subject: Salwar Kameez and the Comfort Factor by:Ankit Jain [print this page] With the onset of the Islamic reign, Indian saw a change and intermingling of Islam and Hinduism, Sanskrit and Persian. The then Indian Languages borrowed several words from Persian, Urdu and Arabic. This intermingling was noticed in the field of dressing styles too. The coming of Pyajamas, long Kurtas and stoles for men, and churidaars, odhnees or dupatta, kameez for women. This involved the evolution of a Salwar Kameez.
The kameez is a loose or best fit upper garment that is tailored to give shape to the body of a woman. It can add an elegance to any body type, petite, slim, plump or bulky; a teenager to a mature middle-aged woman. Unlike a saree, one need not learn how to wear a salwar kurti. Just as a saree can be worn in three or four different conventional styles, salwar kameez can have several styles. It has also taken its share from Western clothing trends, like tunics, harems and other such modern outfits. Side-by-side with the true traditional salwars kameez and churidars or Patiala suits, now we have indo-western trends in vogue. Smart look coupled with a concealing dupatta. They also enable easy and brisk movement for students and working women.
The Traditional: The kameez is usually long, covering the knees. The sides have slits from the waist. The trousers have a broad end, loosely coving the entire length of the feet till the ankles. The dupatta either matching the bottom or having mixed shades or prints taking some from both the kameez and the trouser. The sleeves of the kameez may be ranging from very short to full. The churidaars are usually well-set and fit the legs snuggly. There are gathers at the bottom just a few inches above the ankles and could cover the calf too.
Indo-western: Shorter tunics and Patiala trousers, Churidaars or Harem-style trousers ensemble constitute the Indo-western style. The kurti might be sleeveless, collared or with a belt around the lower waist. Such kurtis are also easy-going with proper denim (jeans) or cotton trousers. A stole would be preferred by those who want to adhere to the tradition but do not want to carry a long odhnee.
Whether traditional or fusion, salwars are easily worn and are comfortable. They are resistant to wear-and tear. In a social gathering, festival, or just as a comfortable casual, they can be a substitute to western counterparts. Salwar kameez can be decent party-apparels and wedding-wears also. They can be cheap and readily available. Unstitched ones can be fashioned according to ones preferences. Verysimple cotton suits and synthetic or terry voile suits are for casual wear. This comfort-wear can easily carry changes and trends so easily that it really suit woman of every society and culture. For more details visit www.sareez.com
About the author
Writing articles on Indian Ethnic Wear for decade. Read more at sareez.blogspot.com and sareez.wordpress.com
