Since I am originally of Punjabi descent I will be looking at that first as that is who I am and then start moving in to the areas of clothing I do wear.
Punjabi Suit/clothing
The Punjabi suit, also known as the salwar kameez, is an outfit worn primarily by Indian women but also by some men. The Punjabi suit became popular around the time of the Mogul Empire, from 1500 to 1700 c.e., and has continued to be worn by modern Indians to the present day. The Punjabi suit consists of a sleeved tunic-like top that hangs to mid thigh and loose trousers that become narrow at the ankle. A scarf, or dupatta, is often draped around the neck as an accompaniment to the suit. Made of a variety of light fabrics, such as cotton and silk, the Punjabi suit can be plain but is more often decorated with printed fabric or embroidery. The decorations found on the garment are highly symbolic, often designed to guard against evil spirits that might harm the wearer.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/fashion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/punjabi-suit
Punjabi clothing traditionally is all about the bright mix of colours, layering, draping and phulkari embroidery. It is a prominent type of embroidery which originated in Punjab and can still see it's presence in modern day punjabi clothing.
Phulkari (flower work):
A phulkari ordhani was a heavy, all-concealing way of shrouding a woman’s shape and identity but the story its motifs and design told was all her own.
As Jasleen Dhamija wrote in her beautiful autobiographical essay in my book Threads and Voices, the traditional Baghs and Phulkaris were all about women. Not only did they spin the cotton and often dye the cloth on which it was embroidered, but they were the ones who designed and wore it.
Other garments off the punjabi suit era:
- Anarkali suits
An Anarkali suit consists of a long, frock style top that creates a beautiful, flowing silhouette. The bodice is clinched just below the chest and the rest of the kurta is loose and flowy. The Anarkali is usually paired with churidar bottoms.
- Dhoti salwars
Dhoti Salwars are a very traditional, yet stylish style of Salwar Kurtas. Although they are seen being worn by men more than women, they still form a very interesting part of the women’s wardrobe. The salwar has numerous U-shaped pleats that goes folding in the upward direction. They are usually paired with short, tight kurtis.
- Patiala Salwars
As the name suggests, the Patiala pants originate from Patiala, Punjab. They were mostly worn by the women belonging to the royal Punjabi families, but these days, they are worn by every other woman in the country. The pleats in this type of salwar start from the hip and goes down till the end cuffs. These are also best suited with tight kurtis or kurtas for women.
- Palazzo Salwars
This type of salwar kurta is what is trending today. This is a perfect example of the Indo-western style and is also extremely comfortable to wear. These salwars are very loose and stay parallel to the frame of your legs. These can be paired with almost any type of women’s top wear, including women’s kurtas, kurtis, t-shirts, crop tops and more.
> If I'm creating a journal as well as an educational piece what imagines can I use? Do I have to take my own or can I use existing ones and reference them?
Other garments to look into:
- Saree
- Kurtis
- Lehnga/ Ghagra
- Sharara
- Blouses
- Dupattas
- Pakistani trousers
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