Pakistani clothing uses a set of terms that can be confusing the first time you shop for it. This glossary explains the words you will see on product pages, grouped by type, in plain English.
Garments and Sets
Kameez: the long shirt or tunic, usually reaching the knee or lower.
Shalwar: loose trousers that are wide at the hip and gathered at the ankle. Together, the shalwar and kameez make the outfit known as shalwar kameez. Our complete salwar kameez guide goes into more detail.
Dupatta: a long scarf worn over the shoulders or head. It is usually sold as part of a 3-piece set. See how to style a dupatta.
Kurta: a straight shirt, often worn on its own over trousers or jeans.
3-piece suit: a kameez, trousers and dupatta sold together. A 2-piece set leaves out the dupatta.
Co-ord set: a matching top and trousers sold as a pair. Our guide to co-ord sets vs 3-piece suits explains the difference.
Angrakha: a style with a wrap-over front. Read the angrakha kameez style guide.
Trouser Styles
| Term | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Trouser or straight pants | Slim, straight leg that sits close to the leg |
| Palazzo | Wide, flowing leg |
| Churidar | Fitted leg that gathers in folds at the ankle |
| Sharara | Wide leg that flares out from the knee |
| Gharara | Similar to a sharara, with a flare that starts at the knee seam |
Fabrics
Lawn: a light, breathable cotton used for summer. Chiffon: a sheer, flowing fabric often used for dupattas. Khaddar and karandi: thicker, textured fabrics for cooler weather. Velvet: a heavy, rich fabric for winter occasions. Compare them in our lawn vs chiffon guide.
Embroidery and Print
Block print: a pattern stamped onto fabric with carved wooden blocks. Chikankari: a fine, white-thread style of hand embroidery. Gota: metallic ribbon appliqued onto fabric for a bright border or motif. Zardozi: heavy embroidery in metallic thread, often on formal wear. Thread embroidery: stitched designs in colored thread, the most common type on everyday and festive suits.
Shopping Terms
Pret or ready-to-wear: stitched in standard sizes. Unstitched: sold as lengths of fabric for a tailor to stitch. Our guide to ready-to-wear vs unstitched suits covers when to choose each. Formal wear and festive wear: heavier, more embellished outfits for weddings and Eid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shalwar kameez?
It is a traditional outfit made of a long shirt (kameez) and loose trousers (shalwar), often worn with a dupatta.
What is the difference between a sharara and a gharara?
Both have wide, flared legs. A sharara flares out from the knee, while a gharara has a gathered seam at the knee where the flare begins.
What is a dupatta used for?
It is worn over the shoulders or head as part of the outfit. It adds color, drape and modesty to a suit.
What does pret mean?
Pret means ready-to-wear. The clothing is already stitched in standard sizes.
See these styles in the clothing collection at Shanzay B, and use the size guide before you order.