the Punjabi women. The salwar kameez and dupatta are brightly colored and decorated with zari work, sequins and gotta. The salwar of a
Punjabi salwar kameez is loose and pleated at the thighs or waist, and narrower at the ankle and the kameez is a short tunic of thigh or knee length. The outfit is extremely comfortable and stylish and is beautifully complemented by the colourful dupatta.
Wedding Salwar Kameez - The salwar kameez is one of the traditional wedding outfits of India. A wedding salwar kameez is a heavy one adorned with lots of embroideries, zari, sequin, stone and bead work all over the kameez, salwar and the dupatta. The designs involve detailed and intricate work along with hand embroidery that gives a rich and elegant look to the dress. The wedding salwar kameez is available in bright colors like red, maroon, pink, green and blue. These salwar kameez can be worn on the wedding day, and other ceremonies associated with the wedding.
Designer Salwar Kameez - The modern designer salwar kameez blends the traditional charm with western designs in order to create elegant and gorgeous party salwar kameez that are ideal for all occasions. The designer salwar kameez are adorned with intricate stones, beads and sequins along with modern neck designs, sleeve designs and innovative patterns that transform the complete look of the salwar kameez. Designer salwar kameez come in a wide range of option such as printed salwar kameez, silk, chiffon, tussar and georgette salwar kameez and hand embroidered and chikankari salwar kameez.
Here is all you need to know about the history, origin and types of salwar kameez so that you can opt for the best style and design that suit your appearance and complement your beauty.
