Types of Pakistani Dresses, Explained
A shalwar kameez is a two-piece outfit: a long tunic called a kameez worn over loose trousers called a shalwar, usually finished with a long scarf called a dupatta. It is the national dress of Pakistan, and with the dupatta it is sold as a “three-piece suit”. The same outfit is often spelled salwar kameez.
The core pieces of Pakistani dress
- Kameez (shirt): a tunic that can fall anywhere from the hip to below the knee. It may be straight, A-line, flared, or a long fitted cut, with side slits for movement.
- Shalwar: loose trousers gathered at the ankle, held with a drawstring or elastic.
- Dupatta: a long scarf or stole worn with the outfit (see below).
Together the kameez and shalwar make the shalwar kameez. You will find everyday and formal versions in our Pakistani suits collection.
What is a dupatta?
A dupatta is a long rectangular scarf, typically around 2–2.5 metres long, worn with a shalwar kameez, frock or lehenga. It can be draped over both shoulders, over one shoulder, across the chest, or over the head. Dupattas range from light printed lawn and chiffon for everyday wear to heavily embroidered organza and net for weddings, where the dupatta is often the most decorated piece of the outfit.
Trouser styles you will see
- Shalwar: the classic loose, gathered trouser.
- Straight trousers and cigarette pants: slim and modern, popular with ready-to-wear.
- Culottes and palazzos: wide-legged; culottes are cropped.
- Churidar: close-fitting trousers that gather in folds at the ankle.
- Sharara: flared from the knee, like a wide skirt split into two legs; a favourite for weddings and Eid.
- Gharara: fitted to the knee, then flaring out sharply below it, often with a decorated band at the knee.
Two-piece, three-piece, stitched and unstitched
- Two-piece: usually a kameez with trousers, or a kameez with a dupatta.
- Three-piece: kameez, trousers and dupatta together.
- Unstitched: the three pieces as fabric, for a tailor to make up. See unstitched suits.
- Stitched, ready-to-wear or pret: finished outfits sold in a letter size. See ready-to-wear.
- Formal pret: stitched outfits with heavier embroidery and finer fabrics.
Pakistani occasion wear
- Frock and anarkali: a long, flared kameez cut like a dress, worn with fitted trousers.
- Maxi: a floor-length dress, often with an embroidered bodice.
- Lehenga: a full skirt worn with a short or long blouse (choli or kameez) and a dupatta, most often seen at weddings.
- Sharara and gharara sets: a short kameez with sharara or gharara trousers, popular at mehndi and barat events.
Going to a wedding? The wedding guest collection includes notes on what suits each event.
Pakistani fabrics glossary
| Fabric | What it is | When to wear it |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn | Fine, lightweight cotton, often printed | Spring and summer |
| Cambric | Slightly heavier cotton | All year, everyday |
| Khaddar | Coarse, hand-feel cotton weave | Autumn and winter |
| Karandi | Textured blended weave with good drape | Winter |
| Linen | Breathable, slightly crisp weave | Autumn, winter, smart-casual |
| Velvet | Heavy, soft pile | Winter formals and weddings |
| Chiffon | Sheer, light, floaty | Formals, dupattas |
| Organza | Sheer and crisp, holds embroidery well | Weddings, dupattas |
| Net | Open mesh base for embellishment | Weddings, festive |
| Raw silk | Textured silk with a soft sheen | Festive and formal |
| Pashmina | Fine wool from the Changthangi goat | Shawls, winter layering |
Pakistani and Indian names for the same pieces
Many styles are shared across South Asia under different names. A kameez is close to an Indian kurta; salwar and shalwar are spellings of the same trouser; anarkali and frock describe similar flared cuts. Pakistani designs tend to feature longer shirts, heavier dupatta embroidery and three-piece sets as standard.
Questions about Pakistani dress
What are Pakistani clothes called?
The main outfit is the shalwar kameez, usually worn with a dupatta. Formal and wedding styles include frocks, maxis, lehengas, sharara and gharara sets.
Is it shalwar kameez or salwar kameez?
Both. Shalwar is the more common spelling in Pakistan and salwar in India; they describe the same loose trouser and outfit.
What is a three-piece suit in Pakistani clothing?
A matching kameez, trousers and dupatta, sold together either stitched or as unstitched fabric.
Can non-Pakistani women wear a shalwar kameez?
Yes. Guests at Pakistani weddings and Eid gatherings are usually welcomed in shalwar kameez, and hosts often appreciate it. Choose a modest, comfortable outfit and follow any dress code the hosts share.