Salwar Kameez originates from South Asia and Central Asia. After the arrival of Muslims in the north in the 13th century, the Pakistani salwar kameez came into fashion. Originally worn by Muslim women, it later became a regional style in historical Punjab. It is also worn by men in Afghanistan, women, and some men in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
When a woman wears a salwar suit, she usually wears a scarf called a dupatta over her head and neck. In South Asia, the dupatta is used for display. For Muslim women, it can also be a less formal alternative to a chador or burqa. Sikh and Hindu women use the dupatta to cover their heads in the temple or in front of elders.
Salwars have been worn across a wide region, including Eastern Europe, West Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia. The base of the salwar suit is a long or short tunic. The side seam of the kameez is left open (known as chaak), providing comfort for movement.
The modern version of this attire features a salwar worn from the lower waist, with a shortened kameez length, higher splits, deep necklines, cropped sleeves, or sleeveless designs. Salwar kameez is commonly worn for weddings, festivals, parties, and daily routines.
Different Types Of Pakistani Salwar Kameez
Anarkali Salwar Suit
This style features a flare starting from the upper bodice. If your Anarkali has many kalis (panels), it can enhance your beauty. Celebrities like Deepika, Alia, Aishwarya, and Aditi look stunning in Anarkali outfits.
If you have an apple-shaped body with a full bust, heavy shoulders, and a round tummy, this style will help you look stunning.
Palazzo Salwar Suit
The palazzo style suit, popular in the 60s and 70s, is back in trend. Palazzo pants offer both style and comfort, making them perfect for those who prefer wearing pants or need ease of movement. You can pair palazzos with kurtis, jackets, Anarkalis, and A-line kurtis.
If you don’t want attention on heavy hips and thighs, the palazzo is ideal.
Note: Try to wear a palazzo pant that is fitted to your waistline and loose around your thighs.
Straight Cut Pakistani Salwar Kameez
This is a traditional style often paired with churidar. The straight-cut suit is versatile, available in ankle, short, and knee lengths. It’s a perfect pick for festivals, parties, or daily wear.
You can wear this style with pants, palazzos, shararas, ghararas, cigarette pants, or churidars.
Patiala Salwar Kameez
The Patiala salwar suit is the traditional dress of Punjab, typically worn with a short or long kurta. This is a great style for flaunting your desi look.
If you have a pear-shaped body, the flared bottom will complement your figure perfectly.
Front Slit Salwar Suit
Front slit suits are in trend, providing both style and comfort. If you have an hourglass-shaped body, this style helps emphasize your slim waist. You can pair front slit suits with palazzos, pants, or lehengas.
Note: Even if your waist isn’t slim, wearing a front slit suit with a heavy bodice will draw attention to your shoulders or torso.
Angrakha Salwar Kameez
The Angrakha style originates from Rajasthan. It features an overlapping kurta, often worn by kings and queens in historical times. If you have a pear-shaped body, this style is perfect for you.
Note: Don’t wear a fitted Angrakha kurta, especially with printed bottoms, as it can divide attention on your lower body.
Jacket Style Salwar Suit
The jacket style salwar kameez is a modern addition to any wardrobe. It adds elegance and flair to your outfit. For women with an oval-shaped body, this style helps balance your look by drawing attention away from the midsection.
Note: Avoid tight-fitting dresses that are fitted around the hips, like pencil skirts or fitted midis.
Pakistani Koti Style Salwar Suits
The Koti style salwar suit is a great way to add volume smartly or dress up your everyday kurta. If you have an apple-shaped body with a heavy torso, this style can easily conceal extra bulging from your tummy area.
Note: Avoid wearing off-shoulder, high-neck, or boat-neck kotis if you have a heavy upper body.
Indowestern Style Salwar Kameez
The Indowestern style blends traditional and modern elements. It’s perfect for pear-shaped women, as the flared bottom balances heavier lower bodies with smaller upper bodies.
Note: Wear a loose A-line or angrakha style with a flared bottom for a slimmer look.
A-line Salwar Kameez
The A-line salwar kameez is simple but elegant, easily paired with lehengas, palazzos, or shararas. It is a great choice for apple-shaped women to hide a heavy tummy while still looking stylish.
Note: Avoid fitted A-line kurtis from the bust area.
Pakistani Pant Style Salwar Suit
Pant-style salwar suits are a modern version of churidar, designed for working women who prioritize comfort. This style works well for diamond-shaped bodies, providing a slim silhouette without adding bulk.
Note: Pear-shaped women can also wear pant-style salwar suits.
High and Low Style Salwar Suit
This style is perfect for those who want to show off their legs. If you’re an apple-shaped woman, the high and low cut helps divert attention from the upper body to the legs.
Note: Avoid wearing a long-cut dress. Ensure the cut starts from the thighs for a balanced look.
Lehenga Style Salwar Kameez
Lehengas are trending, and they pair beautifully with kurtas, jackets, Anarkalis, or Koti. This style looks great on every body shape, as it offers versatile pairing options.
Note: Avoid pairing less-flared lehengas with all types of styles.
Asymmetric Style Salwar Suit
If you’re looking to change your dressing style, try an asymmetric salwar suit. Pairing it with flared lehengas or palazzo pants will give you an eye-catching look. This style complements every body shape due to its unbalanced hemline.
Note: Avoid wearing fitted asymmetric dresses.
Floor-Length Anarkali Salwar Suit
This style is similar to a gown, designed with a full-length flare. It is elegant and suitable for formal occasions. The full-sleeved, high-neck design makes it perfect for weddings or parties.
Note: Keep it simple, and pair it with a heavy dupatta for added elegance.
Cape Style Salwar Suits
The cape-style salwar kameez adds a modern touch with its overlapping part over the kurti. It’s a great choice for women with heavy shoulders.
Note: Wear a semi-fitted cape to enhance the overall look.
Sherwani Style Salwar Suit
This style, inspired by the Mughal era, features a sherwani coat paired with pants. It’s suitable for all body types but should be worn in a fitted style for the best look.
Note: Avoid this style if you have an apple-shaped body.
Sharara Style Pakistani Salwar Kameez
Shararas Suits are back in style, offering a stunning look with extra flare. This style is suitable for medium or tall women with rectangle or hourglass figures.
Note: Avoid wearing shararas if you’re short, as it can make you appear stocky.
Afghani Style Salwar Suit
Originally from Afghanistan, the Afghani salwar kameez is now worn worldwide. It is suitable for all body types.
Note: Ensure the Afghani kurta is not longer than a standard kurti.
Double Layered Anarkali Suits
Double-layered Anarkalis add extra flare, creating a dramatic and stylish look. This style is suitable for all body types.
Note: Avoid keeping the waistline too fitted.
Conclusion: The salwar kameez has played a significant role in fashion for many years, offering both comfort and style. It is suitable for various occasions, from college to festivals. Once you try it, you’ll fall in love with its versatility and elegance!