Salwar Suits for Every Body Type

Traditional Indian clothes have always been a conversation starter. Be it the six-yard saree, kurti or a beautifully embroidered salwar suit, an Indian woman, wearing a traditional outfit will always grab your attention.

Salwar suits are believed to have their roots in the Mughal Reign. Worn by women of all ages a typical salwar suit consists of a long tunic called kameez or kurta/kurti teamed with a loose pant called salwar. Completing this look is a long sheer swatch of fabric known as dupatta. This three-piece set has undergone various changes since its early inception and can now be customized in a number of stylish ways.

Women, irrespective of skin colour and body type have adopted the salwar kameez with great enthusiasm. A salwar kameez can be made from a number of fabrics like silk, cotton, georgette, crepe and many more. Visit any Indian shop or shop online and you will be amazed by the amount of styles, colours and varieties on display. You will find several shops on the streets selling salwar suits in every colour of the rainbow. Bright reds are mixed with pleasing pinks while energetic blues blend perfectly into gorgeous green shades.

Indian ladies are extremely fond of wearing cotton salwar suits in their day to day lives. Thanks to its comfortable nature and lightweight fabrics, a salwar suit is a staple in any woman’s closet. You can opt for cotton salwar suits which are easily available in any shop. These suits usually feature bright colours and various prints. Many suits use block printed fabrics in intricate designs to showcase the ethnicity of Indian design. The most commonly used motifs are flowers, leaves, paisley prints and sometimes even animals. Sometimes the salwar suits even feature contrasting colours and prints for a more dramatic look.

While traditional salwar kameez had straight cuts and loose bottoms, the modern suits feature anarkali or loose tops and tighter bottoms. Using materials such as cotton or chanderi, the salwar kameez is the preferred option for working women as well. Thanks to its demure and structured look, the salwar suit lends a comfortable yet professional feel to your work ensemble. A collared kurta will add a touch of elegance to your outfit without compromising on style.

Salwar kameez outfits suit women of all body types. No matter what your body type, there is definitely a salwar that is perfect for you. Here is a guide that will help you select the right outfit for your body type:

Apple:
Indian women with apple body types are categorized with excess weight around the stomach area. For these women, the anarkali is ideal. With its long and loose form, you can easily conceal your flab. Anarkalis too have come a long way since its original debut. You can experiment with a number of cuts such as under bust, empire line, wrap around and floor length according to your preference. It has been noted that empire line cut is favourable to all body types and gives you a slimming look. For those on the lighter side can opt for under bust cuts and wrap around anarkalis. You can let your imagination run wild and mix and match various fabrics and prints according to your preference.

Pear:
Pear shaped women are usually slimmer on the torso and arms while being wider around the hips. Show off your toned arms in sleeveless kurtas and strappy tops. A good option for this body type is the indo western tunics which feature long kurtas and fitted pants or churidars, without the dupatta. More and more women are forsaking the duppatta and adopting the clean look of indo western tunics. The kurtas are adorned with various kinds of embroidery and embellishments which add to its allure. These can be paired with either oversize palazzos or beautifully embroidered straight cut pants.

Hourglass:
Considered the ideal body type, hourglass figures are the perfect frame for any style of clothing. A typical hourglass figure consists of a curvy bust, narrow waist and lightly flared hips. Since it resembles an hourglass, it is rightly named so. Take your pick from the brightly coloured suits complete with beautiful embellishments and decorations. These suits are easily available in the market and can also be customized according to your preference. These stunning pieces can be created out of fabrics such as brocade, silk, chiffon, brasso and many more. These suits are heavily embroidered with contrasting coloured threads. Designers also make use of gold and silver threads, zari work and sequins to add glamour to the outfit.

Vase:
If you have narrow shoulders, a smaller bust and a tall height, then your body type is a vase shape. This shape is ideal for floor length anarkalis as they require a long frame for a dramatic look. The evolution of salwar suit has reached the next level with the introduction of floor length anarkalis. These traditional gowns will ensure that you will always stand out in a crowd. While these anarkalis consist of all three elements: kurta, salwar and dupatta, the overall look of the outfit is totally different from the traditional salwar suit.

Curvy
For those women who are a little bit on the heavier side, you can wear straight cut kurtas along with loose palazzo pants for a leaner look. You can also wear a long kalidar anarkali without a bust cut and revel in the compliments you are guaranteed to receive.
The salwar suit is no longer described as a Indian ethnic wear or traditional outfit only. Thanks to its versatility and modern influence, you can wear it for parties and outings with friends as well. Numerous designers have come up with innovative designs that combine the ethnic elements of a salwar suit with the modernity of western wear. A number of innovative cuts and styles have been used by designers to flatter women of all body types.

The salwar suit has been popularized through generations of actresses in Bollywood. Many films have showcased salwar suit outfits that have attained cult status. Women of all ages have flocked to stores demanding similar looks for themselves. And who can blame them? The salwar suit is a garment that enhances the beauty of women. Just add the right accessories and you will turn heads no matter where you go.

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