Trend Watch - Patiala Salwar Kameez

For those of you who, like me, had never heard the term 'Patiala' before, here's a brief history lesson on the origin of the term. The name 'Patiala' derives from a city in Punjab of the same name. According to historical records, the king of Patiala (the exact date of his reign isn't given) used to wear baggy, pleated pants with his kurta and the design looked so comfortable and beautiful that the women of the kingdom started copying it.

Although this design has been popular in North India throughout the years, it has been gaining in popularity nation-wide in the last few months. There are many different variations of the Patiala style Salwar Kameez. Here are some beautiful and comfortable Patiala style Salwar Kameez designs.

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Heavily Pleated Salwar with Medium Length Kurta

I absolutely love this suit. It's so simple and yet so stunning. This is my favourite Patiala Salwar design because it's pleated in such a way that the material flows down the leg and is neatly gathered at the ankles. The colours are also very flattering and classy.

Average Patiala Style Salwar with Medium Length Kurta

The Salwar is pretty ordinary, but I really like the asymmetrical sleeve and shoulder design of the kurta top.

Heavily Pleated Salwar with Short Length Kurta

This is your normal Patiala Salwar Kameez you'll find at most stores. The silver trim at the ankles makes the outfit look a little cheap and tacky though.

This is yet another simple yet beautiful suit. The Salwar is nicely tailored and the kurta top is classically Indian, but the colour combination is refreshingly original and casual.

Average Patiala Style Salwar with Short Length Kurta

This suit would've been really nice if it wasn't for the wide border and hemline of the Salwar. It just doesn't look right.

Baggy, Lightly Pleated Salwar with Medium Length Kurta

It's the simple suits that really stand out the most in this case. This basic black and white cotton suit is enhanced by it's simplicity in both design and colour. I love the kurta top, especially the neck and hem designs, but the really baggy, lightly pleated Salwar isn't that great. I don't think it's because the design is bad, but because the fabric used is cotton. Cotton pleats don't really drape well so the Salwar looks really baggy, but it is possible to pull off this look.

Lightly Pleated Salwar with Long Length Kurta

This is a very classy, neat and elegant suit. One thing to remember if you're going to opt for a long kurta top with Patiala style Salwars is to have really long slits cut into the kurta top to show off the pleats of the Salwar.

Baggy, Heavily Pleated Salwar with Tunic Style Kurta

This is an interesting idea, to team Patiala style Salwars with tunic style kurtas. It doesn't work too well in this case, but it can be done.

This is a really great example of how great Patiala style Salwars can look with tunic style kurtas. The colour combination is really nice and the whole look is very trendy and posh.

I hope these designs inspire you along your Patiala Salwar Kameez hunting endeavours.