All you need to know about Pakistani Clothes
Clothing is a strong representation of any culture and traditions. Throughout the cultures, clothing itself has played a significant role in signifying one’s custom, religion and socio-economic status. Clothes are not just a garment to be worn; it’s utility goes beyond covering one’s body to rather expressing one's identity.
Pakistan’s cultural heritage goes way back in time. To say the least, our culture is a tapestry of various other cultures surrounding Pakistan - namely Indian, Afghani, Chinese, and Iranian cultures. Rich in diversity and eloquent in fashion, the blend of all cultures have made the clothing culture of Pakistan impeccable; one that coherently elicits finesse.
Staple Attire
Keeping our religion and customs in forefront, Shalwar Kameez has become the national attire of our culture.
For men, Shalwar Kameez is proved to be the most worn fit and the love for Shalwar Kameez has transcended over generations to generations. The most common style is the slightly loose fitted Shalwar Kameez made up of cotton fabric and supported through a ban collar. This style has been going over for decades and we can’t see anyone getting over it ever!
While such style of shalwar kameez is considered a daily comfortable fit, there are ways to make it appropriate to any occasion and who doesn’t love comfort with fashion?
Shalwar Kameez with Waistcoat: Any waistcoat over contrasting shalwar kameez screams decency. The right choice of waistcoat can elevate your Pakistani clothes instantly and make your look appropriate.
Shalwar Kameez with Shawl: Another one of the most loved ways to style a shalwar kameez is with a shawl. Beige, brown or black colored shawl with lighter color (or same color in case of Black) shalwar kameez will instantly make one look more powerful and intense.
Kameez with Dhoti Shalwar: By changing the shape and style of one’s shalwar, one can easily change the whole look. Dhoti shalwar has been loved and appreciated over years and its flowy nature makes it extremely breathable compared to any other attire.
Sherwani with Trouser: A formal wear appreciated by the men of our culture is sherwani with trousers. Mostly worn in wedding functions, a sherwani makes the groom indifferent from the rest and make him look more noble and graceful. However, the love for sherwani transcends borders. It is not just a garment to be worn, but an art product of culture to be appreciated forever.
Thus, Pakistani clothes versatility is commendable that allows one to elevate their look by just a few additions and instantly make them feel confident.
For women, of course one can never go wrong with the ever so loved attire; shalwar kameez with dupatta. Over the years, people and culture have come up with various ways of styling this outfit and changing the dynamics of the fashion industry of Pakistan completely.
Different styles and designs have utterly enriched our culture with more elegance and diversity. Similar to men, women’s shalwar kameez attire can be styled in different ways to make it appropriate.
Short kameez with Patiala Shalwar: A very traditional attire which evokes the essence of heritage. Patiala Shalwar has not seen any changes over the years since people like to wear it as it is and feel close to their culture. Perfect for a mehndi, mayon or dholki fit.
Anarkali Style: A traditional frock fitted from the bodice that extends into layers paired with a churidar pajama. Anarkali style shirts will undoubtedly never go out of style since they look gorgeous than ever on everyone.
A line Kameez with Shalwar: Another one of the oldest forms of clothing is A line kameez which is fitted at the waist with a Shalwar and dupatta. This style was mostly worn by young women of the 1900s and however not in trend, but still makes some standout if worn the right way.
However, it is to be noted, Dupatta draping holds a significant importance in making or breaking your look. Can be draped on your side, neck or taken over your head, the right kind of style will make your outfit effortlessly beautiful. The styles of dupatta currently trending in fashion of Pakistani clothes are:
- Organza Dupatta
- Hand painted Dupatta
- Kamdani Dupatta
- Cut work Dupatta
- Ruffle Dupatta
- Digital printed Dupatta
If not limiting oneself to Shalwar Kameez, Pakistani culture has numerous other dress designs to wear which includes:
- Lehenga Choli
- Angrakha
- Pishwas
- Long and short frocks
- Solids
- Gharara
- Sharara
- Kaftan
- Saree
Blend of Contemporary and Traditional Attire
With the increasing amount of awareness of one’s culture and other cultures has resulted in an intermix of cultures in fashion.
For casual wear men mostly opt for jeans and shirt and if they want to go for fusion, then they go with the kameez with jeans look which, in our opinion, is very cool.
Whereas, women now also wear jeans and shirts which has now become a common practice in Pakistan and we love it when you look chic as ever! Moreover, women have also come up with fusion looks like pairing kurta with jeans, peplums with jeans and t-shirts with shalwar.
Pakistani culture embodies intricate craftsmanship, customs and traditions and excellence which has revolutionized Pakistani clothes and made our attire an appreciated garment all over the world.