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 Dressing style in India is
distinct in both regional and religious variations and is highly striking in
its abundance of discernable textures, colors and styles. Indian salwar kameez is
a superb wear for both casual and formal purposes; with little adjustments, is
fit to accentuate or cover up the female body; and with more space, offers an
infinite potential to embrace design, style and elements of other cultures. This
lovely graceful female clothing with its attractive quality and comfort has
gone beyond the geographic and cultural miscellany of India to become the second-most
popular feminine attire in the region. And these days, the non-Indians are also
focusing on this pleasant apparel with high esteem.
Conventionally, salwar kameez is a
combination of three parts: salwar, kameez and dupatta (or chunri).
Salwar: salwar is a pajama-like pant which
is loose fitting and drawn tightly in at the waist. But its style also differs
with evolving fashion for example; it may also be tightly fitted around the
legs.
Kameez: kameez is the top part of the suit
which is usually a long tunic. In case of a kameez also, the length and cut of
the tunic changes with fashion - it can be long and flared, and again short and
straight. These days, wearing shorter kameez (typically called kurta), that
creeps up quite a few inches above the knee, goes trendy.
Dupatta: salwar kameez normally includes a dupatta
- a long, matching scarf that makes the garment more beautiful and elegant. Dupatta
is worn over the shoulder or around the neck and is usually draped over the
chest. In places of worship or in the presence of elders, Indian women use dupatta
around their heads. Again dupatta is a less stern substitute of veil for Muslim
women.
Salwar kameez is sometimes referred to as punjabi
suit because of its adjacent link with Punjab. Or it can also be uttered as "Salwar-Kameez",
but they are essentially the same thing.
The wide range of Indian fabrics and its
diverse rich colors decorated with embroideries, gives this attire a
tremendously appealing look. In India, salwar kameez is the perfect garment for
college girls, women at work, and even for casual wear while relaxing at home.
Apart from this, this is indeed a very comfortable choice, particularly in
scorching summer. Indian women prefer to wear the salwar to stay cool in those
hot days, as it does not stick to the body.
Variations in Style - diverse and on tap
Salwar kameez seems to present unlimited
design possibilities. Though, the traditional version is still most popular,
variations in styles have always persisted. The length, cut, or name of both salwar
and kameez changes each year and even in every season. The popularity of this
garment keeps the designers busy in every season to modify the existing style
and bring in fresh look. Types of some of the most in-vogue salwar kameezes:
Traditional salwar kameez:
It's the usual combination of a salwar, a kameez
and a corresponding long scarf. The kameez of this suit comes below the knees
and generally it is fitted in the bust area but gradually looses from the hips
down to the knee. As traditional salwar kameezis very suitable for casual wear,
it's also known as the casual wear salwar kameez. And for casual wear, cotton
is the best fabrics as it is superbly comfortable, cool and graceful.
Party Wear salwar kameez:
To make the suit fit for any celebration or
festival, party wear salwar kameez uses gorgeous fabrics - silk, crepe,
georgette, satin etc. Decorated (both in dupatta and kameez) with heavy
embroidery, needlework, mirrors and even precious stones and using festive colors,
party wear salwar kameez looks elegant and wonderful.
Kurta churidar/ Churidar salwar kameez:
A churidar type salwar kameez is comparatively
more tight-fitting at the hips and thighs and also has a good deal of extra
length so that it can be wrinkled up around the ankles. These creases resemble churis
and the salwar is thus named after it. This type of salwar with a short kurta is
in vogue among young girls and looks pretty stylish.
Printed salwar kameez:
Sundry printing done on different fabrics
like chiffon, georgette, cotton etc gives printed salwar kameez a bright, vibrant
look. Most of the time the kameez and the dupatta are printed and the salwar is
either in contrast or matching color. The entire set may be printed as well.
Indo-Western salwar kameez:
Indo-Western Salwar kameez is the upshot of
the fusion of Indian tradition and international trends aiming to give this oriental
garment a universal flavor. This suit may have three pieces or can be found
without dupatta as well. The kurta is usually short - above the knee or just
below the hips. It can be sleeveless or with thin straps or with short sleeves.
The salwar of this suit is like a parallel loose trouser with a slightly flared
look.
Short kurta pant:
The latest innovation is short kurta pant,
adapting western fashion in terms of length and cut. Combining very short kurta
and parallel pant instead of salwar, this suit is preferable as an office or
formal wear.
As an outfit, salwar kameez is appropriate
for any age and the rich tradition of Indian embroidery made it fit for any occasion
as well. Women of any culture or region can add to her beauty by the gorgeous
style and feminine potential of Salwar-Kameez. Indian salwar kameez has thus
become one of the most flourishing and popular attire.
Najnin Nahar
Indian Salwar Kameez
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