Salwar Kameez

Indian dresses

always have a demand in the international fashion market because of its unique and outstanding styles and types of garments. While the saree is considered sensuous attire, the other commonly worn Indian garment is the salwar kameez.

This garment is essentially a three-piece attire consisting of:

-Salwar (bottom, or the pajama)

-Kameez (top, also known as kurta)

-Duppata (scarf

)

Generally the salwar kameez is long, going below the knees. It is straight and has two slits on either side. The salwar is flared with a horizontal band at the end. The duppata or scarf is rectangle in shape and worn in front with the sides falling at the back from over the shoulders. This is the basic description of what a salwar kameez usually is. However, there are modifications of this garment in terms of the length of the kameez.

Salwar kameez retains its feminine charm with newer appeal with designs each season. Corset pattern would be the ultimate design.

During a large earlier part of the 1900s, say between the 1920s to the 1960s the women usually wore a short kameez that was somewhere between the hip and the knee. They were generally made from cotton or khadi (jute). Actually the fit resembled that of a long shirt. The difference being that it would be straight with a slit on either side. The salwar then was widely flared with a narrow horizontal band at the end.

Post 1970s the salwar kameez styles seemed to have expanded to uncountable numbers. In fact very rarely would one come across people wearing common designs and patterns. The variations were in the fabrics being used, the kind of work being done, as well as the cuts. Apart from the straight-cut kameez, there the frock styles of varying lengths – short, knee length, as well as those that flow down to the ankle.

Tradition always had an impact on Indian fashion. First came the Indian sari, which will always be a fashion statement, then came the ‘Indian salwaar kameez’ or Indian salwar khameez.

The salwar is preferred and is a favorite among the younger generation, as it is easier to carry out. Indian salwaar kameez is comfortable & fashion clothing for women and so it is worn at home & even outdoors. In other words, it is used for formal and casual occasions