The Comeback of Salwar

Written by Priyanka Bimal on May 17, 2021

Tailored with pleats at the waist and a stiff ankle hem, the salwar has clocked several decades as a classic pairing to ethnic kurtas. Often adorned by mature-aged women, the salwar has found favour in the wardrobe of millennials. The comeback could be credited a little to Geet’s playful character from the movie Jab We Met or the Gen Z actresses like Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan who have embraced this old-world staple as their fuss-free airport look. Here’s our take on the salwar trend 101, the latest shapes and standout drapes.

Talking Threads
Nafisa Rachel William

The changing times have also adapted them into staples beyond the realm of occasion wear. If you have not embraced the key cut salwar, this elegant and fuss-free pair of bottoms are even suited for your WFH code and loungewear wardrobe. The roomy form makes them an easy pair, ideal to be worn with longline tunics on off duty days. Got to be somewhere? A wispy stole with the set, and you’ll be primped up in a jiff.

The salwar may have been lost in the varied renditions of draped pants that ruled the fusion frenzy. Designers are leading the way to give them a new lease of life to reboot its cult statement. The salwar too came into the need to get a style refresh to match the lingo of modern times. A flouncy kalidar kurta with a tailored salwar will let you master it with a refreshing take. Payal Singhal is credited to pioneer the trend on the runway. To polish modern minimalism, trust your clean straight cut kurtas. And your statement jackets are ideal for highlighting their forward-thinking tactics.

Suave by Neha & Shreya
Payal Singhal

While fine drapes lend themselves to ladylike dressing, they need to always be in tandem with elegance. The recent trend has the hem hacked with pleats at the ankle. So you can easily skip your kurtas and pair them with shirts and statement jackets. Consider it apt for the focus on relaxed fashion in recent times.

Millennials embrace roots as much as they prize comfort. Designers are serving up smart and functional salwars in a multitude of ways, making them ready for everyday wardrobes. Case in point: This pair of crisp white salwar by Rajesh Pratap Singh will have you subscribed to the comfort-first aesthetic.