Wonders of India

Salwar kameez (also spelled shalwar kameez and shalwar qamiz) is a traditional dress worn by women in India. Salwars or shalwars are loose pajama-like trousers. The legs are wide at the top, and narrow at the bottom. The kameez is a long shirt or tunic.

Patiala salwar kameez is a uniquely designed salwar kameez that is very popular for it’s comfortable and stylish pattern. The name for the attire dates back to the ancient history of India. In the olden days, the king of Patiala in Punjab wore a unique type of pants, which was baggy and pleated for comfort and for a majestic look. This style of pants is incorporated in the patiala salwaar kameez and it is now a fashion among women of all ages.

The kameez of the patiala salwar kameez is very similar to the normal kameez but the length will be just above the knee. There will be slits in the sides up to the waist and the kameez will be with proper fitting providing free movements at the same time.

The unique design of patiala salwar kameez is the salwar with multiple pleats in the baggy style. The pleats will go to the back to give a baggy look. The pants will have ample space around the waist and the legs for free movement but will narrow down at the bottom for a fine finish baggy pleated pant.

Generally patiala salwar kameez are designed with free flowing material like crepe, silk, chiffon and other synthetic fabrics. Only this kind of fabric can be used for the salwaar, as the look of the entire attire should be highly comfortable and baggy. A stiff material like cotton is not used for the salwar being made in the patiala style.

This type of patiala salwar kameez was in fashion during the 1960s and as the saying goes fashion repeats itself, the latest trend among designer salwar kameez’ is the patiala salwar kameez. This costume fits women of any age and any shape and hence it is most liked by all Indian women. Stone and embroidery embellishments are made in the kameez to give it a rich look for using with patiala pants during special occasions.

As with any other salwar kameez design, patiala salwaar kameez also comes with a wide variety of embellishments. The different embellishments that are commonly used are embroidery and sequins bead and stonework. Heavily embellished salwar kameez cannot be worn as casual wear and they are generally called part wear salwar kameez. These embellishments add beauty to the patiala salwar kameez giving a dazzling look.

The common fabric that holds the embellishments is crepe and chiffon. For wedding patiala salwar kameez that has heavy embellishments, silk material is used. This will give a unique and special look for the bride. You can find the different styles and variations in the patiala salwar kameez among the Punjab women on different occasions.

Most of the embellishments in the patiala salwar kameez comes with the kameez and the dhupatta and the salwar is generally plain and free flowing. As the salwar is highly pleated and baggy, embellishments are not added to it. Wearing stone and zardozi embellished dhuppata around the neck gives a simply gorgeous look during the parties. All types of embroidery including the hand embroidery, zari and zardozi work are made on the short length kameez.

Sequins and bead embellishments are very common in the wedding patiala salwar kameez. The kameez will be heavily loaded and the fashion designers decorate the neck line and the battan with patch work along with the embroidery. Mirror embellishments are also common with the kameez. As the kameez is of short length, a lot of decorative work is done at the battan. Certain party wear salwar kameez come with plain dupatta with kameez having heavy work. Rich patiala salwar kameez has stone works that are spread along the pleats of the pants. Sometimes precious stones are also used as embellishments and the cost of the set varies with the stones that are used for decorating.

Hi all!

Subject to popular demand, I am starting a short series specifically dedicated to the patiala salwaar kameez. Hope you enjoy it!