Shalwar, pants and palazzos

Salwar, shalwar and the pants in between

Salwar is the Indian spelling and shalwar the Pakistani one for loose trousers gathered at the ankle. A tulip shalwar is a neater version with overlapping panels at the leg that look like tulip petals, and it shows off a short kurti well. The cotton pants are the modern option, the black pair finished with lace trim and the white pair with decorative work, and the black shalwar-style pant sits between the two. Most of them are cotton, so they are cool, easy to wash at home and comfortable enough for daily wear.

Palazzos and gharara pants

Palazzo pants are wide from hip to hem and swish when you walk. They are cool in summer and make a simple kurti look dressed up; the blue palazzo has two pockets, an elastic back waist and a front zip. Gharara pants are the festive choice: fitted to the knee, then flaring out in gathered fabric. The off-white silk gharara has golden sequin work and is made for Eid, a mehndi or a wedding with a short kurti.

Finding your size

Bottoms are more forgiving than a kameez, and several here fit more than one size: one tulip shalwar fits S to L, and the cotton palazzo fits M to XL. Where Shagufta has measured them, the listing gives the length, about 37 to 39 inches, and sometimes the thigh. Check the length against a pair you own, because that decides how the hem falls over your shoes. The size guide explains how to measure.

Pairing and ordering

A white tulip shalwar or white pant goes with nearly every colored kurti, and black does the same for lighter ones. Add the bottoms to your bag along with the kurti they go with, then send the whole list to Shagufta in one WhatsApp message. She replies to confirm the pieces and the shipping cost, and you agree on payment there. Not sure what goes with a kurti you already own? Send Shagufta a photo of it on WhatsApp and ask which of her pants she would pair with it.