A salwar kameez is a loose-fitting outfit consisting of a top and loose-fitting pants, worn as traditional clothing in many South Asian nations by both men and women. It is modest and allows full freedom of movement. It can be made from a variety of fabrics, and modern designs can be racy. In India, many women prefer it to the sari for practicality. Controversies have arisen over high-ranking women wearing it, but demand is crossing class and cultural boundaries.
A salwar kameez is a loose-fitting outfit consisting of a top or kameez and a pair of loose-fitting pants, called salwars. It is worn as traditional clothing in many South Asian nations, where it is worn by both men and women because it is modest, in line with Muslim values, while allowing full freedom of movement. Although variations can be found throughout Asia and the Middle East, people of all faiths wear the traditional style in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
To wear a salwar kameez, a person starts with the trousers, which are traditionally baggy, although more modern designs are slightly more fitted. The salwars are tied around the waist or held in place with an elastic band, and the kameez is pulled down over the head. A traditional top is also loose fitting with long sleeves and a tunic-like form that covers the thighs, with slits to allow the legs to move.
Pieces can be made from a wide variety of fabrics, including silk, chiffon, and linen, although cotton is the most common. Most are embroidered around the neckline and cuffs, though the most elegant are abundantly decorated with embroidery and made from patterned fabrics. Men wear it simply, while women often throw a shawl or dupatta over their heads and necks for modesty.
The modern salwar kameez can get pretty racy, with plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, and daring cuts. The wide variation in designs allows women to wear one for any occasion, from everyday wear to attending weddings, while men have some flexibility with styles as well. Women who wear more modern kameez generally wear camisoles underneath for modesty, and some modern people wear a kameez over jeans or flowing skirts for variety.
In India, many women prefer this outfit to the sari, because it is a more practical garment. Wearing a sari requires practice and a certain amount of balance: not necessarily things impoverished women have in abundance. Controversies have arisen over high-ranking women wearing the salwar kameez, rejecting formal sarees, as some people in India view it as a lower-class garment or associate it with Muslims in Pakistan. However, demand appears to be crossing class and cultural boundaries across South Asia, despite these barriers.
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