Pakistani Clothes: A Colorful Reflection of Culture and Tradition

No doubt you’ve heard of Pakistani designer clothes or Pakistan’s iconic Shalwar Kameez dress, but what else do women here wear? While no dress could ever take away from the iconic garment of 220 million (divided into four provinces) we should remember there’s more to this diverse nation than just one style of garment — the Pakistan dress! So what exactly makes a Pakistan dress? Let’s find out together!

HIStory & Origin of Dresses in Pakistan

While the Shalwar Kameez remains the dominant national dress of Pakistan, each province has their own traditional attire that reflects their culture, climate, and other factors.

* Traditional Pakistani Suit: A stunning shalwar kameez.

Balochistan’s women typically opt for the Balochi suit, a combination of a shalwar, headscarf and long dress. There are also several other traditional dresses popular here that often boast beautiful mirror work embroidery.

In Sindh and Punjab regions, the national shalwar kameez is still a staple fashion piece. Popularity of this garment began shortly after Mughals introduced it during the 13th century; initially worn only by Muslim women in Punjab region, but soon spread throughout other parts of Asia as well.

* Lehenga Chouri: Traditional Pakistani dress with a modern touch

The lehenga is another popular dress choice among Pakistanis.

This dress is so popular that many Muslim brides often opt for it when selecting their wedding outfit. Similar to the Shalwar Kameez, lehenga choli fashions can also be found in India; however, Pakistani Lehengas offer a more contemporary aesthetic.

The lehenga choli is composed of two pieces: the lower lehenga (long flared skirt) and choli (fitting blouse), both usually printed or beautifully embellished. To complete the ensemble, one may add a dupatta for covering one’s head or midriff which might be left bare in some designs. Like Shalwars before it, lehengas were introduced to northern India with Muslims arriving around 13th century.

* Saree — A Tangled Past

Sarees used to be a ubiquitous sight in Pakistan, but then politics intervened and soon after As-Salamu-Alaykum this beautiful garment was declared un-Islamic for Pakistani women.

Nowadays, life seems to have returned to normal in Pakistan with the saree enjoying a kind of acceptance among upper and middle-class families again. Though still worn informally in India on special occasions, this dress has seen formal adoption in Pakistan on special occasions.

PAKISTANI DRESSES — PROCESS, FABRIC, ETC.

Early lehenga dresses were typically constructed out of cotton fabrics.

At its inception, Pakistani lehenga was decorated with fabrics such as silk and brocade by royals to give it a truly royal status. Nowadays, Pakistani lehenga can be made out of various materials like velvet, satin or net; modern designs may feature different kinds of work such as zardosi work, Resham embroidery or handwoven designs for added visual interest.

Crafting a lehenga choli requires meticulous stitching, which can take up to twenty days before it’s complete. Other factors like whether the lehenga will be hand-woven, fabric type and embellishments might add additional time and complexity to the process, further adding to its length. With all these factors taken into consideration when crafting these Pakistani lehengas, expect them to take longer than anticipated.

The shalwar kameez can be made of virtually any fabric, such as cotton, silk, velvet, georgette and chiffon. Furthermore, different kinds of embroideries and print work may be featured for an eclectic array of styles and looks.

Five Popular Pakistani Dress Styles and Types

Let us get right to the point: here are five of the most sought-after ethnic dresses among Pakistani women in 2023.

Lehenga Choli: Popular among Pakistani brides for its stunning beauty, lehenga cholis come in both Pakistan and India with various variations to suit different occasions. These beautiful garments can be accessorized with various embellishments depending on the event, or simply paired with one or two dupattas depending on individual requirements.
Shalwar Kameez: This traditional Pakistani garment needs no introduction as its iconic status as the national dress.
Balochi suit: Popular among women of Balochistan culture, this variation on the shalwar features both a long shalwar and matching scarf for added flair.
Anarkali Suit: Anarkali suit is a style of shalwar kameez that looks like an extended dress. You can pair this attire with palazzo pants, shalwar, churidar, etc. for the complete look!
Saree: An unstitched piece of fabric draped around the body for a stylish and captivating look. Though it may appear simple at first glance, there’s nothing ordinary about this elegant garment — it radiates beauty from within.
What Are The Latest And Popular Pakistani Dress Trends in 2023? Take a look at some of the styles that set the pace in 2023, many of which will continue to influence style this year as well.

Knee-length shirt/frocks: Knee-length shirts and frocks have always been popular casual wear, but in 2023 they took on a new meaning — simple yet elegant. These designs were big in 2023, and we can expect them to remain so in 2023.
Lawn dresses with embellishments: In 2023, lawn dresses featuring beautiful embroideries were a major trend. It appears these beauties will remain popular through 2023 as laces embellished with pearls and beads as well as feather lace styles and net laces are expected to continue their success.
Light colors such as white, pink, peach and other light hues were a key fashion trend in 2023. These tones provide an effortlessly chic and refreshing aesthetic during summer’s hottest days.
Bangles and Tassel Earrings: Tassel earrings were a standout feature of last year’s fashion trends, so pair them with matching light and attractive bangles to get that ultimate Pak girl style!
Bell Sleeve Dress Styles of 2023: As 2023 draws to a close, bell sleeves remain one of the most popular dress trends. We can’t wait to rock these beautiful style dresses featuring bell sleeves at their wrist or elbow sides this year!
HOW/WHHEN TO WEAR PAKISTANI DRESSES: For spring/summer looks, add bell sleeves at your wrists or elbows for added appeal and warmth!
Pakistanians often don different dresses for various events and celebrations.

The lehenga is an elegant dress ideal for many special occasions and important celebrations. You’ll understand why it’s the first choice of Pakistani Muslim brides at their weddings.

Pakistani lehengas and Anarkali suits come in a range of fabrics to match different occasions — cotton for summer festivals and crepe for winter festivities. While lighter fabrics like cotton or crepe may be ideal for warmer climates, heavier materials like silk or velvet should be reserved for colder months.
Sarees are still worn by Pakistani girls and women on special occasions. On the other hand, shalwar kameez dresses can be dressed down for casual looks; pair them with flip flops or wedge heel sandals and accessorize with jewelry like necklaces, bangles, earrings — the possibilities are endless!

What Makes Pakistani Dresses So Popular and Cherished?

Pakistanis’ impeccable sense of fashion is one reason these garments are beloved — both culturally and aesthetically. Pakistani clothes and dresses offer something for everyone, no matter their taste in clothing.

These dresses serve as a testament to Pakistan’s cultural evolution throughout time, and many of them are iconic and stunningly beautiful.
Shalwar Kameez dresses are popular due to their simplicity and versatility, making them popular choices among Pakistanis. Other elegant options such as lehenga choli and Anarkali suits also appeal greatly; no wonder why these beauties are often the first choice for parties and special events!