The History of Traditional Pakistani Outfits

Like any other country, Pakistan is also known for its traditional outfits, which make its people unique. There is plenty of traditional Pa...

Like any other country, Pakistan is also known for its traditional outfits, which make its people unique. There is plenty of traditional Pakistani outfits that we see around but we don’t understand much about them. In this article, we delve into the history of some of the most common traditional Pakistani outfits. Let’s get started!

1. Shalwar Kameez

This is a traditional outfit that originated from the Indian subcontinent. Shalwar Kameez is the national dress of Pakistan. Shalwars are loose pants designed in different styles. Kameez, on the other hand, is a long shirt worn with the Shalwar. The legs of the Shalwar are narrower at the ankle and wide at the top. Shalwar Kameez is worn by both women and men, with a difference in the color of the cloth, silhouettes, fitting, and embellishments used.

Kameez for women is usually collarless, while for men, it is with a western-style collar. Women also usually wear their Shalwar Kameez with a scarf, while men wear a Sadri [vest] over their Kameez. These people love this outfit because of its comfort and appearance.

2. Lehenga Choli

This is one of the most popular outfits for Pakistani women. A choli is a midriff-baring top and is worn with a sari in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. The choli reveals the navel of a woman. The gagra, on the other hand, is a long embroidered and pleated skirt that is secured at the hips leaving the lower back and mid-drift exposed. The gagra and choli are usually accompanied by a scarf known as the dupatta.

3. Churidaar Pajama

Churidaar pajamas are tight-fitting trousers that are very popular in Pakistan. They are narrow, and they tend to reveal the shapes of the legs. The churidaars are pretty stretchy, making them close-fitting. They are also made longer than the leg of the person wearing them. Sometimes, the churidaar can have a buttoned cuff at its ankles. The additional length creates folds on the ankles, which look like bangles on the ankles. The extra material makes it easy for the wearer to bend his/her feet when sitting.

4. Baloch

Another popular traditional Pakistani outfit is the Balochi. Pakistani people, especially those from Baluchistan have various styles of headscarf and turban. Balochi shalwaz kameez for men is made up of loose Kameez and very baggy Shalwar. The Baloch Kameez is usually long-sleeved. On the other hand, Balochi for women is made up of a long dress, shalwar, and a headscarf.

5. Khussa

Khussa are stylish shoes that are made in Punjab, Pakistan, worn by the Pakistani. These shoes are closed with extra curled toes. They are made using vegetable-tanned leather. The upper part of the shoe is designed using a piece of leather embroidered or textile with ceramic beads, cowry shells, brass nails, and mirrors, and it is bonded to the sole using an eco-friendly cotton thread. This footwear comes in different colors as well as designs, making it easy for one to choose the one that suits their preference. The footwear was pretty common among royalties during ancient times.