Indian suits, also known as salwar kameez or Punjabi suits, are a timeless attire worn by women of all ages. Suits are versatile, offering comfort without compromising on style. From casual wear to elaborate ensembles for weddings and festivals, suits come in various styles, designs, and fabrics. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of suits, popular fabrics, and tips for styling them for various occasions.
Types of Suits
Anarkali Suits:
Description: Anarkali suits are floor-length dresses that flare out from the waist, resembling a gown. They often come with heavy embroidery or embellishments, making them ideal for festive occasions.
Best For: Weddings, festivals, and parties.
Styling Tips: Pair with jhumkas (large earrings), a statement necklace, and high heels. A dupatta draped gracefully over one shoulder adds to the regal look.
Straight-Cut Suits:
Straight-cut suits have a simple, straight silhouette and are usually paired with a churidar or leggings. They are elegant and minimalist, suitable for both formal and casual wear. Office wear, casual outings, or semi-formal gatherings. Go for minimal jewelry, such as stud earrings and a wristwatch. Pair with flats or block heels for a polished look.
Palazzo suits feature a kurti paired with wide-legged pants called palazzos. This style has become popular due to its comfort and modern aesthetic. Casual events, family gatherings, or outdoor functions.
Keep it trendy with statement earrings, bangles, and kolhapuri sandals or juttis. Choose a contrasting dupatta to add a pop of color.
Shararas are flared pants paired with short kurtis and are often worn with heavily embroidered or embellished dupattas. Shararas have a festive appeal and offer a dramatic flair.
- Best For: Weddings, mehendi functions, and festive celebrations. Go for bold makeup, heavy earrings, and embellished footwear to match the opulence of the outfit.
Patiala Suits: Patiala suits are a traditional Punjabi style featuring a short kurti paired with loose, pleated salwar pants. The Patiala suit is comfortable and perfect for everyday wear, but can also be styled up for festive occasions.
Casual wear, college, or semi-formal functions. Pair with traditional Punjabi juttis and a colorful dupatta for a classic look. Keep accessories light for casual events. Churidar suits have a long, fitted kameez paired with churidar leggings that are tight at the ankles and have bunched-up folds. The suit accentuates your figure and has a timeless charm. Formal events, office wear, or family gathering Wear simple earrings and a watch for a sophisticated look. Pair with heels or pumps to complete the outfit.Pant Suits: Pant suits feature a kurti paired with slim, straight-legged pants. This is a contemporary take on traditional wear and is highly popular among young women.Best For: Office wear, casual gatherings, or dinner outings.Styling Tips: Keep it modern with sleek accessories like hoops, bracelets, and kitten heels.
Popular Fabrics for Suits
Cotton Suits:
Cotton is a breathable, comfortable fabric ideal for daily wear. Cotton suits are available in a wide variety of prints and designs, ranging from block prints to floral patterns.- Best For: Summer wear, casual outings, and office wear.
- Styling Tips: Keep it light and simple with minimal jewelry. Pair with sandals or flats.
Silk Suits:
Silk suits exude luxury and are often chosen for formal and festive events. Banarasi silk, raw silk, and tussar silk are popular choices for wedding or occasion wear. Weddings, festivals, and formal occasions. Pair with heavy jewelry, such as gold jhumkas, a statement necklace, and embellished footwear for a traditional look.
Georgette Suits:
Georgette is a lightweight, flowy fabric often used for party wear suits. It drapes well and is available in various embroidered and printed designs. Evening events, parties, and formal functions. Choose bold accessories like dangling earrings and metallic heels. Opt for a matching or embellished dupatta for added glam.
Chiffon Suits:
Chiffon is another lightweight, sheer fabric, perfect for summer parties or casual outings. It adds elegance to any suit and is available in a variety of colors and designs.
Casual wear, summer events, or semi-formal occasions.
Pair with simple jewelry and minimal makeup for a soft, graceful look. A lightweight dupatta in a contrasting color can enhance the appeal.
Velvet Suits:
Velvet is a rich, plush fabric ideal for winter wear or festive occasions. Velvet suits often come with intricate embroidery, adding a touch of opulence.
Winter weddings, festive events, and evening parties.
Opt for heavy jewelry like chandbalis or statement necklaces, and pair with embellished footwear for a regal look.
Crepe Suits:
Crepe is a slightly crinkled fabric that is soft and lightweight, making it ideal for both casual and party wear suits. Office wear, casual outings, and semi-formal events. Pair with sleek, modern accessories and minimal makeup. Choose a bright dupatta to add a pop of color.
Linen Suits:
Linen is a breathable, lightweight fabric ideal for summer wear. Linen suits are known for their simplicity and comfort, offering a polished look.
Casual wear, office attire, or semi-formal occasions.
Keep it minimal with delicate jewelry and flats for a comfortable yet chic look.
Seasonal Suit Styling
Summer: Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton, chiffon, or georgette in pastel shades and floral prints. Keep the accessories minimal and go for open-toe sandals or flats.
Monsoon: Go for shorter kurtis with Patiala or straight-cut pants in fabrics like rayon or polyester that dry quickly. Darker shades and bold prints are perfect for hiding water stains.
Winter: Choose fabrics like silk, velvet, or wool-blend for warmth. Longer kurtis paired with churidars or palazzos, along with heavy shawls or dupattas, are perfect for the colder months.
Accessorizing Suits
Jewelry: The right jewelry can elevate your suit to a new level. For a simple suit, you can go for bold earrings or a statement necklace. If your suit is heavily embellished, keep the jewelry minimal.
Footwear: For casual suits, flats or juttis are the go-to options. For formal or festive occasions, opt for embellished sandals or heels that complement your outfit.
Dupatta: Dupattas are an integral part of most suits, but the way you drape them can change your look completely. For a formal event, go for a heavily embroidered dupatta and drape it neatly over one shoulder. For casual outings, a simple, printed dupatta will do the trick. Choose fabrics based on the season and the occasion. For daily wear, go for lightweight fabrics like cotton or rayon, and for festive wear, choose silk, velvet, or georgette. Always ensure that your suit fits well. If buying online, refer to the size chart and, if necessary, get alterations Suits are versatile, but certain styles are better suited for specific events. For a formal event, opt for an Anarkali or sharara suit. For casual wear, a straight-cut or Patiala suit works best.The color of your suit plays a vital role in making or breaking your look. Darker shades are great for evening events, while lighter tones work best for the daytime or casual settings.
Indian suits have evolved over time, blending tradition with contemporary trends. From casual cotton suits to elaborate Anarkalis, there’s a suit for every occasion, mood, and body type. By choosing the right fabric, style, and accessories, you can create a perfect