The typical and traditional attire for men and women in South Asia is the shalwar kameez. Some Central Asian nations also wear this attire. The long garment known as a shalwar kameez or shalwar qameez typically falls beyond the knees. It is a two-piece outfit for men, consisting of shalwar (trousers) and kameez (long tunic shirt), and a three-piece outfit for women, consisting of shalwar (trousers, also known as pajamas), kameez (leading, also known as the kurta), and duppata (scarf). This is the traditional clothing of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
At the time of their military operations in the Indian subcontinent, the invaders from Central Asia are believed to have introduced this clothing. The shalwar kameez evolved into the most popular attire over time and is today worn by a sizable portion of the populations of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
Particularly throughout the past century, Shalwar Kameez has seen numerous changes. Women typically wore a fast kameez around the turn of the 20th century, which fell between the hip and the knee.
After that, the shalwar was significantly flared, ending with a thin horizontal band. Shalwar Kameez, however, was developed in the 1970s, features a wide variety of motifs, and is stitched in amazing patterns.
In the summer, shalwar kameez made of silk or soft cotton fabric are popular. Saris and thick brocade are added to shalwar kameez during the winter.
Men’s shalwar kameez is wide from top to bottom, and the kameez is kept very loose with full sleeves, cuffs on the front sleeves, a large collar, and a pocket on the front left side. A kameez or kurta typically extends to the knee or much farther. On both sides, there are substantial slits. Usually, it runs vertically from the chest to the bottom. After the collar, there is a strap on the front with three to four buttons. The bottom of the shalwar is wide and extends all the way to the feet. The shalwar kameez, which has pockets on both sides, is the choice of the men.
In comparison to the other traditional dress known as a sari or saree, the Shalwar Kameez, which is popular in South Asia, is thought to be a simple and comfortable outfit. The shalwar is preferred and a favorite among the younger generation because it is relatively easier to wear. Materials like crepe, cotton, silk, georgette, jute, and even khadi are preferable when picking a shalwar kameez. People enjoy wearing shalwar kameez for festive events, which are typically embellished with beads, threads, and zari. This attire is also quite popular among men, and today’s kameez or kurtas are embellished with magnificent embroidery and sequence work.
