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Salwar Kurta is the most
popular, comfortable, convenient and widely worn dress in India. It
is popular among women in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and often
worn in Afghanistan. Some versions are sometimes called a Punjabi
suit, after the Indus valley area called the Punjab. In India, this
was traditionally the dress worn in Punjab, but is now worn almost
everywhere by all Indian women. Punjabi suits or salwar kurta define
the latest trend in Indian fashion garment.
What is a Salwar Kurta or a Salwar Kameez?
A salwar kurta has 3 parts in its creations:
* Salwar: Salwars are loose pajama-like trousers. The legs are wide
at the top, and narrow at the bottom. The legs are pleated or
gathered into a waistband with a drawstring. In salwars, the legs
are wide which tapers slightly towards the ankles. Traditional
Salwar is very comfortable to wear and has lot of space for legs
movement.
* Kurta: The kameez or the kurta is a knee-length flowing shirt or
tunic worn over a salwar or churidar. The side seams are left open
below the navel, which gives the wearer greater freedom of movement.
The tailor's taste and skill are usually displayed in the shape of
the neckline and the decoration of the kurta. Traditionally, the
kurtas were knee length. But today, short kurtas are also available.
* Dupatta: A dupatta generally completes the ensemble. When women
wear the salwar kameez, they usually wear a long scarf or shawl
called a dupatta around the head or neck. In ancient time women used
to put cloth on their heads for cultural, religious and practical
reasons. Gradually this became a part of fashion as well. Today, the
dupatta is a stylish accessory that can be worn over one shoulder or
draped around the chest and over both shoulders.
Fabric
* Silk
* Cotton
* Chiffon
* Crepe
* Lizi Bizi
* Georgette
* Voile
* Satin
* Organza and several other fabrics
Design
Styles of salwar kurta varies from simple to complex in respect of
all material, design, durability, quality, look and feel etc. The
designs on salwar kurtas are many and varied.
These are available in an array of colors, styles and patterns. They
can be plain, printed and embroidered. The styles are in
conservative styling as well as Indo Western styles. These sets may
have embroidery work in silk thread or a combination of bead work
and zardosi, sequins, patch work, etc.
Traditional Kurta is generally long with full sleeves, half sleeves
or sleeveless and is mostly up to knee length and can be more than
this also. As the creation took place in modern era, the meaning,
style and shape of Kurta or Kameez has changed. Short Kameez, Kurti
upto hips, are popular these days. The quality and designs vary from
a simple one to designer's creation. The choice is endless. You can
choose any style and length for sleeves as well-whether short, long,
or sleeveless. Various designs are available for necklines for the
Kurta as well which can give a different look to the same salwar
kurta.
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