All manner of global fashions may enter India at diverse periods, but the Indian woman’s fascination with the salwar kameez shall never wane! This is because the outfit is comfortable, suitable for any age or body type, and easy to handle. Like everyone else, you are aware that it blends well into any kind of environment, be it domestic, professional, or social in nature.

Readymade vs. Unstitched

Different kinds of fabrics have evolved over the decades. To illustrate, the 90s witnessed a plethora of salwar suits fashioned from polyester, rayon or viscose. People deemed them as ideal for wearing to work, semi-formal events and formal occasions. With the advent of the 21^st century, women’s tastes underwent a change. They began to opt for more graceful and softer materials, such as silk, chiffon, crepe, cotton, georgette, etc.

Are materials important?

Yes, they are, for they determine the ‘looks’ of the three-piece set. The overall look will also help you decide if you should wear the apparel for a casual occasion or a formal event. Therefore, it would help if you opted for unstitched salwar suits, instead of purchasing readymade dresses. You will have the freedom to approach your personal tailor and request the fashioning of a designer salwar kameez in a beautiful combination of colours. Since the stitched clothes will suit your body frame to perfection, you will be able to gather the appropriate accessories to go with them too.

Fabrics

Cotton is an all-weather fabric, which is great for casual outings. It absorbs sweat easily, is soft to the touch, and breezy in function. Oh, yes, you may wear cotton suits to office too! Note that pure cotton is the most comfortable, instead of combinations, such as cotton jute, cotton silk or cotton viscose. Do not ever think that cotton dresses are ordinary or bland, for they are available in an array of rich colours, styles and patterns!

Semi-formal and formal occasions demand silk! It displays a beautifully soft flow. If you possess a stunning figure, it should prove ideal for outlining your silhouette too! If you prefer the coarser and the lighter variety of silk, you may opt for Tussore, Matka or Kosa silk. In case, heavy and fine silks are your favourite, go for Jamdani, Mysore, Banarasi, etc. Whatever type of silk you select for your salwar kameez, you are bound to stand out at weddings and other festive events!

Other materials wending their way into the fashion world include the earthy jute and khadi; the crease-resistant, crinkled and lightweight crepe; the sensuous chiffon; strong, yet soft georgette; etc. You should also be able to see layers of tissue or net covering delicate materials such as brocade, satin and velvet.

Wise Choices

If you are keen to make a fashion statement and not present yourself as a fashion disaster, make your choices wisely! For instance, art silk, jute, heavy silks, thick cotton are excellent for thin or skinny frames. They add some ‘flesh’ to your body! Lightweight fabrics (soft silk, georgette, crepe, etc.) are ideal for voluptuous bodies.

Similarly, shiny, bold or bright hues are great for you, if you are slim and trim. Dark or rustic colours will suit you well, if you possess a broad or heavy figure. To sum up, pay attention to all aspects of your dress – neckline, hemline, flow, tightness, pattern of sleeves, etc – before deciding if it is appropriate for you and the occasion, or not.

Summary

Salwar suits are ideal for casual, semi-formal, formal and grand events. However, it is imperative that you select apparel that complements your figure, rather than detracts from it.