Salwar Kurta is the most
popular, comfortable, convenient and widely worn dress in India. It is
popular among women in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and often worn in
Afghanistan. Some versions are sometimes called a Punjabi suit, after
the Indus valley area called the Punjab. In India, this was
traditionally the dress worn in Punjab, but is now worn almost
everywhere by all Indian women. Punjabi suits or salwar kurta define the
latest trend in Indian fashion garment.
What is a Salwar Kurta or a Salwar Kameez?
A salwar kurta has 3 parts in its creations:
- Salwar: Salwars are loose pajama-like trousers. The legs
are wide at the top, and narrow at the bottom. The legs are pleated
or gathered into a waistband with a drawstring. In salwars, the legs
are wide which tapers slightly towards the ankles. Traditional
Salwar is very comfortable to wear and has lot of space for legs
movement.
- Kurta: The kameez or the kurta is a knee-length flowing
shirt or tunic worn over a salwar or churidar. The side seams are
left open below the navel, which gives the wearer greater freedom of
movement. The tailor's taste and skill are usually displayed in the
shape of the neckline and the decoration of the kurta.
Traditionally, the kurtas were knee length. But today, short kurtas
are also available.
- Dupatta: A dupatta generally completes the ensemble.
When women wear the salwar kameez, they usually wear a long scarf or
shawl called a dupatta around the head or neck. In ancient time
women used to put cloth on their heads for cultural, religious and
practical reasons. Gradually this became a part of fashion as well.
Today, the dupatta is a stylish accessory that can be worn over one
shoulder or draped around the chest and over both shoulders.
Fabric
- Silk
- Cotton
- Chiffon
- Crepe
- Lizi Bizi
- Georgette
- Voile
- Satin
- Organza and several other fabrics
Design
Styles of salwar kurta varies from simple to complex in respect of all
material, design, durability, quality, look and feel etc. The designs on
salwar kurtas are many and varied.
These are available in an array of colors, styles and patterns. They
can be plain, printed and embroidered. The styles are in conservative
styling as well as Indo Western styles. These sets may have embroidery
work in silk thread or a combination of bead work and zardosi, sequins,
patch work, etc.
Traditional Kurta is generally long with full sleeves, half sleeves or
sleeveless and is mostly up to knee length and can be more than this
also. As the creation took place in modern era, the meaning, style and
shape of Kurta or Kameez has changed. Short Kameez, Kurti upto hips, are
popular these days. The quality and designs vary from a simple one to
designer's creation. The choice is endless. You can choose any style and
length for sleeves as well-whether short, long, or sleeveless. Various
designs are available for necklines for the Kurta as well which can give
a different look to the same salwar kurta.