Use this guide to teach you what a salwar kameez is and what each piece is called. The basics you need to know before you shop for one.

Copyright Notice: All text and images used are copyrighted by Pardesi Services, LLC. and may not be used without prior permission.

Guide Writer’s Qualifications
• One of the original Salwar Kameez sellers on eBay and the Internet, with more than 7 years experience selling salwar kameez and Indian Fashions.
• Salwar Kameez  and Indian Fashion Wearer
• Homes and Fashion Offices in both India and the USA allow the writer to have first hand knowledge of Indian fashions being created and worn both in India and abroad. Pardesi Fashions is a USA licensed business with the State of New Hampshire and a licensed exporter with the Government of India.
•  To learn more about our unique Indian Fashions business please visit our About Me’s website links found here: About Pardesifashions

Salwar Kameez (shalwar kameez) are beautiful and elegant Indian fashion clothing meant to accentuate the female body. Although the origin of Salwar Kameez is debated, it is closely associated with the women of Punjab, a Northern Indian state that was divided between India and Pakistan after the Partition of 1947. In recent decades, the salwar kameez has spread throughout India into regions and cultures where salwar kameez had only been seen in movies before or on the occasional Punjabi or North Indian tourist. These graceful Indian fashion suits are gaining popularity among non-Indians throughout the world as well. Women, no matter what their cultural or ethnic history, can benefit from the beauty, style and feminine potential of Salwar Kameez. It is equally flattering on the plus size or big size woman as it is on the smaller woman.

Parts and Terms:
A traditional salwar kameez (shalwar kameez) is a pant suit consisting of three pieces:
• Salwar: the pants of the suit. They are loose fitting with a drawstring waist
• Kameez: the shirt of the suit. It is a long, tunic style shirt
• Dupatta: the long scarf of the suit

In addition to the above terms it is highly likely to find other variations but essentially they are all the same. Some common variations on these terms are:

Shalwar Kameez – Although this term can be used by both Indian and Pakistani natives, it is most often used by Pakistani natives. Shalwar Kameez and Salwar Kameez are basically the same thing, just a different way of saying it. An exception to this would be that some people assume that shalwar kameez should have long sleeves.

Salwar Kamise- This is just a variation of the spelling of Kameez.

Punjabi Suit or Punjabi Fashion - Sometimes salwar kameez are referred to in this manner because they are closely associated with the state of Punjab in Northern India. In fact, the salwar kameez’s origins and history began in Punjab, Northern India.

Chuni or Chunni – Another term for a Dupatta.

Duppatta or Dupata – Variations of spelling for a Dupatta. We have a wonderful duppatta tutorial which you can access by visiting our website links found here: About Pardesifashions

Copyright Notice: All text and images used are copyrighted by Pardesi Services, LLC. and may not be used without prior permission.