Traditional Dress from South Asia

Traditional Shalwar Kameez

SHALWAR KAMEEZ

Shalwar or shalwar kameez is one of the traditional women dress of South Asia. This dress is primarily worn by women in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka whereas in other countries of South Asia such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, salwar kameez is worn by both women and men.

Shalwars are loose trousers like pajamas whereas kameez are like loose shirt worn above it. Traditional look of shalwar has broader legs from the top and narrow at the bottom. Although, there are several styles of shalwar pants in modern times, some trendy and jean-like. The kameez is a long shirt of tunic length which hits at the middle of the thigh, but traditionally, it would come down to the top of the knee. The side seams (known as the chaak), left open below the waist-line, give the wearer greater freedom of movement. On a female, the shalwar kameez ensemble is completed by wearing a dupatta (loose scarf) around the shoulders, draping over the chest.

Like everything changes with time, modern shalwar kameez also got some changes in design. Now day’s shalwar kameez are more fitted as compare to their traditional version. Shalwars are knotted around the waist with the help of elastic band and kameez are generally worn over it.

Afghanistan Shalwar Kameez

Pakistan Shalwar Kameez

Srilanka Shalwar Kameez

Wedding Shalwar Kameez

SAREE

Saree is the traditional dress of India. It represents the eternal ethnicity of India. Sarees can be dressed on any occasion and also preferred daily use costume among traditional Indian women. You can get plane saree, printed saree, bridal wedding sarees, silk saree, corporate wearing saree, etc. You can get saree for all purpose from wedding to office and from daily wear to party wear. Saree contain  a long sheet of colorful cloth with patterns and draped over a simple or fancy blouse. This is worn by young ladies and women. Little girls wear a pavada. Both are often patterned. Bindi is part of the women's make-up.

Pure Silk Saree

There are various traditional style of Sharee like Sambalpuri Saree from East, Kanchipuram from south, Paithani from West and Banarasi from North. The most common style is for the saree to be wrapped around the waist, with one end then draped over the shoulder baring the midriff. The sari is usually worn over a petticoat (ghagra has short sleeves and a low neck and is usually cropped, and as such is particularly well-suited for wear in the sultry South Asian summers). Cholis may be "backless" or of a halter neck style. These are usually more dressy with a lot of embellishments such as mirrors or embroidery and may be worn on special occasions. 

Embroidery Saree

The wedding sarees are heavily and beautifully adorned with different types of saree decorators like resham embroidery, zari embroidery, sequin embroidery, aari, stone, etc. These sarees come in different colors and different fabrics. Some wedding sarees come with matching choli, jewellery, footwear, etc. The jewellery may include only necklace, earrings and nose pin. But some sarees come with complete jewellery sets like necklace, earrings, nose pin, bangles, hand stings, payal, etc.

Pakistani Saree Wedding Dress

Indian Saree Wedding Dress