10 Beautiful Styles of Salwar Kameez to Wear

Most South Asian women own at least one Salwar Kameez for events, special occasions or even for everyday.

Salwar Kameez is the traditional clothing of the Punjab region and filtered all over South Asia. It is also the national dress of Pakistan.

The Salwar is the bottom half of the suit, while the Kameez is the top or the dress.

There are plenty of styles, fabrics, cuts and colours to choose from when looking for the perfect outfit.

Here are top ten styles by DESIblitz, that are certainly Princess Jasmin approved:

Basic but Never Boring

The most common style would be for those who wear Asian clothing on a day-to-day basis.

Shops offer outfits in breathable materials, and ones that are not too tight, to allow for movement and to make sure you can still continue, without too much hassle.

What came first ~ Leggings or Churidar?

A popular choice for South Asians, Churidar is similar to leggings and are tight fitted.

The excess material may fall along the bottom in natural sideways, pleats up the ankle.

Churidars contour your legs and look great with a long-length Kameez.

Designer Vikram Phadnis displayed how anyone can rock an Indian outfit and had supermodel Naomi Campbell walk the runway. She wore a jewelled outfit with Churidar, fit for a rock star.

Perfection in Patiala

Said to be the chosen garment of the King of Patiala in Punjab, this style of Salwar consists of pleats from the waist.

Sometimes a little heavy to wear, the bottoms use almost double the length of fabric to make the signature pleats and will most likely be made from cotton.

Set them Straight

Manish Malhotra brought back the straight cuts, featuring some in his collection.

Simply straight Salwars require pleating and a straight set cuff.

This style is more suited for older women, and those who don’t want too much of a fuss.

Dhotis are made to Dance

With a name deriving from a traditional Indian male dress, a Dhoti – like a Patiala – uses lots of pleats swooping from the front to back, creating a wide U-shape.

The cuffs are also tilted, rather than straight, from the outside of your ankle to perfectly frame your shoes.

A Dhoti is a loose-fitted and probably the most comfortable Salwar Kameez to wear.

Another advantage it that the array of fabrics used to make them mean they are versatile and can be worn in any season.

Simply see how beautifully Karishma Kapoor wears her Silk Dhoti Salwar, with the open cut Kameez.

Shapely in Sharara

Channelling some major, but, glamorous MC Hammer vibes, a Sharara Salwar has wide legs.

The bundle of fabric gives the impression of a full skirt, which is attached around your waist with a drawstring.

As you can see, they are extremely easy to wear and are recommended for slender figures.

Wowzers in Trousers

A more modern day twist to a traditional outfit.

Trouser Salwars are exact what it says on the tin.

The use of trouser-cut bottoms creates a chic look for working or younger women.

They are typically paired with a longer kameez. For the perfect work look, pair one with a collared Kameez to still look professional.

Simply see how Madhuri Dixit stuns in a pastel pink trouser Salwar Kameez by Pankaj & Nidhi.

Afghani Elegance

Coming from Afghanistan, the cuff of this Salwar is much wider than that of a simple Salwar.

Despite the wideness, this style is still elegant in keeping women slightly more covered. Yet, allowing the fabric to flow as you walk.

Experiment with Parallels

A Parallel Salwar is an equal width from your waist to ankles, like Culottes.

For a more edgier look, they can be as bedazzled or as plain as you like.

The Kameez can be short or long, and even have slits on the sides or front to show off the fit.

Pretty in Palazzo

From Delhi to Mumbai, Palazzo style Salwar has entered the mainstream of South Asian fashion by storm.

This wide-legged style is popular for the Summer in Western fashion and predicted to be even more liked by Desi designers.

Pair Palazzo Salwar with a short Kameez, which has long side slits, to exaggerate the wide cuff.

So, there you have it, different, popular, and fashionable styles of Salwar Kameez. 

With regards to colours, more traditional shades are getting popular. Bright colours like reds, pinks and golds are great picks. Also becoming popular amongst designers are pastel blues, teals and sea greens.

It’s now time to go shopping!