Find The Perfect Fit: Tips For Choosing The Right Salwar Suit For Your Body Type
A salwar suit is one of the most versatile outfits for women in India, whether you are leading an official meeting, entertaining guests at home, going on a family holiday, or participating in ethnic festivities. Originally popularised by Mughal rulers and mostly worn in Punjab once upon a time, salwar suits have won over divas across the country today. In fact, over the years, you must have fallen in love with many exciting designs that your favourite actresses donned while running through mustard fields, dancing in the rain, or playing the perfect Indian belle.
These days, salwar suits come in so many gorgeous styles, too, from anarkalis, palazzos, and dhotis, to shararas and angrakhas, which makes it easy to pick one that aligns with your taste and budget. However, it is important to consider your body type while shopping for salwar suits, so that they flatter the best aspects of your figure. This guide tells you how to go about it.
How to Find the Perfect Fit?
Every woman is beautiful and unique in her own way, which is why salwar suits are designed differently to celebrate everything special about you. So, there is no need to worry about achieving only a certain shape or size. Just follow these tips based on your body type and shop confidently.
Pear Shape
If your hips are a little heavy but you have a modest bust and slim waist, you need salwar suits that are ideal for a pear shape. For instance, anarkalis with their flowing lines can conceal generous hips and thighs while accentuating your torso gracefully. You can also go for short Punjabi suits that fit well and complement them with dhoti pants or patialas that conceal the bottom part nicely. This outfit will also lend the illusion of height and look structured.
Apple Shape
This shape is defined by slim hips and legs contrasted by a heavy bust and a plump midsection. You will also have broad shoulders in this case. A-line salwar suits for women will balance your overall look elegantly by drawing away attention from the well-proportioned top and adding volume to the sleek bottom. Anarkalis are a wise option, too.
Rectangle Shape
If your shape is athletic and lean throughout, a floor-length anarkali suit will add feminine curves easily. Salwar suits with puffed or flared sleeves and ruffles in the bust area can add volume and definition to the torso. You can also opt for strappy designs to flaunt your toned shoulders and back. Sharara salwar suits can also flatter this particular body structure on festive occasions.
Hourglass Shape
This much-coveted shape is distinguished by a petite waist and equally proportioned, rounded bust and hips. If you have an hourglass figure, go for any well-fitted salwar suit that accentuates your slim waist and highlights your perfect curves. Anarkalis and lehenga-style suits are your best bet in this case. You can also rock bodycon pieces effortlessly.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
It is not enough to zero in on the right style or lines when choosing a salwar suit to complement your body type. Here are a few other things to consider.
Colour
If you have a heavy bust or bottom, go for salwar suits in dark colours as they tend to have a slimming effect. If they feature two different tones for the top and bottom half, make sure the part covering your problem area is in a deep shade like black, navy, wine red, emerald green, or dark grey. Light colours and pastels are great for those with slender or hourglass frames and can enhance your curves.
Pattern & Print
Patterns like ruffles and pleats add volume to your figure, so choose salwar suits carefully when you are trying to accentuate a specific part of your body and camouflage another. As far as prints are concerned, choose a small or delicate print if you are generously proportioned. Large or jazzy prints are ideal for slim shapes. In case you have a pear-shaped body, a suit with big prints on the bust can create visual balance. For women with apple-shaped bodies, large prints on the skirt area can do the trick.
Embellishments
Salwar suits come with a variety of embellishments these days, from sequins, beads, and embroidery to mirror work, applique, lacework, and more. So, while picking up a piece, make sure the embellished part flatters the best aspects of your body.
Neckline
Boat, halter, and off-shoulder necklines are ideal for pear-shaped bodies as they draw attention to the shoulder section and make your waist appear petite. If you have a short neck and full bust, scoop and V necklines will visually elongate your torso and flatter your curves the right way. Salwar suits with square, round, and V necklines are best for those with a slim, athletic build or rectangular shape. Women with hourglass figures will do well to pick up salwar suits that feature round, oval, sweetheart, or scoop necklines.
Sleeves
Women with toned arms can easily don sleeveless salwar suits and look trendy. If you have slender arms and a small bust, you can also opt for capped, ruffle, flared, or puff sleeves. Full, three-quarters, and balloon sleeves, on the other hand, are apt for women with heavy arms.
Material
If you are slim, salwar suits made of cotton, jute, silk, velvet, or brocade can help create a curvy and attractive silhouette. Heavy or thick fabrics are perfect for petite and athletic shapes. For plus-size ladies, light and thin fabrics like chiffon, georgette, crepe, or satin can have a slimming effect.
Conclusion
Apart from keeping the above pointers handy, make sure you consider the occasion and time of day while picking a salwar suit. While soft or pastel shades are apt for daytime events, dark or jewel tones can amp up the heat in the evening. Intricate embellishments and rich fabrics are suitable for weddings, festivals, birthdays, and so on, while minimalistic designs and clean lines will make a classy statement on formal occasions. For casual events, you can play around with quirky patterns and prints, like colour-block, ombre, animal, or geometric. Last but not the least, keep your personality in mind, so you can carry the piece you choose with confidence and ease.