Kate Middleton’s Pakistan outfits – what is a shalwar kameez and what is a kurta? – The Sun

KATE Middleton has been dazzling the crowds in Pakistan during her tour of the country with Prince William.

The Duchess of Cambridge has opted for traditional outfits so far on the five day visit.

What is a shalwar kameez?

Kate Middleton chose a royal blue shalwar kameez during the royal couple’s visit to the Islamabad Model College for Girls, as part of the second day in Pakistan.

The outfit was created by local designer Maher Khan.

The shalwar kameez is the national dress of Pakistan.

It is a traditional combination dress worn with trousers which are usually held up with either elastic or a drawstring.

The trousers, known as shalwar, are often wide and baggy but can also be cut narrower.

The kameez is a long shirt or tunic with the side seams usually left open below the waist-line.

A kameez is traditionally cut straight and flat but more modern designs now incorporate more European influences.

The kameez can have a European-style collar, a Mandarin-collar or can even be collarless, making it similar to the kurta.

A shalwar kameez is often worn nowadays with a long scarf or shawl, called a dupatta, around the head or neck.

What is a kurta?

A kurta is a loose, collarless shirt widely worn by both men and women.

It is an item that can be worn both for formal occasions as well as everyday wear.

Traditionally it is made of cotton or silk and is either just a plain shirt or embroidered with decoration.

They are usually loose fitting and long, ending normally just below the knee.

The sleeves of a traditional kurta fall to the wrist without narrowing with the ends hemmed but without cuffs.

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