NATIONAL DRESS OF PAKISTAN

National Dress – Shalwar Qameez

Shalwar Qameez is the national dress of Pakistan. People from all four provinces of Pakistan wear Shalwar Qameez which comes in many different styles, fabrics, colours and patterns. It is a dress worn on both casual and formal occasions owing to its comfortability. Women wear it along with Duppatta, which is essential cloth item for women in Pakistan.

Besides Shalwar Qameez, the Sherwani or Achkan is also the national dress of Pakistani men usually worn by government officials or head of states (usually in formal black colour) on state occasions.

National Dress

The national dress of Pakistan is Shalwar Qameez (Urdu) for both men and women. It consists of a long, loose fitting tunic with very baggy trousers. The dress is believed to be an amalgamation of the dresses worn by the ancient Turks, Persians and Afghans (Pashtuns) who have left their impression on the people and culture of Pakistan. The men's version consists of solid, masculine colours and is almost always accompanied by collar and buttons (similar to polo shirt). Men often wear an outer waistcoat over the shalwar kameez. The women's version almost never contains collar and buttons but is often embroidered and consists of feminine colors and may feature lace or flower patterns. In the summer, a light, cotton version is often worn, while during the winter, a heavier, wool version is worn. The sherwani or achkan with karakuli hat is the recommended dress for male government employees and officials, as it is not specifically associated with any of the provinces. Most male government officials wear the formal black sherwani on state occasions.