Clothes play a significant role in showcasing the cultural aspects of a nation. Every nation has its own clothing traditions that help them stand out among other countries. Similarly, Pakistani traditional clothes has its own unique and cultural designs.
The history of Pakistani clothing is both colourful and fascinating. Not only in Pakistan but also in overseas countries, people admire them alot and love to style them according to their designs.
Although, with time, Pakistani fashion has evolved a lot but traditional attires still have their unique place. Whether it’s a wedding or a family get-together, People of Pakistan love wearing conventional dresses like shalwar kameez, saree, sherwani, ghararas, kurti, dupatta, etc.
In this blog, we are going to consider the traditional wears of Pakistan and how they have evolved or changed with new trends.
Traditional Pakistani Dresses For Women
Traditional dresses generally refer to the ethnic clothes worn by individuals of a specific area. In Pakistan, many different styles of dresses are available that are styled in various ways in other provinces. This blog will cover Pakistan’s most famous and commonly worn women’s dresses.
Shalwar Kameez
The Shalwar kameez is one of the most ancient and traditional attire of women in Pakistan. It is a quite famous dress that the majority of women wear in Pakistan. However, depending on the provinces and their culture, the designs and pattern of the Kameez Shalwar may differ.
It is a two-piece dress consisting of a long or medium-sized shirt and loosely fitted trousers. This traditional dress is styled in different ways according to the occasion.
Mostly heavy embroidery and stone-worked shalwar kameez are worn at parties and weddings. On the contrary, on a daily basis or at family get-togethers, floral-printed short-sized shirts with straight trousers are worn.
Dupatta
Dupatta is another traditional and important accessory in Pakistani clothing. It is a long piece of cloth quite similar to a scarf, mostly styled with a Shalwar Kameez. Dupatta has been a part of Pakistani clothing for centuries.
Depending on the occasion, they are available in different sizes, fabrics, and designs. Currently, long and heavily embellished dupattas with plain and simple Kameez Shalwar are extremely in demand.
Again, depending on the occasion, the style and design of a dupatta vary. At weddings or parties, heavy and lengthy embroidered dupattas are styled with fancy suits. However, on a daily basis, women prefer to wear medium-sized printed dupattas.
Flared Gowns and Frocks
Flared gowns and frocks have been a part of the traditional clothing of the South Asia sub-continent for centuries. Basically, it is a one-piece floor-length long dress decorated with embroidery or floral prints.
In the Mughal eras, these gowns and frocks were worn by both men and women.
However, these ancient-styled gowns have now become extremely trendy, and a lot of women in Pakistan love to style them in different ways.
This long dress also comes with frills extending from the waist, giving a majestic and luxurious look. Whether you want to style this flared gown at parties, weddings, or family get-togethers, you can get the perfect fit from their various styles and designs.
Ghararas
Like flared gowns and frocks, ghararas are also considered one of the most traditional attires of Pakistani clothing. Gharara is one such attire that never gets old fashioned. Whether it’s a wedding or a traditional festival, Pakistani women love to wear ghararas in various styles.
They are mostly styled with medium-length shirts and Anarkali dresses. These wide-legged trousers with flowing shirts compliment every woman. However, some women also prefer to wear them with matching shawls and dupattas.
New Trends and Styles
Pakistani clothing has continuously been evolving in recent years. A Lot of new trends and styles are merging with traditional attires providing a very cultural yet modern look. Branded Pakistani clothing have a significant role in bringing traditional and contemporary looks together.
Now instead of Shalwar Kameez, pant-style trousers with medium-sized shirts, short frocks with slim-fit jeans, and long-sleeveless gowns are more in the trend that gives a very contemporary yet cultural look.
In summary, although many modern trends are influencing today’s Pakistani attires, traditional dresses are still preferable among Pakistani ladies. They are considered extraordinarily comfortable while providing a charming and fascinating appeal.