When the Turkic-Persian armies invaded India on horseback in the 12th century, they brought with them new laws, lifestyles and fashion. They came wearing a loose-fitting, two-part outfit called a salwar kameez.
The salwar is a pyjama-style trouser, loose at the top and tapering to the ankle. The kameez is a knee-length shirt with long sleeves, usually a round neck and open sides, allowing easy movement and a flow of air to keep you cool.
The salwar kameez has evolved over time and is now worn by both women and men across southern and central Asia. In Muslim countries, women wear it with a dupatta headscarf. In India, girls wear it as a school uniform. The salwar kameez comes in a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, chiffon and viscose. Nowadays, the tunic often has European-style cuffs on the sleeves. A modern salwar kameez represents history and tradition in the form of clothing.