Introduction
Salwar Kameez is a traditional dressup of women including some men of specific regions. Basically, Salwar is a form of trousers and kameez is a type of shirt. Salwars are specifically designed with a wide waist (which are properly held with an elastic or drawstring) and narrow cuffed bottom. Kameez is in the form of long shirt with a cut or open below the waist-line while salwars are loosely fitted comfortable bottoms.
Kameez maybe designed in a form of men kurta or give unique styles with the change in the shape of collar shaped neck, collarless, round or another modern touch.
Etymology and history
Basically, this specific attire comes in trend from 13 century with its first introduction by Muslim women in South Asia region then gradually it becomes the regional style of Punjab like many other regions. It is widely worn by men and women of Pakistan, Afghanistan and few regions of Punjab and thereafter adopted by the Indian women throughout all the states.
Description
The English word salwar is basically derived from Persian language which draws its meaningful sense towards drawers reaching to feet or a form of trousers. Similarly, English word Kameez has Arabic origin which makes the best tuning with salwar or churidars. Kameez gives a meaningful sense relevant to shirt, wrap, gown or covering attire. The complete combination of salwar Kameez derived from Urdu which includes two garments (upper and lower).
Cultural significance
Dupatta, a type of long scarf around the neck or on head makes this attire a complete look. It is useful in temple and gurdwara like religious places. Indian Salwar Kameez is highly comfortable attire which gives you a free feel. Anarkali Suits are well renowned dress of traditional dancers with a long frock style top and slim fitted bottom. This particular dress form has long time popularity.
Otherwise, the loose pajama like trouser which is wide from top and narrow from ankle is easy to wear. The loosely applied collarless shirts for females and with collar are well suitable for males in a form of kurtas. The two sided open waist-line gives comfort for movement in freestyle. Traditional Sindhi Salwars (Kancha) are easy fitted wide down at legs and ankles too. It has plates at waist and wear with a blouse shaped choli along with a knee length robe. So, one can get the variety from place to place. Each form has its unique significance adjacent to it.
Mughals Culture
- Afghanistan Suits have loose bottoms for free style comfortable attire.
- Peshawari Salwar Suit is traditional dress of specific regions of Pakistan. In this specific form, long shirt like gown is open from front and loose bottom up to the ankles.
- Balochi Suits have high volume loose-fitted salwars for males with the long loose fitted kameez stitched with long sleeves. This style is pretty much similar to Afghani suits. Female also use head scarf with their Balochi suit.
Modern Varieties
At the time, Salwar Kameez get sort of evolution in its look with its changing styles in frock look, long length, short length, without sleeves, cropped sleeves or many other changes. You can also search out the variety at G3+ Fashion. Punjabi Suits is traditional dress of almost all the Punjab region. It is popular for its straight cut style. With the flat side slits of shirt there is trend of Punjabi salwars which are wide at top but closely fitted to legs at bottom (ankle-fitted). With the advancement, Patiala Salwar becomes in trend which has many folds. In Jodhpuri breeches, there is a trend of churidar even for men with short length shirts. Similarly, tight fitted Dogri pants are the trend of Jammu location.