All about Salwar Kameez Styles

Behind the sari, salwar kameez is the next most popular item of clothing worn by indian women. It consists of 3 key elements - kameez (top), salwar ( bottoms), and a dupatta (scarf like garment). This article provides a brief insight into the many different versions of salwar kameez that exist. While I cover many of the most commonly worn types, there are many versions that inevitably will be left out. Every area, region, religion, and eithnic group will render its own version of the salwar kameez based on how they like it to be. Please let me know if you are aware of variation that I have left out. I would love to know about it.

ANAARKALI

ANAARKALI - The anarkali refers to the kameez (top). The bottoms are usually churidaars (discussed in susequent sections..).

In this outfit, the top is tight from the upper body till the waist at which point it blossoms out like an open umbrella. These types of dresses were worn by dancers in Mughal India. Legend has it that Anarkali was the name of a slave girl in Emperor Akbars court who fell in love with his son. Currently there exist many different renditions of this very pretty outfit.

Pink  Churidaar Suit

CHURIDAAR - This word is to describe the bottoms worn with the outfit. Literally translated, it means "with rings". This is how the folds created by the accumulation of cloth look like- rings !. Although the most popular version of this is one with numerous churis (folds), other variations like one with fewer churis, or one with none (straight churidaar) are also worn.

CHURIDAAR

DHOTI SALWAR

DHOTI SALWAR : A Dhoti salwar (Bottom) is as featured in these pictures. It is inspired from a men's lose garment that is traditionally tied around the waist line, the fall of that garment is somewhat akin to the way the Dhoti Salwaar looks. It is another variant of the Patiala Salwar. 

DHOTI SALWAR

PATIALA SALWAR KAMEEZ

PATIALA SALWAR KAMEEZ - These are the first of the Punjabi style salwar. It is consrtucted using a large number of pleats and folds to create a voluminous, fanned out look. It is quite heavy to carry but looks very good. This salwar, as the name suggests hails from the Patiala region of Punjab.

PATIALA SALWAR KAMEEZ

MAHARANI PATIALA SALWAR KAMEEZ

MAHARANI PATIALA SALWAR KAMEEZ - This is the second type of Punjabi salwar. It is just like the traditional patiala salwar, however it contains even more folds, and has an almost harem pant look. The only exception being that while harem pants are tightly fitted with cuffs at the ankle, this salwar has a loose, wide fit at the feet.

PARALLEL SALWAR KAMEEZ

PARALLEL SALWAR KAMEEZ - This is an outfit where the bottom (salwar) is in the shape of parallel pants- that run the same length from top to bottom. They are quite wide and create a long sleek look on the wearer. The Kameez ( shirt) can be any type or length. For example - the shirt can be a -line, short, or anarkali type.

PARALLEL SALWAR KAMEEZ

ACHKAN STYLE SALWAR KAMEEZ

ACHKAN STYLE SALWAR KAMEEZ- The Ackhan refers to the style of the Kameez which is inspired form Nehrus hallmark outfit. It is open from the front with a slit at the mid thigh to knee level. It ususally has a high neck, and looks as if two parts of the kameez have been joined together in the middle. It can be worn with churidaar, straight pajami, trouser pants or parallel pants.

ACHKAN STYLE SALWAR KAMEEZ

CAPRI PANT SALWAR KAMEEZ

CAPRI PANT SALWAR KAMEEZ- Capri Pants are the blueprint for the salwar in this outfit. The capris fall anywhere from the knee to mid leg. This version is a fusion of indian and western wear and looks very modern.

CAPRI PANT SALWAR KAMEEZ

KAMEEZ WITH STRAIGHT SALWAR

KAMEEZ WITH STRAIGHT SALWAR - The straight salwar is one where the folds are minimal - usually 3 to 4. This creates a salwar that is lightweight and thus very easy to carry. It can be worn with a short, medium or long kameez. This type is very commonly worn through out India.

TROUSER SALWAR

TROUSER SALWAR- This is another modern rendition of the traditional salwar kameez. The bottoms in this outfit are trousers or pants. They are not short like capris but long - usually to the ankle length. They are not wide like parallel pants are, rather they are more slim fit. They look very chic and formal.

TROUSER SALWAR

A LINE SHIRTS

A LINE SHIRTS - This version of the salwar kameez is another contemporary design and is borrowed from our neghbours directly west of us. These kameez are long and flowy and have a romantic yet chic feeling to them. While the kameez is assymetrical, the bottoms can be churidaar, straight pajami, capris, trousers or parallel pants.

A LINE SHIRTS