Salwar Kameez

Whatever

Hmm, I don't have a dupata. I'll head back tomorrow and see what I can find.

machadinha

Yes I didn't mean having a matching pair, but wearing some completely different style of pants underneath. The dupata is said to be an important addition, in fact I've met plenty of women who said wearing a light scarf no matter what their attire made their lives easier.

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Kanbe

I agree..it depends where you are. Of course, wear it if its comfty for you. I must say though that Indians may look at you strangely. They did. And location matters. I was on MG Road outside Baristas. lols. where ALL the ladies were in Western clothing, typically jeans and t-shirt. I felt overdressed to say the least...and I only wearing a salwar kameez. I think Ill feel more comfortable if I was wearing the outfit anywhere in Rajasthan!

jennifericous

so can a SK be any tunic and baggy trousers? or does it have to be of a specific fabric or style (i.e fit and length...) i really like the look of them. but i dont fancy the dupatta much.....
Jenn xx

Nick-H

Salwar = pants
kameez = tunic

they are both fairly specific. There is also Churidar. To my eye it looks more or less the same, but there are differences, epspecially in the pants, I'm told,

The dupata is supposed to "preserve your modesty", so Indian women would consider it very important. Otherwise it part and parcel of 'the look'.

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Travelingbhat

I think many indians stare at most westerners for different reasons but I usually shake my head when a westerner wears a sari wrong and shows her chest with the tight sari blouse without covering herself up properly. As long as you follow the cultural norms for wearing the outfit (i.e not wearing the petticoat out in public, wearing no pants with your kameez , showing your blouse off when the sari is supposed to be draped over etc etc) you should be fine and respected for trying it out. Also as a general rule different parts of india have different methods of tying their saree but all if not most cover their chest with the sari in some fashion and it would behoove the wearer to do the same.

traceyam

If you're going to wear a sari, have an Indian woman show you how to drape it properly and spend several hours wearing it around indoors before venturing outside. That might seem like overkill because Indian women make it look so easy, but remember they've likely been wearing saris since childhood. A sari requires a completely different movement and carriage than most Western women are accustomed to. It's also a great deal more fabric than we're used to wearing. It takes some practice to learn how to do so correctly. It is such a beautiful and elegant representation of femininity, it's worth the time and practice to get it right. Also, that way you won't look like a baboon in a costume.

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Nick-H

A Brit reacts...

How would they know?

...and then remembers that this is American terminology, and 'pants' means trousers, not knickers !!!!!