With its rich cultural heritage and timeless charm, Salwar suits have adorned women's wardrobes across generations. From traditional cotton and silk suits to the latest contemporary adaptations, the salwar suit has evolved into a symbol of sophistication and grace, making it a wardrobe essential for ethnic elegance.
While selecting a salwar suit, you need to consider a few factors to make the right choice. Here, we have curated a step-by-step guide to help you choose the perfect suit for you. Let’s get started!
How to Choose the Right Salwar Suit for Women
1. Understand Your Body Type
Understanding your body type is the first step towards selecting a salwar suit that accentuates your best features. Whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, or rectangular body shape - each silhouette demands specific styles.
For instance, an A-line kurta works wonders for an apple-shaped body, while straight-cut silk suits complement an hourglass figure. The following are some of the best salwar suits for specific body types.
- Hourglass Figures: Choose fitted kurtas and flared bottoms to highlight your curves.
- Pear-Shaped Bodies: Prefer A-line kurtas and wide-legged bottoms to balance proportions.
- Apple-Shaped Bodies: Empire-waist kurtas and flared pants draw attention away from the midsection.
- Rectangular Figures: Experiment with peplum-style kurtas and dhoti pants to add definition.
2. Choose the Fabric Wisely
Cotton and silk are the most popular fabrics for salwar suits. However, you can also opt for georgette, chiffon, or velvet salwar suits as well.
While cotton is ideal for casual wear and summers for its breathability and comfort, silk suits are the best option for weddings or festive occasions for their luxurious sheen. If you are looking for light and flowy fabrics for semi-formal gatherings, you can opt for chiffon and georgette suits. Understanding the cultural context and the event's formality will guide you in selecting the right fabric to evoke the desired ethnic vibe.
3. Explore Different Designs
There are a variety of traditional embroidery and embellishments used in salwar suits that enhance the overall aesthetics of your ethnic look.
For grand festive occasions, silk suits with zari and sequin embellishment look great. On the other hand, elegant Kashmiri Kani embroidery designs are suitable for both casual and formal wear. You can also check out mirror work, chikankari, phulkari, etc., according to the mood of the occasion.
Discover More: The Timeless Tale of Kashmiri Kani Suits
Striking the right balance is the key to achieving the best ethnic look. If your outfit is heavily embellished, consider keeping accessories minimal. For a simpler suit, experiment with statement jewellery and vibrant dupattas to add flair.
4. Choose the Colour Palette
Every colour carries a deep cultural significance in ethnic wear. For instance, red symbolises celebration, and white represents purity. Gold signifies glory and glamour and is a staple in festive attire.
If you have a warm skin tone, select earthy tones like reds, oranges, and yellows. Those with cool skin tones can choose pastels, blues, and greens to complement their undertones. If you have a neutral tone, you can experiment with a wide range of colours, including jewel tones.
5. Select Silhouettes
Different types of salwar suit silhouettes bring different vibes to your ethnic look. The following are some of the most common salwar suit silhouettes:
- Anarkali Suit: Flowy and floor-length, suitable for formal events.
- Straight Cut Suit: Simple and versatile, ideal for various occasions.
- Palazzo Suit: Trendy and comfortable, perfect for contemporary style.
- Patiala Suit: Loose-fitted with pleated bottoms, exuding a traditional Punjabi vibe.
Along with the silhouette of the suit, you should also carefully select the neck design and sleeves to complement the overall design. There are a variety of designs, such as boat neck, V-neck, round neck, three-quarter sleeves, noodle strap, and more. Ask your tailor for sample designs and choose accordingly.
Consider Your Budget
Before selecting a salwar suit, you should always determine your budget first. While silk suits are often expensive, they are a must-have addition to your wardrobe.
In addition, you can also buy neutral-coloured suits, which you can pair with different accessories and styles for multiple events. A classic Kashmiri Kani silk suit is also worth investing in for its classic embroidery designs that transcend trends.
Discover More: 5 Must-Known Facts About Kani Weaving
Styling Tips
- Statement Jewelry: Opt for intricate necklaces, jhumkas, and bangles that complement the neckline and sleeves of your salwar suit. Gold or silver pieces can add a touch of glamour to your overall look.
- Ethnic Clutches or Potli Bags: Choose a handcrafted clutch or potli bag with traditional embroidery or beadwork to complete your look. Ensure the colour complements your outfit.
- Bindis and Tikka: For a subtle yet impactful addition, consider a bindi or tikka.
- Embroidered Footwear: Complete your look with ethnic footwear like juttis or mojaris. Look for embroidered or embellished options to tie your outfit together.
- Hairstyle Ideas: A classic bun adorned with fresh flowers or artificial Gajra looks great with salwar suits. You can also get braids that complement both casual and formal looks.
Learn more about styling salwar suits from our previous blog post: Understanding the Art of Styling Women’s Silk Suits
Summing Up
Choosing the right salwar suit goes beyond fashion; it's a journey of self-expression and cultural celebration. From understanding your body type to mastering the art of fabric selection, every element plays a crucial role in curating an ensemble that resonates with your personality and the mood of the occasion.
For an ideal silk suit, Pashmal can be your one-stop destination. Pashmal’s selection of luxury apparel, especially the Kani silk suit, showcases the artistry and heritage of Kashmiri craftsmanship. These silk suits not only carry the gorgeous shine and charm of silk but also feature intricate Kani weaving, a celebrated art form that has acquired global recognition. If you are looking for premium quality and authenticity, Pashmal is a destination where your ethnic fashion aspirations can come to life. Visit our website to shop from our exclusive collection of Kashmiri Kani silk suits.
