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.