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Parallel |
Patiala |
Regular Long Kameez |
Chooridaar |
Regular |
(Click on the pictures to see their bigger versions)
Salwar kameez is the traditional dress worn by various peoples of south-central Asia. It is the national dress for both men (called kurta pyajama, but looks similar) and women in Pakistan and Afghanistan (where they say "shalwar" instead of "salwar"). It is also popular among women in India.
The salwar kameez, or salwar suit, consists of a kameez (shirt) and salwar (trousers).
Salwar are a sort of loose pyjama-like trousers. The legs are wide at the top, and narrow at the bottom. The legs are pleated or gathered into a waistband. There is a drawstring at the top of the waistband to hold up the salwar. The pants can be wide and baggy, or they can be cut quite narrow, on the bias. In the latter case, they are known as churidar.
The kameez is a long shirt or tunic. The word is derived from the Latin camisia "shirt, tunic", from which it probably made its way into various European languages (chemise) and also into Arabic, the likely immediate source for kameez. The kameez is usually cut straight and flat; older kameez use traditional cuts, as shown in the illustration; modern kameez are more likely to have European-inspired set-in sleeves. The tailor's taste and skill are usually displayed not in the overall cut, but in the shape of the neckline and the decoration of the kameez.
When women wear the salwar kameez, they usually wear a long scarf or shawl called a dupatta around the head or neck. For Muslim women, the dupatta is a less stringent alternative to the chador or burqa (see hijab). For Hindu women, the dupatta is useful when the head must be covered, as in a temple or the presence of elders. For other women, the dupatta is simply a stylish accessory.
It is believed to originate with the Turko-Iranian horse riding steppe peoples of Central Asia. Because these tribes converted to Islam, and then extended their rule over sedentary farmers, this style of dress is associated with Muslims and Islam. It is, however, now worn by many non-Muslims.
