Shalwar Kameez شلوار قمیض from Pakistan
Shalwar Kameez (شلوار قمیض)is one of the traditional clothes in Central and South Asia. It is used in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and other countries. It consists of two parts: Shalwar – loose pants and Kameez – a tunica. It can be worn by men and women. In Pakistan, most people wear it daily. You can get it ready-made in the Bazaar for around 1.000-2.000 Rupees (5-10$), in Malls for around 2.000 to 10.000 Rupees (10-50$), or ask a tailor to make it on your own measurements. In addition, there is a third piece called Dupatta for women, which is some kind of shawl. It can be worn as Hijab or just as a shawl around the neck or on one shoulder. Some women don’t wear it at all.
Upper part: Kameez and Kurta
Kameez and Kurta are very similar, although Kurta is often used when referring to the male tunica. You can find Kameez and Kurta in all colors and sizes. For men, they are usually unicolor while for women they often have prints on them. The length of the Kameez is variable - some go down to the knees while others are much shorter.
Downpart: Shalwar, Churidar, Gharara, Sharara
Shalwars, Churidars, Ghararas, and Shararas are different types of pants. Shalwars are loose pants while Churidars are tight pants. Ghararas are tight until the knees and very loose and wide below the knees. You can get Ghararas in daily and festive versions, but they are usually worn more often for festivities and less on a daily basis. Shararas are similar to Ghararas and also often worn for special events. One important thing: If you wear Ghararas or Shararas you have to wear them with a short Kameez because if the Kameez covers the knees there is no point in wearing these special pants.
Dupatta
There are different styles of wearing a Dupatta. You can wear it to cover your head, especially when you visit religious places but also in daily life if you want. The Dupatta on one shoulder is often worn with festive dresses for special events, especially because the Dupattas for these events are usually very big. Some young girls especially like to wear Dupatta on the neck as some kind of shawl.
In Pakistan, each ethnicity (Punjabi, Sindhi, Saraiki, Balochi, Pukhtun, Hunzai, etc.) has its own traditional clothes and styles. Next time when I go back I would like to know more about these regional clothes.
Shalwar Kameez Shootings
in Red
in Black
In Yellow
In Blue
in Brown
Other Styles
