Indian Accessories

in India. It is also the traditional wear of the people in the countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh of South East Asia. This dress is worn daily by both by men and women in all these countries. While men prefer to wear only white or very light color ordinary dress women’s salwar-kameez are made of various fabrics, in dark or light colors with exquisite designs and

models. From Punjab this style has spread to all other parts of India and this costume poses a threat to Sari for its comforts and easy movements of the limbs.

This costume consists of three parts, salwar the bottom wear, kameez the top wear and dupatta. Salwar, resembling loose pyjama-like trousers, has the legs wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. The legs are pleated or gathered into a waistband and a drawstring at the top of the waistband holds the salwar up. The salwar might be either wide and baggy or quite narrow on the bias. This narrow type is called a “Churidar”.

The kameez is like a long shirt or tunic, either very long stretching 1 foot below the knees or short just touching the knees. The side seams or chaak are open below the navel, giving more freedom to limbs. The kameez is cut straight and flat. Modern ladies opt for kameez having European-inspired set-in sleeves Ready made salwar or Punjabi suits in various types are available; but tailor- made after taking the correct measurements are long lasting and more attractive. Kameez are usually long, half or short sleeved or sleeveless. The material required to stitch a kameez is 2.5-3meters long depending upon the lengths of the kameez and the sleeves and 2mts for salwar.

Dupatta, a long scarf or shawl of thin material of length 2-2.25mts is a stylish accessory, worn over one or both shoulders or draped around the chest. North Indian Hindu women cover their heads with dupatta in temples or in the presence of elders.

Wearing salwar kameez as a bridal dress is speedily catching up in North India while South Indians follow their traditional costume, wearing bright colored decorated silk saris on the wedding day.

The bridal salwar kameez are made out of various fabrics and in lovely designs and colors. Generally bridal suits are stitched in silk and brocade material, having beautiful heavy embroidery on the suits with zardosi and zari works.

Lucknow chickankari salwar suits are very popular among ladies. But with the passage of time the styles chickankari and zardosi have attained new forms and looks. Presently Patiala styles of salwar kameez are in great demand. These suits have several gathers and drapes in a stylish mould presenting even hip to ankle folds.

Ladies in expensive and colorful salwar kameez are a common sight during wedding and festive occasions. Sangeet ceremony and the mehendi ceremony are some of the special moments when ladies are seen in this outfit. The styles of salwar kameez have evolved as the time passed; like salwars from baggies to straight trousers and bell bottom styles.

The current trend is short kurtas and broad salwar, very much in fashion. The ultra modern suit, comprising short kurta or kurti, churidar and two scarves also look very elegant and fashionable. Rust brown, shades of red and yellow are considered as the auspicious colors of the costumes worn by an Indian bride. So it is only natural that salwar suits are made out of materials in any one of these colors.

The bridal suit will not be complete without a matching dupatta having golden embroidery, draped over the bride’s head decorated with precious jewelry. A bride in this costume will look gorgeous and enchanting with added accessories such as a bindi on the forehead, diamond nose rings and ear rings, exquisite pearl necklace around her neck, stone-studded bangles on her wrist and cute pretty anklets and toe rings on the feet. Her hands and feet get beautiful patterns with the application of mehendi powder which gives an orange reddish color to them.

Fashion designers use various suit fabrics to make salwar kameez suits ranging from cotton to

chiffon, georgette, velvet and silk brocade. Other suit fabric materials like satin and synthetic also find a favorite place among fashion designers. Choice of fabric material mainly depends upon certain factors such as the season, the person’s comfort level and price difference. But the most important reason is the purpose of your shopping. The most popular fabrics that have created waves are as follow.

Cotton is considered to be the best suited fabric for summer season for its cool and airy nature. Cotton suits are too comfortable to wear in summer without much problems and it has a special elegant look. And also cotton fabrics are crisp and skinfrienly. The cost of cotton suits differ depending on the texture of the material. .
The thin fabric Crepe is of two types namely the hard finished Crepe and soft Crepe. While the hard finished crepe is crisp the soft one is wavy. This fabric, available in fascinating colors, finds an important place in the making of Bridal trousseau and wedding salwar kameez. The price of this variety depends upon the material and the embroidery and the zari works done on it. A bride will look at her best in this attire. This is very much suited for an evening party wear.

Georgette is another graceful fabric which is very lightweight and so it is very easy to carry. This fabric is usually made up of silk thread of eye catching colors. The georgette suits are ideal for birthdays and anniversary days. The cost varies according to the works done on the garment.

Chiffon represents a symbol of firmness. It is a very fine fabric and is very suitable for the bold ladies. Chiffon suit could be worn on any special occasion and clings to the body very well.

Velvet is a type of material ideal for its soft mushy touch. Velvet is a heavy fabric and acts very much like a winter wear giving the much needed warm feeling to the person wearing it. As in any other case the cost differs.

Silk fabric suit, otherwise known as evergreen suit, has that shine and glamour that’s essential for any type of party. As this fabric is too soft, it is very easy to carry. But one thing; it needs proper maintenance and care. Needless to say the suits made out of this fabric are high priced.

Satin is available in various dark and light colors. It has a very smooth touch even though it is medium weight. Satin suit is suitable for any occasion. Salwar kameez made out of this glossy fabric is a bit costly.

