A go-to ethnic wear staple, and a quintessential part of Indian culture, the salwar suit is a must-have in every Indian woman’s wardrobe. Stylish and comfortable to wear, salwar suits for women have been around for centuries. Over the years the salwar styles have been reinvented by leading Indian designers and experimentation has been at the core of these designs. Modern day designers have experimented with various styles and fabrics to create numerous options of suits for women to choose from. From a flowy palazzo suit sported by Jahnvi Kapoor to an embroidered sharara suit worn by Kareena Kapoor Khan, there’s enough proof that salwar suits need a permanent spot in your rotation.
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Here are the five salwar suit styles to have in your wardrobe:
- Straight Cut Salwar Suit
The most common type of suit for women, that consists of a straight kurta and can be paired with straight pants or a churidaar. This usually comes with a matching dupatta; if there is no matching dupatta, feel free to add a dupatta in a contrasting or matching colour to complement the suit.
- Anarkali Suit
Considered a more dressier option than its straight cut counterpart, anarkali suits for women are flared from below the chest. Supremely feminine and elegant, these are usually paired with a churidaar. Anarkali suits have made their way into everyday wardrobes as well with simpler designs that are light enough for daily wear.
- Palazzo Suit
A celebrity favourite, the palazzo suit is by far the most comfortable of all suits for women. From airport looks to off duty day style, we’ve spotted celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon sporting the palazzo suit. They are the perfect balance between Indian and Indo-western dressing, the palazzo suit is a great pick for everyday wear.
- Patiala Suit
A quintessentially Punjabi style of suits, the patiala suit is associated with baggy bottoms and kurtas that end just above the knee. The kurta in these suits for women are generally well-fitted to complement the baggy bottoms.
- Asymmetrical Suit
Unlike the more defined designs of straight cut suits, these suits have diagonal asymmetrical cuts. This unique design adds a modern touch to this otherwise traditional outfit. You can pair them with palazzo pants or skin tight leggings, your options are plenty.
Apart from our favourite celebrities wearing them, here’s 7 reasons why you need to own a salwar suit.
7 Reasons to wear Salwar Suits:
- Fuss-free and easier to handle as compared to sarees for everyday wear.
- Ideal for casual, formal, and social settings; can be worn to parties, office, college, and even weddings, depending on the design.
- Has a variety of different styles to choose from.
- Offers room for experimentation with cuts, colours, and designs.
- It is the ideal example of modest fashion.
- Convenient, comfortable, and offers ease of movement.
- Lighter and airy making salwar suits the go-to choice for summer dressing.
Suits for women come in a variety of different styles, each made with a fabric that aids in achieving the desired look and feel.
Here are 3 fabrics that are commonly used to make salwar suits:
Cotton
The go-to fabric for salwar suits, cotton suits are not just limited to everyday wear. With the growing love for cotton, this fabric is also being used to create heavier suits that fit the bill for special occasions.
Silk
Soft to the touch, silk is another commonly used fabric when it comes to making suits for weddings and parties. Tussar and Banarasi silk have a regal look and feel, making them ideal to create heavy salwar suits for occasions.
Chiffon
Lightweight and breezy, chiffon can be used to create both simple, everyday suits and dressy ones. This fabric drapes like a dream, and does not crease easily, saving you the extra effort of ironing it before every wear.
Apart from these conventional fabrics, designers have resorted to heavier materials like brocade and velvet for heavier salwar suits. These fabrics look and feel rich, but are warmer to wear making them ideal for colder days.
Conclusion
Salwar suits have stood the test of time and found a permanent spot in women’s wardrobes for decades. Owing to its versatility and comfort, salwar suit designs have evolved along with the changing preferences of the modern woman. With multiple designs, styles, and fabrics to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect salwar suit to wear for every day and every occasion in the calendar.