Shalwar Kameez Design Trends that will Elevate your Style Game

Shalwar Kameez is a staple in every man’s wardrobe. It is the most classy and comfortable attire anyone can adorn. It holds a special place in our history and has a deep-rooted value as our national dress. It is also the most versatile outfit, and you can design it according to your style and comfort zone. Lately, we have been seeing a modern twist in the latest shalwar kameez design trends. Designers like Mohsin Naveed Ranjha and Ali Xeeshan have been playing with funky prints and floral embroideries in the men’s wear kurta designs category.

Here are our top men shalwar kameez designs that are trending on our timeline this season.

• The Classic Black
• Back to Basics
• Play with Prints
• Winning Waistcoat
• Power Prince Coat
• The Classic Shalwar
• Straight Trouser
• Pair it with Shawl/Chaddar
• Put on a Turban

The Classic Black

One thing is for sure, you can never go wrong with a classic old black shalwar kameez. This is a go-to for our most stylish men in the Pakistan fashion industry such as Atif Aslam, Imran Khan, and the OG Hamza Ali Abbasi who is known for rocking his trusty black shalwar set even at the most glamorous events such as the Lux Style Awards. The man has been spotted wearing his favorite costume on Eid, formal gatherings, meetings, and interviews and it is safe to say he has managed to look dapper each time.

You can either go for a vintage basic one from Eden robe or you can bedazzle it with some monochromatic thread embroidery. Mushq’s “Hawa Mahal” collection featured some classic black kurtas with intricate embroideries and button detailing making it a perfect choice for the upcoming wedding season. You can also put on a black sherwani over a black shalwar set and it will instantly elevate your daytime look to nighttime. It is the most loved attire for grooms. Faiza Saqlain’s collection “Ayaan” featuring Feroze Khan showcased a black sherwani that has our heart.

Back to Basics

Nothing says classic like a crisp, well-tailored white shalwar kameez. It not only looks good on its own but also provides you with an open canvas to pair some shawls or a waistcoat with it. Take cues from our prime minister Imran Khan on how to look stylish and handsome in a minimalistic basic white shalwar kameez. We have spotted him wearing a white shalwa kurta at various events with blazers and leather jackets.

It is a perfect background for some contrasting embroideries and bright colors if you are wearing a white shalwar set at a wedding event. Mohsin Naveed Ranjha’s collection “Beaa Jaani” article “Naamdar” featured a white shalwar kurta paired with a mehndi green waistcoat. Detailed golden embroidery on the waistcoat and embroidery on the magenta shawl gave this suit a stylish touch that made it perfect for a mehndi function.

If you don’t want to play around with colors too much, you can play around with fabrics as well. Bano Empire’s menswear line is all about a wide range of fabrics that can be used in a kurta. You can go for a jacquard fabric for a classic look, or you can opt for a sheer fabric for a more fashion-forward look.

 Play with Prints

The classic flora and fauna, geometric prints, and the comeback of block prints are not only a big trend in women’s clothing but also in men's clothing as well. The latest collection of Ali Xeeshan “power prints” featured floral and bold prints in the menswear kurta line. Xeeshan is known for his unique and theatric portrayal of classic wear and this time he played with prints and colors and proved that loud and bright prints are not only for women but also men.

Apart from floral prints, block prints were the biggest trend of the spring-summer season and were spotted in everyday casual wear and bridals as well and now they have made a way in the menswear category as well. Virsa by HnD featured contemporary block printed solid kurtas with button detailing that is a go if you want to make a statement.

Winning Waistcoat

If you want to upgrade your casual wear shalwar kameez to a formal wear attire, then just put on a waistcoat. It will instantly change your look from daytime to nighttime. Waistcoats are a common attire among politicians to wear at formal meetings. White shalwar kameez with a black waistcoat is a common costume among officials.

Waistcoats are also a good option for weddings especially for Barat if you want to ditch the traditional sherwani and go for a less dramatic look. We have our eyes on the rosy pink waistcoat by Mohsin Naveed Ranjha’s collection “Yar Beli”. The monochrome waistcoat with the matching kurta and white straight trousers is giving us all the romantic daytime nikkah vibes. The intricate white thread work detailing on the waistcoat makes it stand out from the collection. If you’re looking for more drama and vibrant colors at your wedding, Mohsin Naveed Ranjha’s “Bea Jaani” collection article "Sistaan" would be the perfect choice for you.

Power Prince Coat

Prince coats ooze royalty when paired with a basic shalwar kameez. They are the perfect fusion of eastern and western style and are the perfect choice for destination weddings. They make you look put together and a well-tailored prince coat looks more flattering than a sherwani. You can opt for different fabrics such as jamawar, silk, velvet, or karandi in a prince coat. They can also look good on their own, but you can always add on some intricate embellishments as well.

Pastel prince coats on a white kameez pajama with silver or grey embellishments are the perfect look for a daytime walima function. Faiza Saqlain features some of the most eye-catching prince coats in their menswear line. You can also go for a monochromatic look and go for a white prince coat over a white kurta set.

The Classic Shalwar

Nothing can beat the comfort of a classic old shalwar. They are not just comfortable but instantly make you look classy and traditional. They are the most versatile kind of bottoms and can be worn at formal events and weddings as well it just depends on the way you style them.

Straight Trouser

They are the most flattering trend in shalwar designs also known as pajamas. They give you an instant put-together and flattering look especially the well-tailored ones with pockets. The straight trouser can give you a toned look just make sure your kameez length is going well with the trousers.

Pair it with Shawl/Chaddar

Shawls are the perfect way to keep you warm during winters and it also looks very chic when paired with a shalwar kameez. They look traditional and classic, and a neutral color shawl will instantly make you look dapper. Take fashion cues from Hamza Ali Abbasi and Imran Khan on how to rock a shawl with your ordinary kurta shalwar.

Shawls or embroidered chaddars are also the perfect way to bedazzle your ordinary attire. Pair an embellished chaddar with your kurta pajama and you instantly have a formal wedding look.

Put on a Turban

Turban or paghri has also been part of the grooms’ accessories for a long time. It gives out a royal and vintage look and if you’re someone who wants that extra drama on your wedding then it is the perfect choice for you. Make sure your turban matches your whole outfit.

There is nothing classier and more comfortable than a shalwar kameez. If you’re bored with wearing your ordinary basic attire, then jazz up your wardrobe by taking inspiration from all the latest trends in the shalwar kameez designs mentioned above. You can incorporate modern trends in your basic attire and have a whole new look. So don’t wait up and shop these trendy shalwar kameez designs at LAAM for the upcoming wedding season.

- by Fatima Farooq

Fatima Farooq Sometimes a writer other times a business student. You can find me listening to Sufjan Stevens and doing art after work.