Raise your hands high up in the air if you too are tired of skin tight cigarette pants and clingy leggings! This is the summer to be more like Nighat who has one style staple to rule them all...and survive the intense summer heat! It is...*drum roll* the mighty shalwar!

Full-length standing studio portrait of a Muslim girl. Michie and Company in c. 1870.

To say that the shalwar has had a long journey would be a huge understatement. In the hinter lands of Central Asia, which was then under the domination of Iranian and Turkish people; Salwar kameez as an expression of Indian ethnicity made its presence felt for the very first time. The general habit of the Iranian and Turkish people were putting in baggy trousers whilst drawing it tight with strings. Research says that this pattern was indeed the progenitor of today’s salwar kameez. Ambadipba. (2013, June 05).What started off as a costume of the Mughals, the shalwar became synonymous with muslims in the sub continent and later, was slowly adopted throughout the region especially Punjab.

If you’re looking for snazzy shalwars, look no further. GENERATION is your one stop to fulfil all your airy shalwar needs. GENERATION pioneered the reinvention of the shalwar and put it back on the map. (Generation archives. 1984)

THE CLASSIC FIT SHALWAR

In the midst of all fleeting trends, the classic fit shalwar stands tall and proud. Loose fitting and pleated in structure, it is no surprise that it can be worn daily because of the sukoooon it gives!

Timeless and oh so Pakistani, these babies are super easy on the eyes and uber breathable. There are many variations of the classic shalwar today. With big painchaas and small, tukris, printed and solid, sheeshas and uniginat silaiyaan, it is a much need wardrobe staple!

THE TULIP SHALWAR

The tulip shalwar is the modern sister of the shalwar who went “abroad” for higher studies. Voluminous at the top and narrow at the ankles, the tulip shalwar is utterly feminine and chic with a flattering silhouette that suits all.

THE PATIALA SHALWAR

This shalwar originated from Patiala Punjab and was worn by the Nawab of Patiala. It was, in fact, decreed the Royal Dress. Loose fitting and pleated at the top, this style has been adopted and evolved countless times.

If you’re looking for something even more experimental, keep your eyes peeled at GENERATION’s FPW tab to witness the reincarnation of the humble shalwar. As showon in our No Nonsense Nighat fashion show earlier this year, the denim cowl shalwar will soon be hitting stores!