Saree Vs Salwar Kameez - Which Is the Popular Choice?

 

The Indian fashion scene has been steadily evolving for decades now. Earlier, there were a few outfit designs for women to experiment with.

 

But today, everything has changed. You can easily come across some stunning ethnic wear designs and silhouettes.

 

However, it's nearly impossible to imagine the Indian fashion segment without the two quintessential ethnic wear items, namely the sari and suit or salwar kameez.

 

In fact, both the outfits have undergone a massive change over the year. In such a case, those exploring types of Indian wear for ladies naturally wonder what they should prefer. The debate over saree vs salwar kameez seems to go on without an apparent ending.

 

Let's explore more about the two famous Indian outfits in this post.

 

What are the Benefits of Wearing Salwar Kameez?

 

Perhaps one of the first outfits that anyone looking for a guide to Indian clothing comes across is the salwar kameez or salwar suit.

 

This ethnic wear has its origins in the famous Anarkali suit of the Mughal era. Over the years, its most common form has become the Patiala salwar having numerous pleats which look great as they are paired with a short kameez or kurti.

 

Today, you can find several styles of salwar kameez like straight suits, Anarkali and palazzo, A-line suits, suits with straight pants, and the like.

 

There are so many combinations of this Indian wear. So, you can try it for any occasion or setting. Here are some significant benefits of this clothing.

 

• Easy to Wear - You can easily slip into any kind of salwar kameez. There is no draping involved when it comes to wearing a suit. In fact, it's one of the major distinctions between saree vs salwar kameez. You can easily carry a salwar suit on any occasion, especially if you are new to experimenting with ethnic wear.
• Suits All Body Types - Salwar suits look good on women of all body types. So, it doesn't matter if you are a curvy lady or a petite woman. You can find numerous styles of suits that will flatter your physique.
• Low Maintenance Outfit - Salwar kameez is a low-maintenance outfit. You don't need to fold them carefully or iron them, unlike saree or lehengas. This saree vs salwar kameez difference makes the latter an outfit that can be handled in a hassle-free way.
• Suits all Occasions - There is a salwar kameez option for every occasion, mood, and style. Yes, if you like to wear tight lowers, you can opt for churidars. Otherwise, you can rock a voluminous Patialia or Anarkali suit.

 

Images Source: Instagram

 

What are the Benefits of Wearing Saree?

 

There won't be any women unfamiliar with the famous Indian clothing item saree. One of the remarkable Indian clothing facts that will surprise you is that this ethnic wear is over 5000 years old!

 

Yes, the saree finds a mention in the Rig Veda as a three-piece garment that women wear together. Over time, this outfit consisting of six yards of fabric has turned into an internationally celebrated costume.

 

In most Indian households, you'll find beautifully decorated sarees passed down from mother to daughter over generations. Sarees featuring intricate work, patterns, and weaves are symbolic of feminine beauty.

 

Every kind of saree signifies the distinct culture and the art of the place in India from where it comes. So, if you are looking for the different types of ethnic wear for ladies online, you must give saree a try. Here are some of its benefits.

 

• Draping for all body types - Saree is a highly versatile outfit. No matter your body type, skin complexion or texture, you can drape it and look incredibly attractive.
• No Tailoring - There's no need of tailoring this garment. Saree is the sole Indian ethnic wear that doesn't need a tailor and you can drape it as it is.
• Suits all Occasions - You can find a saree of practically every fabric. So, it suits every season, be it winter, spring, summer, or autumn.
• Positive Vibrations - It is said that wearing a saree reduces the flow of negative energies. Saree reduces the distressing energy and allows positive vibrations to flow freely.

 

Images Source: Instagram

 

What Is the Difference between a Saree and Salwar Kameez?

 

It is easy to spot the difference between these outfits. Irrespective of the difference, both of them feature stunning embroidery that can make any women look breathtaking.

 

But for many people, especially those new to Indian culture, spotting the difference can seem a tad bit hard.

 

So, let's break down the things that make both these outfits distinct.

 

Saree		Salwar Kameez
1. The saree comprises a top, which shows the midriff of the wearer.		1. The salwar kameez has an unusually long top, which can extend to the knees of the wearer.
2. Saree has a long and wide veil that women drape over their shoulders.		2. Salwar kameez has a long veil that women generally drape around their necks.
3. The saree is basically a long fabric that women wrap around their waist.		3. There is no such fabric in a salwar kameez.
4. Saree is a single fabric.		4. Salwar kameez is a three or four-piece garment. It consists of a long shirt, a pant, and a dupatta.

