Salwar Kameez

Salwar Kameez is the most popular traditional attire worn by the women in India. Due to its popularity in the Punjab region, it is sometimes called the Punjabi suit also. The shalwar is a baggy pajama type of trouser, which has legs wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. The kameez is a long shirt or tunic, which often reaches upto the knees. The length of the kameez can vary depending on the latest salwar suit style in fashion.

The salwar is stitched very differently. It has pleats at the waist and is held up by a drawstring or an elastic belt. The middle portion of a salwaar is very wide and baggy, but it gradually tapers down around the ankle. Another variation in salwaar is the churidar style which is a somewhat like a tight trouser, but with its fabric ending in various small folds around the ankles. Usually, Indian women also wear a dupatta across their shoulders, over the salwaar or churidar kameez, as a symbol of modesty

A shalwar kameez can be stitched in almost fabric, like chiffon, georgette, denim, silk, cotton, satin, and so on. It can be simple or heavily embellished, with artificial gem stones and embroidery, depending upon one's personal choice. Though both salwar kameez and sari are traditional Indian dresses for females, you will find more women wearing the former, especially in metros. This is because it is more comfortable and requires, comparatively, less maintenance.

One can choose to wear the salwar kameez in a number of styles. Apart from the traditional ones, one can also buy the ones with a plunging neckline or a halter neck back for a chic look. If confused, you can even ask the tailor to suggest you the latest necklines in fashion. The side seams of the kameez may be split high up to the waistline. When women wear semi-transparent kameez, they wear a choli or a cropped camisole underneath it.