Terms, types and variations of Salwar Kameez

Salwar Kameez (shalwar kameez) are beautiful and elegant Indian fashion clothing meant to accentuate the female body. Although the origin of Salwar Kameez is debated, it is closely associated with the women of Punjab, a Northern Indian state that was divided between India and Pakistan after the Partition of 1947. In recent decades, the salwar kameez has spread throughout India into regions and cultures where salwar kameez had only been seen in movies before or on the occasional Punjabi or North Indian tourist. These graceful Indian fashion suits are gaining popularity among non-Indians throughout the world as well. Women, no matter what their cultural or ethnic history, can benefit from the beauty, style and feminine potential of Salwar Kameez. It is equally flattering on the plus size or big size woman as it is on the smaller woman. Our website features small size and plus size salwar kameez (shalwar kameez) ranging in ready made sizes from extra small (XS) to 5 extra large (5XL) because we know that one size does not fit all. We can even custom make salwar kameez and clothing for you according to your specific measurements. The following is an informative guide for both Indian and Non-Indian Salwar Kameez wearers explaining the different styles of salwar kameez (shalwar kameez) suits.

Terms:

A traditional salwar kameez (shalwar kameez) is a pant suit consisting of three pieces:
• Salwar: the pants of the suit. They are loose fitting with a drawstring waist
• Kameez: the shirt of the suit. It is a long, tunic style shirt
• Dupatta: the long scarf of the suit

In addition to the above terms it is highly likely to find other variations but essentially they are all the same. Some common variations on these terms are:

Shalwar Kameez – Although this term can be used by both Indian and Pakistani natives, it is most often used by Pakistani natives. Shalwar Kameez and Salwar Kameez are basically the same thing, just a different way of saying it. An exception to this would be that some people assume that shalwar kameez should have long sleeves.

Salwar Kamise - This is just a variation of the spelling of Kameez.

Punjabi Suit or Punjabi Fashion - Sometimes salwar kameez are referred to in this manner because they are closely associated with the state of Punjab in Northern India. In fact, the salwar kameez’s origins and history began in Punjab, Northern India.

Chuni or Chunni – Another term for a Dupatta.

Duppatta or Dupata – Variations of spelling for a Dupatta.

Style Variations

The above description is based on the traditional version of the salwar kameez (shalwar kameez). As times and fashions change, so do salwar kameez fashions of India. Although the traditional version is still the most popular among most women, there are some variations that have gained in popularity. Below you will find terms that will help you identify the different styles of suits currently available:

• Traditional Salwar Kameez

  Traditional suit consisting of three pieces: a loose fitting, drawstring pajama like pant, a long, tunic style shirt and a long, complimenting or matching scarf. It is generally accepted that the kameez should come below the knee to the mid-calf region. The kameez is usually fitted throughout the shoulder and bust area and loose from the hips down to the hem. Side walking vents (splits) are added to both sides. Bollywood Fashion (Bollywood is the movie industry of India) tends to depict the salwar kameez with a tight, fitted look along the shoulders and bust areas. Most everyday wearers opt for a bit more room in their suits for comfort and mobility.

   

• Churidar Kameez Suit

  The kameez in this suit is like the traditional salwar kameez suit however, the bottoms are cut close and tight to the leg with a good deal extra length added so the material will wrinkle up around your ankle. This style of pant is called Churidar after the Hindi word for bangles Churi.

   

• Parallel Suit

  Parallel suits are an updated version of the salwar kameez, very popular among the younger generations of Indian women and many Non-Indian women as well. They are also known as a trouser suit or pant suit in Indian fashion clothing. They usually consist of the same three pieces found in a salwar kameez suit; however, this style of suit can be found without a dupatta as well. The difference between the parallel suit and salwar kameez suit is in the cut and style of the parallel suit. It features a trouser like fit through the hips and thighs and can either be straight down to the ankle like a trouser/pant or it can have a slightly flared leg similar to a boot cut pant. The flare can also be very wide depending on the individual suit and suit wearer’s taste. The most popular choice at this time is the slightly flared look. The pant is often embroidered along the leg or ankle. The top is much shorter than a traditional kameez, and is usually worn above the knee or at hip level. These suits can also be sleeveless, with thin straps, or compeletly strapless depening on the design.

   

• Pajami Style Suit

  This style suit is very similar to the churidar suit because it features the same long kameez. The difference is that the pajama (bottoms) does not have as much length in the lower leg and does not wrinkle around the ankle. It is a very slim fitting leg look.

   

• Afghani Suit

  This style suit is basically the same as a salwar kameez suit as it consists of the same three pieces. The difference lies in the cut and style of the suit. The salwars are very loose, featuring a many pleated look. The salwar is very baggy and is often embroidered along the leg or ankle. The kameez is shorter than a traditional suit, ranging from mid-thigh to above the knee. This suit can be sleeveless.

   

• Indo-West Fusion

  This term is often used to describe salwar kameez (shalwar kameez) suits that combine both Indian and Western styles and designs.  The parallel suit (as described above) is a good example of Indo-West Fusion and these two terms are often used interchangeably.

   

• Kurti or Kurta Kameez

  Kurti and Kurta are words used to often describe a shorter tunic style shirt. These terms are often used to describe the Parallel Suit.