12 Facts About Shalwar kameez

Shalwar kameez is a traditional combination dress worn by women, and in some regions by men, in South Asia, and Central Asia.

Shalwar and kameez were introduced into South Asia by arriving Muslims in the north in the 13th century: at first worn by Muslim women, their use gradually spread, making them a regional style, especially in the historical Punjab region.

Everywhere in South Asia, modern versions of the attire have evolved; the shalwars are worn lower down on the waist, the kameez have shorter length, with higher splits, lower necklines and backlines, and with cropped sleeves or without sleeves.

The Shalwar kameez is a long shirt or tunic, often seen with a Western-style collar; however, for female apparel, the term is loosely applied to collarless or mandarin-collared kurtas.

The Shalwar kameez might be worn with pajamas as well, either for fashion or comfort.

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Some Shalwar kameez styles have side seams, left open below the waist-line, giving the wearer greater freedom of movement.

However, the shalwar kameez has now become popular across the Indian subcontinent.

Shalwar kameez known as the Anarkali suit is named after the court dancer from Lahore.

Styles of shalwar kameez worn in Afghanistan include various styles of khet partug, perahan tunban and Firaq partug worn by Pashtuns, Tajiks, and Hazaras.

The Shalwar kameez is loose, and traditionally is long, with long sleeves.

The present Balochi shalwar kameez replaced the earlier version which consisted of a robe to the ankles and a shalwar using cloth of up to 40 yards.

Traditional shalwar kameez worn in the Punjab region is cut differently to the styles worn in Balochistan and Afghanistan and is known as a "Punjabi suit" with the kameez being cut straight and flat with side slits.