Salwar Kameez

  

The best thing about living in Bangladesh is wearing shalwar kameez (sometimes spelt salwar kameez). 'Shalwar' refers to the loose, baggy trousers, and 'kameez' refers to the tunic worn over the top of the shalwar. The scarf is called a 'dupatta'. 

In Bangladesh it is regarded as a Pakistani outfit, and many mature women prefer to wear a sari which is considered more truly Bangladeshi. Although I have noticed in the streets there has been a shift with more women of all ages embracing the ensemble. Now, I was a bit of a late bloomer and initally resisted wearing one during my early Chittagong days (as a foreigner I felt self-conscious). But with the help of some friends, I took the leap; and grew to love their unique colours, patterns, and embroidery. I also wore a sari to several very memorable weddings, but for everyday wear, the SK wins hands down.

My first priority upon re-entry was to go to Aarong (a fair trade organisation established to revive and promote Bangladeshi traditional handicrafts) and treat myself to some new SKs. I regretfully recalled some rather lovely SKs I had bequeathed to friends when I left Chittagong, although I was not sad for long as I discovered to my surprise, the shalwar kameez as I knew it, was no more, and all my old SKs would be totally unfashionable in 2012.

It is now de rigueur to wear pants with a straight leg, or a churidar (trousers fitted very closely to the shin), or even, shock and horror, it is ok to wear capri pants. It used to be a huge no-no for a woman to reveal her ankles in public. We could show our arms and midriffs, but not our ankles. I was quite stunned (and I may have even gasped) when I saw for the first time, a woman wearing this latest fashionable length. In contrast, the kameez has become even longer, and now almost reaches to the knee. It doesn't make much sense to me, and I can't (yet) appreciate it as an aesthetic addition. 

I overcame my feelings of sartorial shock and settled on several lovely SKs nevertheless. I love the hand embroidery on the SK I am wearing in the photograph above. This is a nakshi kantha design. 'Nakshi' refers to the artistic patterns and 'kantha' refers to a quilt. These designs have been traditionally used to decorate quilts but in recent years they have been incorporated as designs in clothing as well. The turquoise stitching encircles small mirrors and sequins have also been used to highlight the cross in the centre. I am in awe of the skill it takes to complete all of these designs. 

I am not alone.The young woman who served me at Aarong commented it was very beautiful and patted it reverentially as she carefully folded it and handed it to me.