Traditional Dress of Kashmir for Women and Men

Kashmiri clothing style, design, patterns, and materials have always been successful in grabbing the attention of people who are fashion-forward. Clothes in Kashmir are a proper representation of the way of life, heritage, traditions, and beliefs of the Kashmiri folks. Each handmade costume of Kashmir is decorated intricately using embroidery patterns and colorful threads that further amplify its beauty. The locals use local resources for creating their clothes and beautifying them with interesting colors and design patterns. It depicts the rich creative streak that runs along the valley people.

If you ever go to Kashmir keep an eye out for the locals who are dressed up in their traditional attire. You may even get an opportunity to wear these traditional clothes and get your pictures clicked if you want. Wondering what these traditional dresses of Kashmir are? Here is everything you need to know:

About Kashmiri Traditional Clothes

Kashmiri traditional clothing is somewhat similar to the regular traditional wear in the rest of India. Khan dress which consists of a long Kurta and a Salwar is commonly seen in men and in the rest of India, this dress is referred to as a Pathani. Women can be seen wearing mostly Salwar Kameez and a Dupatta while carrying out their day-to-day activities. Most of the women can be seen wearing a headscarf to cover their hair which is a part of their tradition also. During the winter time, both men and women can be seen wearing a Pheran on top of their regular clothes. Pheran is a long, warm garment that is knee-length long. Some people also tend to complete the Pheran look by donning a cap that looks kind of similar to a regular hoodie.

Traditional Kashmiri Clothes for Women

Unlike many other hill stations, clothing in Kashmir is not divided according to the people’s caste or community that they belong to. Kashmiri women be they Muslim or Pandit, both wear the same clothes. While most of the traditional Indian clothing means wearing a Saree, things are a bit different in this gorgeous Kashmiri valley. Their clothing style and preferences match more of those the style of Afghan, Pashtun women or Persian women. A fancy-looking Pheran pulls together the whole simple look of a traditional Salwar Kameez. Pherans are worn depending on the weather which means that there are special summer-friendly pherans as well. Women wear persons as a sign of modesty. A cherry on the top is the headscarf which makes the whole look stand out. Some people believe that a complete traditional look is not complete without a headscarf.

Traditional Kashmiri Clothes for Men

When it comes to the Kashmiri style of clothing for men, you may be already familiar with it as they are rightly portrayed in movies and TV shows. Regular traditional clothing will consist of an outfit called a khan dress which is topped off with a waistcoat on some occasions. A Chogha was also a very popular piece of clothing that people of Kashmir used to wear regularly but these days only older Kashmiri men can be seen wearing it and securing it around the waist with a belt. This Chogha is nothing but a full-length robe with large bell sleeves which also served the purpose of fighting the biting Kashmiri cold, especially during snowfall. A headgear is the closest they have come to establishing a visible difference in their community. The way these people tie up the turban around their heads helps determine who is Muslim and who is Pandit. During special occasions like in a marriage the turban tying style of a Muslim man can resemble a little bit to that of a Pathan man. The rich upper-class Kashmiri locals wear silk clothes on extra special occasions. Most men as well as women can be seen wearing footwear made out of grass and wood. Although this kind of footwear has gone out of fashion as a result of globalization, they also wear regular footwear like shoes, sandals, and slippers.

Kashmiri Clothing in Winter

Wintertime in Kashmir is intense. Everything gets covered in a thick layer of snow with regular snowfall almost every day of the season with the temperature dipping to as low as minus 15. However no matter the intensity of the weather the Kashmiri folks are ready to deal with it. One clothing item that becomes a common site is the Pheran’. Pheran is a combination of a coat, jacket, blanket, and hoodie. This oversized, comfortable, and warm woolen piece of clothing has become a cultural and traditional identity of the local Kashmiris. This must-have woolen cloth which is also a heritage of Kashmiri folks, saves them from the biting harsh cold, especially during the time when there is no electricity to turn on the heating and Pheran is the only source of heat. Women also wear Pherans but in a more fashionable manner. It is not only a way of beating the chilled winter air but for women, it is a centuries-old customary piece of clothing worn on special occasions.

Kashmiri Clothing In Summer

As the sun shines brightly and the Kashmiri folks welcome the warm, spring-summer season their clothing style also changes accordingly. As the snow melts away and makes way for clear green fields and blossoming flowers and trees, the people of Kashmir wear a more summer-friendly version of their traditional clothing. The summertime also makes it clear that globalized fashion sensibilities have touched the valley of Kashmir. Young women wear traditional Salwar Kameez with a light Dupatta during summer which is more often than not made out of cotton material. Other than that men of Kashmir have also been influenced by a more Western sense of clothing they prefer wearing pants, jeans, trousers, shirts, and t-shirts. All these Kashmiri dresses come in a variety of colors, traditional patterns, and design styles.

The traditional clothing style of Kashmir is all about comfort, resources, and purpose. More than fashion sense the traditional clothing of Kashmir is all about making the wearer feel comfortable and stylish at the same time.