Even the most contemporary of women returns to the traditional, if not often, at least, occasionally. True, there may be certain modifications, to grant the attire a contemporary or Western look, or even create a blend of the old and new. Regardless, India’s cultural mindset and its rich heritage continue to sustain via its colorful ensembles. In fact, one such attire that is rising in popularity, not only in India, but also across the globe, is the combination of Churidar and Kameez
Defining the Churidar
North India, especially Punjab, and the Punjabis in Pakistan have always favoured the roomy salwar kameez with its accompanying dupatta, both at home, and outside it. Well, the churidar, which is the bottom half of a similar set of clothing, is the variation here. A salwar is wide at the top and narrow towards the legs and ankles.
The churidar, on the other hand, is keen to highlight the contours of the legs! As a result, it adheres to the curves of the legs beautifully! The item of clothing is tight fitting around the ankles. However, tailors ensure that they cut the pants on the bias, thereby rendering them stretchable. It helps that the length of the pants is longer than the lengths of your legs. The excess length is visible in the form of folds around the ankles. Since the folds resemble bangles, which are placed around the ankles, the fashion world decided to name the item of clothing as ‘churidar’ (churi – bangle).
A Versatile Outfit
A salwar, whether the pattern is of the flared Patiala, wide palazzo or parallel style, has its limitations. It is possible to pair it with certain types of kameez only, such as latest designer kurtis or short/long tops. Additionally, if it is a Patiala salwar or a parallel salwar suit, you will have to maintain it very carefully, specifically during the monsoons. In fact, you could ruin an entire outfit with a simple act of carelessness!
The churidar, however, is more versatile in nature! It is compatible with diverse types of kameez, such as knee-length tops, straight cuts, tunics, short kurtas/kurtis, A-line kameez, and Anarkalis. Furthermore, it is easy to use and maintain, as well as a great functional outfit. Since the shape is sleek and tight fitting, it blends in with all the seasons.
Even heavy rains and muddy surroundings will not be able to make a dent in its cheerful appearance! Plenty of offline and online stores offer unstitched or readymade churidars designed from cotton, mixed cotton and silk. While cotton is for daily wear, easy to wash and iron at home, other fabrics require dry cleaning. Therefore, you may make the churidar an integral part of your wardrobe, even for wearing to work.
Ideal for Every Body Frame
Give a thought to the sharara type palazzos. Can anyone and everyone wear this kind of pants? The answer is in the negative, for it is most suitable for you if you possess a tall and stately figure, with broad shoulders. It is the same with the Patiala salwar, wherein you will have to display a decent height and an hourglass figure. If you are slightly plump and short, you will have to go in for a salwar with less volume and a short kurta. However, if you were to favour the churidar as a splendid alternative, your body image would not play any role at all.
This unique item of clothing is perfect for every woman! It does not matter if you are tall, thin, short, or a plus size! The churidar has a sleek and smart fitting as no other item of clothing has! The lower part of your body will gain a taller and leaner appearance, despite the fact that the churidar clings so lovingly to your legs! It is this very characteristic, which will draw the viewer’s attention away from your real height. Additionally, there is something magical about the churidar! It makes you and all other women who are inclined towards wearing it, appear marvellously sophisticated and graceful. Hitherto, textile manufacturers offered only cotton as the best fabric for designing churidars.
Today, however, they have expanded to include georgette, rich silk, and brocade too. Therefore, the humble item of clothing may wend its way into any formal or grand social affair, without feeling ashamed of self! All that you will have to do is to pair it with the right type of top.
Enhancing the Appearance
Is it possible to appear sexy, attractive, alluring, beautiful, stunning, etc, by donning a churidar-kameez-dupatta ensemble? Alternatively, you may discard the dupatta too. Going back to the question asked, however, yes, it is possible to appear all those things and more, simply by showing off the silhouette of your legs! It does not even matter if you ‘celebrity’ limbs or not, for the attire suffices to cloak all the negative aspects of the lower part of your body frame. Wear a loose-fitting or comfortable-fitting top with it, and you will look both, fashionable and ethnic, at the same time!
Note that your age does not matter, for the attire is suitable for all ages.
You just have to ensure that you select the right colours, such as pastel shades, bright hues, etc. Then again, go for tops, whose prints and patterns complement the churidar, as well as your personality.
Now, if you are not used to wearing it, you may feel slightly uncomfortable with the close fit of the churidar, especially around the ankles. However, you should soon be used to it. You will love the fact that its flexibility allows you to bend, twist, etc, without discomfort. You can even fold your legs, and sit cross-legged on the floor. Go ahead and add a few informal and formal churidar sets to your wardrobe, when you go shopping next time!
Summary
The churidar is the outcome of the skilled fingers of couturiers. This versatile outfit can complement all manner of tops perfectly well and blend with every kind of body frame.
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