Is Everyone in the West Now Wearing Shalwar Kameez?

Since the foundation of Pakistan in 1947, culture-rich regions have greatly impacted the fashion industry. However, with the innovation of new silhouettes and eclectic patterns, comes the reminder that although nouveau fashion is inspirational, tradition remains firm in the household of millions in Pakistan.
The Shalwar Kameez suit is a timeless household fashion staple that many women and men fall back on.
Found in homes all around Pakistan, the Shalwar Kameez suit knows no boundaries, with rich and poor alike rocking the style. Because of their ease and beauty, Shalwar Kameez suits are affordable and are available in a multitude of colors and prints, making them perfect for casual, day-to-day wear.

Because of their ease and beauty, Shalwar Kameez suits are affordable and are available in a multitude of colors and prints, making them perfect for casual, day-to-day wear.

Its popularity among the citizens of Pakistan has not gone unnoticed, however. Those who subscribe to American-based fashion magazines have noticed that styles of tops and dresses have been released that bear a striking resemblance to the unofficial uniform of Pakistan.
For example, Versace’s S/S 2016 menswear collection featured tops that were of the same style as men’s style kameezes found in the east.

Meanwhile, kameezes are marketed as a “dress over pants” style for women. The fast rise to fame in western countries can be attributed to such features as the slits mimicking tunics, the enticing colors and the patterns that demand attention.

With the popularity of this style clothing on the rise in the west and a staple in the east, the Pakistani fashion industry has found a way to capitalize on the rising popularity by releasing lawn style fabrics.
Brands such as Crescent, Al Karam, and Gul Ahmed, who have been established for years, are rising in popularity as women rush to find the best of the unique plethora of prints they have to offer. Designers are releasing lawn collections because of its marketability to the public as well as the increase in demand for unique prints.

Shalwar Kameez suits have found a permanent comfortable home in the lives of Pakistanis throughout the country and abroad and will remain there for a long time by being a style that is easily marketable.

In a world constantly begging to sample cultures and clothing left and right, it is absolutely nonnegotiable to retain the elements that make you you, and one particular brand has done just that.
By reworking the style of Shalwar Kameez, Khaadi has set itself apart from the competition, both abroad and at home. Khaadi has introduced the industry and its customers to a men’s style Shalwar Kameez suit, for women.
Their Prêt Collection features a wonderful, colorful, and vibrant variety of Shalwar and Kameez suits that are tailored and solid, similar to the men’s style. This style can be seen on Pakistani actress Sanam Baloch, and more recently on supermodel Rabia Butt, as they both don a Shalwar Kameez suit with a waistcoat, another recently popular menswear piece in Pakistan.

With the fashion industry being so young in Pakistan, it will be interesting to see how the silhouette of this steadfast style changes according to generations.
Shalwar Kameez suits have found a permanent comfortable home in the lives of Pakistanis throughout the country and abroad and will remain there for a long time by being a style that is easily marketable and essentially a blank canvas for creativity.
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Written by Aqsa Pervaiz