Patiala Pants as Daily Casual Ethnic Wear

The salwar kameez as a form of daily attire is primarily worn by the women of Northern India, although in the past decade, trends have changed and these attires to have been incorporated in the daily wardrobe of urban women in most parts of India and has been termed as ‘ethnic wear’. The salwar kameez as a three piece suit has its variations depending on the cut and style changing the very appearance of the outfit. Indian designers have experimented with traditional attires to a great extent to produce something a blended indo-western look with kurtis that resemble tunics but in a more traditional form, patialas, kurtas worn with leggings (leggings being western attire).

Patiala is closest in shape and form to the traditional salwar kameez. Originally hailing from Patiala, a city in Punjab, the attire has been named after the city because it used to be worn as a royal dress in the courts of earlier emperors. Patiala although similar to salwar kameez is much more pleated and requires a greater amount of cloth material for its creation. Patiala salwars have become one of the leading ethnic wear trends, throughout urban India. Patiala salwar isn’t restricted to women alone in the city but also worn by men with Pathan suits, a loose and long knee length top with half or three quarter sleeves. Designers have taken inspiration from these traditional attires and what we find now is women pairing different coloured patialas with single hued short and fitted kurtis.

The fabric of the Patiala is important determinant in the final outcome of the attire because the thickness and style of the fabric determines its fall. Very thick or stiff materials should not be chosen for stitching patialas.Instead loose flowing fabrics such as voile, lizybizy (comprising 50% cotton and 50% polyester), malmal cotton make great choices for a good draping effect.

Since Patiala salwar being loose and baggy in form is extremely comfortable to wear. For summer months, cotton Patiala salwars are a source of great comfort wear and can be categorised as smart casuals worn on a daily basis. Malmal cotton which is a flimsier variety makes a better choice for a flowing Patiala instead of the handloom cotton material. Readymade printed cotton Patiala pants are easily available these days. Prints are primarily floral in nature and when paired with monochrome kurtis, the outfit can look very feminine and elegant. One can choose to opt for a dupatta of similar print like the bottoms for a well-balanced look. Monochrome patialas on the other hand can be paired with printed kurtas as well. While there is little to experiment with Patialas, the kurtas matched with these can be designed in different styles for variety in one’s daily wardrobe. Collared Patiala kurtas, simple embroidered necklines etc. can be worn as well.

One can also shop for Indian ethnic wear online from websites like Fashion Equation. Visit www.fashionequation.comto check out the latest trends and styles on offer on the website and update your wardrobe with it.