Pakistan's Traditional Clothing

Salwar kameez (shalwar qameez) is the national dress of Pakistan. Salwars are loose pants designed in various styles. The salwar is tied at the waist with the help of a drawstring. More recently, elastic is also used in place of drawstring. The fit is generally baggy or tapering. Narrow tight-fitting salwars are known as churidars. The kameez is large and loose-fitting tunic, worn with the baggy salwar. Men as well as women wear the same attire, with a difference in the color of the cloth, fitting, silhouettes and the embellishments used.





Men also prefer Sherwani and vest along with the salwar kameez. Kandahari or Jinnah cap is also commonly paired with a Sherwani or a salwar kameez. A Sherwani is a long coat worn with a salwar and is generally made from heavy fabrics. Peshawari Chappals and Khussa are the most preferred footwear among men. In regions where temperature is considerably cold, men opt for Pashmina or Shahtoosh shawls to keep them warm.





Salwar kameez and lehenga are the traditional attire worn by women in Pakistan. While salwar kameez is also worn as a daily wear, lehenga is a typical attire for ceremonies and special occasions. Interesting patterns woven with lace are used to add feminine element to the lehenga. Women also wear a dupatta with both salwar kameez and lehenga. Dupattas are long yards of cloth; their colors and patterns are coordinated as per the entire ensemble. Women also wear scarves or shawls with the salwar kameez in the chilly winters.

Apart from the traditional clothing, Pakistanis also don western attire including shirts, trousers, jeans, etc. However, traditional clothing definitely has a strong foothold in the modern society of Pakistan even today.