What Is Salwar Kameez
Salwar-kameez is one of the traditional dresses that are worn by the women in India, on a regular basis. The outfit comprises of a kameez (shirt), salwar (trousers) and dupatta/chunni (stole). The kameez can be described as a long shirt or tunic, which might have short, long or no sleeves. It comprises of chaak (side seams) below the waist-line and usually reaches the knees. The salwar can be taken to mean loose, pajama-like trousers, with an in-built string, at the waist level, for tying purposes. The dupatta/chunni is like a stole, which is either hung on the shoulder or slung across the neck.
Kurta Styles
There are a number of styles available in the salwar kameez, some of them pertaining to the shirt only, while the other concentrating mainly on the trousers. The popular kameez styles include the simple fitted style, Angrakha style, Anarkali style, A-line style and kurta-style. In the first style, the kameez is made as per the measurements of the body, making it as fit as possible, while allowing for ease of movement. The Angrakha-style has been copied from the musicians of the royal court. It has one side of the shirt overlapping the other, at the side.
The Anarkali style of kameez is totally fitted to the body till the waist and from there on, it is cut in such a way that there is a lot of flare, almost like a skirt. It is somewhat similar to the dress worn by the Kathak dancers. The A-line kurta, as the very name suggests, takes the shape of an A. It is fitted at the top and widens up, as the length of the shirt increases. In the kurta-style kameez, the fitting is a bit loose and there is a collar as well. It is widely being worn by the women of the present generation.
Salwar Styles
In terms of salwar, the basic styles include churidaar, Patiala salwar, Pathani salwar, straight trousers and bell bottoms. In the last two styles, the kameez is shortened in length a bit, going above the knees. Getting back to churidaar, it is a tightly-fit trouser, which has a buttoned cuff at the ankle and falls into folds at the end (looking like a set of bangles resting on the ankle). Then, you have the Patiala salwar, which has much more flare than the normal one. It drapes in an elegant mould, forming even folds from hip to ankle
Patani salwar, as the very name suggests, has been taken from the salwars worn by the 'Pathans' (a caste in Muslims). It is baggy at the top, but tapers down as it reaches the ankles. Apart from this, the salwar can also be altered to take the form of straight trousers and bell bottoms. While churidaar, Patiala salwar and Pathani salwar count amongst the traditional Indian clothing items, the style of straight trousers and bell bottoms is a result of the increasing influence of western cultures, on the country.
The Fabrics
Bridal salwar kameez makes use of rich fabrics, which help impart a royal look to the lovely lady. In this context, satin is one of the popular choices, because of the sheer variety in its colors and the luxurious sheen it has. Then, you have silk, tissue and crepe, all of them comprising of the popular choices for an Indian bride. These days, georgette, velvet and even disheen are also regarded as good options for bridal salwaar kameez. While choosing between them, keep comfort, budget and the weather in mind.
The Colors
While red is the traditional color chosen for the bridal salwar kameez, shades of golden, onion, orange, pink, yellow, green and brown are also a part of the hot trend. In addition, the designers are experimenting with two shades of the same color, or two contrasting colors, for the dress as well. Today, you can see a combination of colors like red and yellow, green and red, yellow and pink, blue and green, orange and yellow, for the salwar suit. The choice of color that you make, in the end, will totally depend upon your preference and the time of your wedding (whether day or night).
Latest Trends in Anarkali Suits