 

Is Salwar Kameez Formal Wear?

 

Well, there are two ways to approach this question. One from a global viewpoint and the other from an Indian viewpoint.

 

In a global setting, you cannot consider the salwar kameez as a formal wear item. At a global conference or meeting, you cannot walk in a salwar kameez.

 

It's because usually everyone sticks to a global dress code, which leans in toward the western side. So you can see men and women wearing western suits or other kinds of western formal wear.

 

However, that’s not the case when you talk of workwear in the Indian context. In fact, most women prefer to wear a churidar salwar kameez for such formal occasions.

 

Here, too one can see the popular choice between saree vs salwar kameez. Most Indian women prefer to wear cotton salwar kameez to work over a saree.'

 

So, dressing up for work has become much easy. Just pick a minimally embroidered salwar suit, and you are ready to head out!

 

Is Salwar Kameez Indian Outfit?

 

In the strictest sense of the term, salwar kameez is not Indian. Initially, Muslims designed this garment and wore it. 

 

Remember that Muslims ruled India for almost 700 years. This garment has its origins in the Mughal era, where it did not look like it does today at all.

 

At that time, the outfit was a combination of loose pants and a tunic. The highly popular style of a salwar kameez, namely the Anarkali, emerged during this time.

 

Over time, the Muslim influence spread among the Hindus. They started imbibing the culture and the clothing pattern.

 

Fast forward to today, a salwar kameez has become synonymous with the Indian culture and its women.

 

Why Do Most Indian Women Prefer to Wear Salwar Kameez?

 

The debate between saree vs salwar kameez can go on endlessly. But the latter outfit has always had a special significance in women’s hearts.

 

It's one of the highly popular garments, right after a saree. The major reason behind it is that you can wear it on any occasion, in any setting.

 

This is often not the case with a saree. Many women shy away from wearing it because it does not give them as much freedom of movement as a salwar suit does.

 

Let’s look at some of the prominent reasons why women in India love to dress themselves up in a salwar kameez.

 

• A salwar kameez, when compared to a saree, is highly comfortable wear. 
• It instantly imparts a very traditional and classic Indian look to each and every woman.
• Both older, as well as younger women, can confidently wear this outfit. It comes in many patterns and cuts, which makes it suitable for women of any age group.
• It is a versatile outfit. You can take an embroidered salwar kameez and wear it on any occasion, be it marriages, college, office meetings, or festivals.

 

Which Is More Comfortable – Saree or Suit?

 

It is another integral part of the debate between saree vs salwar kameez. Sarees and suits are important components of every Indian woman’s wardrobe.

 

But which is more comfortable out of them? Well, there is no single answer to this question.

 

It all depends on your personal comfort. What do you feel the most comfortable in? A saree or a suit?

Contrary to the popular assumption, many women find sarees to be fuss-free garments. The charm of silk sarees never fades even with the passing years.

 

These sarees impart unrivalled elegance and grace to women. Many of them wear it to wear as well as when doing their daily chores.

 

The suits, on the other hand, are also extremely comfortable wear Indian wear. It is especially so for younger women who may find saree a bit tough to carry.

 

Many of them love to wear suits at work or at any casual gathering since they are easy to slip into. Moreover, with the latest styles in them, it is easy to wear them at any kind of event.

 

Both sarees and suits are undergoing rapid evolution. Designers today are experimenting with various styles that are making these outfits appear more modern than ever before.

 

You can also find a range of sarees and suits that score high on comfort. so, the question of which of them is more comfortable can largely be erased from your head since they both have become great Indian ethnic wears.

 

Which Do You Prefer Saree or Salwar?

 

The choice of the outfit depends on your own preferences. If you feel more comfortable in a saree than a salwar kameez, you can go ahead with it.

 

Today, you can find sarees for all kinds of occasions, whether it's formal-informal, casual or festive. Saree makes a woman look very attractive.

 

There are several ways to drape it, which can either disguise your figure or give you a chance to flaunt it.

 

Like saree, there’s no shortage of styles and cuts in salwar suits. From A-line and loose-fitting suits to figure-hugging and off-shoulder ones, you can find plenty of them offline.

 

Moreover, if you are not sure about draping a saree, you can always prefer a salwar suit. A good one will get you wedding-ready in a minute’s time.

 

image of saree and suit

 

Wrapping up

 

The post highlighted key points that make saree and salwar suits distinct. By now must feel fully aware of the chief differences between saree vs salwar kameez.

 

There's no need to go with what others are wearing. Both these ethnic outfits look equally gorgeous. So, you can opt for any one of them as per your taste.