Here comes the last, but not the least, Synthetic suit. This can be considered as the poor man’s garment since it is available at affordable rates. The colorful salwar suits made out of this fabric with lovely designs on them are easily washable and long lasting. It does not require pressing or a light pressing is sufficient. It is one of the every day casual wears.
INDIAN DUPATTA

Indian Dupatta is an unavoidable accessory along with salwar kameez. Indian fashion dupatta can not be considered as a traditional wear any more since it has found a place in the arena of fashion world. Dupatta is known by different names like Chunni, Chunari and Odhni. North Indian ladies drape this attire over their heads while they go to temples to offer prayers. But it is not a custom among South Indians. Even today rural women cover their head with a shawl called chunaria showing respect towards elders. The main advantage of Dupatta is that it can fit well with most of the wardrobes, irrespective of classic ethnic or trendy Indo western style. Actually ethnic costumes will never be complete without a dupatta.

The role of a Dupatta is to add grace to the garment. They are available in all bright and radiant colors. They look more attractive with beautiful beads and mirror work on them. When the word Dupattas is mentioned the first name that enters our mind is Lal Dupattas of Rajasthan. These Rajasthani dupattas, red in color, are simply enchanting especially when worn on white color salwar suits. The elegant tie and die prints, known as Laharia provide the magic charm to the Lal Dupattas. Bridal dupattas are too expensive having embroidery works done on them using golden threads. Dupattas worn on religious functions and very special occasions are also costly.

Usually readymade salwar sets include a matching dupatta also. Suit material available for stitching also has a matching dupatta attached to it. In addition several textile shops separately sell dupattas in various fabrics like thin cotton, silk, crepe, georgette, nylon etc with or without prints and designs.

Draping styles of dupatta have evolved paving ways for new fashion trends. Many ladies drape the dupatta over both shoulders with the central portion covering the chest. Some will fold it neatly lengthwise and attire it only on one shoulder. Modern stylish ladies let their gorgeous dupattas hang around their arms.

Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, also the hub of fashion creates some innovations in salwar suit variety frequently. Even though styles change the trendy comfortable Indian woman’s costume Salwar Kameez remains as it is. There are innumerable beautiful salwar kameez pattern available from Casual Salwar Kameez to Churidar Salwar, Punjabi suit, Afghani style, Pakistani style, Custom Salwar and the hot and trendy Indo western suits. Designer kameez salwar is in high demand by women belonging to all ethnicities and age groups.

Fashion designers innovates new designs and patterns using various combinations of silk or cotton threads. Churidar salwar is long and tight with many folds on the lower calf. This type fits very well with slim and trim figure. For fatter women we get custom or specially tailored suits. Chikankari, Zardosi, Bandhej, Phulkari, beaded sequins, mirror work and block cum handprints are always popular among ladies.

The Indo Western includes distinct elegant styles like trouser suits, sleeveless top style kameez having long slits and deep cuts. Young modern girls generally choose Indo western style with a touch of Indian tradition. Silk Kurtas (short kameez) in pastel shades have a fabulous cool and stylish look. Latest fashion craze is short Kurta/kurti with a loose Patiala style, a Punjab origin..
Both salwars and churidars along with the familiar tops kurta or kameez provide a unique comfort and style. The salwar kameez is a very decent dress and gives far more mobility to the limbs than the skirt or the sari. One can walk fast, bicycle, even run a 100-metre race in it.

The salwar is a favorite among the younger generation, as it is easy to wear. As salwar Kameez is not a clinging type it keeps our body cool on sweltering summer days.
Salwar Kameez is a suitable wear for all occasions and is very graceful lending an aura of feminine charm to the wearer. Salwar suit started in Kashmir and Punjab as a viable alternative dress form and gained popularity in India and Muslim world, especially among teens and youths. This costume’s ability to combine contemporary and traditional styles effortlessly could be the reason for its tremendous hit.

Several advantages contribute to the reasons for salwar kameez to gain such a tremendous popularity among Indian and Non-Indian women. The main advantages of salwar kameez over other Indian garments are as follows:

Salwar kameez is good for all sizes of women and looks great on all body types and shapes. No matter, whether you are a little fat or an over-sized woman, a small size demure one or an average size woman the salwar suits will give you an elegant look and you will feel great.

Readymade salwar suits are available from extra small to 5 extra large sizes. Tailors are also experts in stitching suits with the correct measurement of each figure, either big or small.

Salwar kameez provides a feeling of comfort and security. This costume will not hinder your movements since you can walk without the fear that something undesirable might pop out or hang out at any moment. In salwar suit you need not sacrifice your modesty or comfort. This wonderful suit combines both comfort and grace with the latest fashion styles.

Salwar Kameez come in limitless styles and patterns; different styles such as Parallel/Trouser style salwar suits having a short Kurta style top, churidar style salwar kameez, pajami and afghani style salwar kameez and traditional style salwar kameez with countless variations.

In addition to that, you can see innumerable varieties of embroidery and design enhancements. Thus salwar kameez automatically becomes the ideal limitless in design variation and above all in style.

Salwar Kameez is less costly than many other clothing. It is true that salwar kameez are available in every budget. Even formal salwar kameez are cheaper than western formal wears.

If you purchase a dress from a reputed shop its beauty will last longer.Salwar kameez can go anywhere such as to formal or semi formal events, working places, colleges, any parties or dinners, or just out for shopping. Interestingly, a single salwar suit can play many roles just adding some dressy accessories like jewelry or shoes. To say least, buying a salwar suit is not a waste in any way.

alwar kameez is easy to wear, easy to wash and easy to press and so it is the “EASIEST COSTUME”.