Photo Credits: Pinterest
Do you know that Punjab’s stylish Patiala Suit has a regal past? What started as an attire for men forayed its way into the hearts of women. So, what is this tale of royalty? Dive into this post to find out!
The Emperor’s New Clothes!
Punjab’s Patiala Suit is deep rooted in India’s culture and derived its name from the princely state of Patiala in Punjab in the early 20th century. It was the brainchild of its ruler Maharaja Bhupinder Singh who was fond of fashion and style. He tailored this suit for his courtiers who regularly rode on horses across the state and other regions of India. He realized their grand, flowy and long drapes often got in the way while mounting horses, making seamless mobility an issue.
The Patiala Suit was born, and it was a combination of fashion and functionality. Men loved it and within a short time, it became a wild rage in the state. With the passage of time, women started flaunting this tailored suit comprising of a fitted Kameez (Top), a loose baggy Salwar (Pant) and a dupatta.
Photo Credits: ArtNet
Top of the charts!
When it comes to top fashion trends, the Patiala Suit dominates the charts most of the time. Women love the loose fitting of the suit especially during the hot and humid Indian summers. You can accessorize a gorgeous Patiala suit with heavy earrings, a sleek nose ring, a traditional potli bag, and a beautiful Phulkari dupatta. To check out more such hot trends for 2025, check out our post here.
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Popular fabrics for the Patiala suit
The fabric you choose for your Patiala Suit plays a crucial role in its comfort and elegance. Modern trends are integrating contemporary styles with tradition. Keeping the original goal of the Patiala Suit in mind, fashion designers experiment with different materials to make these suits both fashionable and functional.
Let’s look at them below-
Cotton is the first choice for both casual and daily wear. It is breathable and lightweight for hot summer climates. Patiala suits made from cotton are often adorned with light embroidery or block prints to provide you with a graceful and simple look for casual, college and work outings.
Georgette is another widely sought after option for tailoring the Patiala Suit. Being soft in nature, it gives you a soft and elegant look. It can be sequined, embroidered or just left plain. Patiala suits made of georgette exudes class and sophistication ideal for evening events or festive gatherings.
Silk is a regal fabric that defies luxury and class. A silk Patiala elevates your looks making it the perfect choice for weddings or a grand festive celebration. Be it Benarasi silk or raw silk, the rich style only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the suit.
Crepe is an excellent choice if you want a lightweight yet glamorous look. It’s smooth texture falls gracefully making a superb choice for an enchanting Indo-Western look.
Differences between the Patiala and Persian Suit
Punjab’s Patiala Suit is often mistaken with the Persian Suit that originates from Pakistan. Its style and cut looks similar from afar but there are some key differences that we have listed below-
Key Differences
| Feature | Patiala Suit | Persian/ Farsi Suit |
|---|---|---|
| Pants Style | Loose, pleated, voluminous | Straight, fitted, or churidar |
| Kameez Length | Short to medium | Long and flowy |
| Origin | Punjab, India | Persian (Iranian) heritage |
| Dupatta | Embroidered or printed | Subtle or shawl-like |
| Best For | Comfort and casual elegance | Modest and regal appearance |
In conclusion, the Patiala suit is a classic blend of elegance and tradition. It suits women of all ages and is the epitome of comfort and style for any occasion. Its elegantly tailored kameez and pleated salwar makes it widely sought after choice for casual and festive occasions.
Whether simple or embroidered, it celebrates the rich cultural heritage of India. Its versatility and grace never fail to evolve with time, making it an indispensable piece in every lady’s ethnic wear wardrobe.
To know more on Indian ethnic wear history, style tips and trends, stay tuned to our blog. We would love to read your comments below!
