The Ultimate Guide to Pakistani Clothing: Shalwar Kameez

When it comes to Pakistani clothing, no other outfit comes even close to Shalwar Kameez. In fact, for many people outside the country, this is what they think of when it comes to traditional Pakistani clothing. Also known as “the national dress”, Shalwar Kameez is one of the most popular outfits in Pakistan and also an important part of its culture. In this detailed guide on shalwar kameez, we will tell you everything you need to know about this outfit. From its history and meaning to the different styles and fabrics used in making it. So let’s get started!

What is Shalwar Kameez?

Shalwar Kameez is a traditional outfit worn by men and women in South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. Shalwar refers to the loose-fitting trouser and Kameez refers to the long top. Traditionally Kameez was worn with a long scarf (called dupatta) and a fitted jacket called Sherwani. It’s become normal for people to wear Shalwar Kameez even in everyday life.

This is because it’s an extremely comfortable outfit that can be worn almost all year round. It’s also an easy outfit to wear and is suitable for both formal and informal occasions. And most importantly, you can wear Shalwar Kameez all your life. No matter your age, Shalwar Kameez is completely appropriate to wear.

Shalwar Kameez: A History Lesson

The story behind Shalwar Kameez is a fascinating one. It’s believed that Shalwar was actually inspired by the Chinese while Kameez was inspired by Indians. The two were then made into one outfit and Shalwar Kameez was born. The Chinese were very fond of Shalwar even during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

But Shalwar was still considered incredibly luxurious and only the emperor himself was allowed to wear Shalwar. Kameez, on the other hand, was inspired by the Indian Nehru Jacket. This was a long coat-like garment that was worn in South Asia. The difference between the Kameez and Nehru Jacket was that the sleeves of the Kameez were very short (almost like a shirt) which was also copied from the Chinese.

The Meaning of Shalwar Kameez

The Shalwar and Kameez together have a very symbolic meaning. Shalwar represents prosperity and fertility while Kameez symbolizes honour and pride. Shalwar Kameez is a traditional outfit worn by men and women in South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. But Shalwar Kameez is very different in each region.

While in South Asia Shalwar Kameez is worn by women and men, in Central Asia only men wear it. The Shalwar Kameez worn by women in Central Asia is very different from the one worn in the South Asian Subcontinent. The Central Asian Shalwar Kameez has a very loose fit and resembles a dress more than a trouser and shirt.

The Different Styles of Shalwar Kameez

There are many different styles of Shalwar Kameez. While they all have the same basic components, there are some slight variations. We will take a look at the different styles of shalwar Kameez below. - Balochi Style Shalwar Kameez: Balochi Style Shalwar Kameez is one of the most traditional Shalwar Kameez styles. It comes with a long kameez with a high collar and long sleeves.

The dupatta is worn long and is held in the hand. - Punjabi Style Shalwar Kameez: Punjabi Style is one of the most popular Shalwar Kameez styles. It comes with a short kameez and short pyjamas. The dupatta is also short and worn over the shoulder.

Sindhi Style Shalwar Kameez: Sindhi Style Shalwar Kameez is a very traditional Shalwar Kameez style. It looks almost like a salwar kameez and comes with a long kameez.

Pashtun Style Shalwar Kameez: Pashtun Style Shalwar Kameez is one of the most traditional Shalwar Kameez styles. It comes with a long kameez and long pyjamas. The dupatta is usually worn over the shoulder and tied at the waist. 

Balochi Style Kameez: The Balochi Style Kameez is the most traditional Kameez style. It comes with a long kameez, a high collar and long sleeves. The dupatta is worn over the shoulder and tied at the waist. - Sindhi Style Kameez: The Sindhi Style Kameez is a very traditional Kameez style. It comes with a long kameez and is usually worn with a scarf. - Punjabi Style Kameez: The Punjabi Style Kameez is a very traditional Kameez style. It comes with a short kameez and short pyjamas. The dupatta is short and worn over the shoulder.

Pick the Right Print

When it comes to picking the right print for Shalwar Kameez, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. The first and most important thing is to keep the occasion in mind. If you’re going to a party or to a wedding, you obviously want to wear something that’s a bit fancier. But if you’re going to work or picking up your kids from school, you shouldn’t wear anything too fancy. The second and most important thing is to pick something that compliments your body type. This is critical when it comes to Shalwar Kameez because there are so many different styles and fabrics used in making it. That’s why you need to find a Shalwar Kameez that complements your body type.

Length of the Kameez

The kameez is the shirt part of Shalwar Kameez. The kameez is what differentiates Shalwar Kameez from all other outfits. There are many different ways to tie the kameez and it can be worn in many different styles. The length of the kameez is also something you need to keep in mind when wearing Shalwar Kameez. Since Shalwar Kameez is an outfit worn mostly by men, most people don’t worry about the length of their kameez. However, if you are a woman and you’re wearing a Shalwar Kameez, then you need to keep the length of your kameez in mind. Make sure that it isn’t too revealing or too loose.

Wear The Right Salwar

Wearing the right Salwar is very important when it comes to Shalwar Kameez. Since Shalwar Kameez is worn mostly for formal occasions, you can wear both short and long Salwars. However, if you’re wearing Shalwar Kameez for formal occasions, you should wear long Salwars. Short Salwars are better for informal occasions. The Salwar is usually worn under the kameez. However, there are also ways to tie a kameez over a Salwar. This way you get the best of both worlds and you can wear whatever length of the kameez you want.

Materials Used in Making Shalwar Kameez

The Shalwar and Kameez are two different garments and are made out of different materials. While the Shalwar is made out of cotton or silk, the kameez is made out of a variety of materials. Kameez fabrics can be silk, cotton etc. Each of these fabrics has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, silk is a very elegant fabric but it is also very expensive. Cotton is cheaper but isn’t as fancy as silk. So it all boils down to personal choice and the occasion.

Keep All Your Options Open

When it comes to Shalwar Kameez, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Even though it is a traditional outfit that has been worn for centuries, Shalwar Kameez has been modernized over the years. You can now find a wide variety of Shalwar Kameez designs in the market.

The beauty of Shalwar Kameez is that it is available in so many different styles, fabrics and colors. This allows you to choose the Shalwar Kameez that best suits your personality and lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a formal outfit, casual outfit or something to wear on special occasions, Shalwar Kameez has you covered. Shalwar Kameez is available in four different styles - Classic, Modern, Ethnic and Fusion.

Classic style is a loose-fitting Shalwar Kameez, which is the most common style and worn by both men and women. It is usually made from cotton fabric and embellished with embroidery. Modern style Shalwar Kameez is a more fitted version of the Classic Shalwar Kameez. It is usually made from synthetic fabrics and adorned with printed designs. Ethnic Shalwar Kameez is an outfit that is mostly worn by women. It is a more traditional Shalwar Kameez made from cotton or silk fabric.

Conclusion

Shalwar Kameez is a traditional outfit worn by both men and women in South Asia. It is the most popular outfit among Pakistani clothing and the national dress of Pakistan. It is a very versatile outfit that can be worn for many occasions and by both men and women. Shalwar Kameez is available in many different styles, fabrics, colors and patterns. So, it provides you with the opportunity to express your style and personality. From its history and meaning to the different styles and fabrics used in making it. This detailed guide on shalwar Kameez tells you everything you need to know about this outfit. So, go ahead and pick the Shalwar Kameez that best suits your personality.