Fascinating History of Traditional & World-Famous Patiala Suits

You might have listened to many Punjabi songs surrounding Patiala suits. Well, Patiala suits are traditional Punjabi outfits that originated in the city of Patiala in the Punjab state of India. These suits are known for their loose, flowing design and unique draping style, which is different from the standard salwar kameez.

In this blog, we are going to look into the history and other interesting facts of Patiala Suits.

History and Origin of Patiala Suits

Patiala suits have a long and interesting history that is rooted in Punjabi culture and tradition. The suit is named after the city of Patiala, which was once the capital of the Patiala princely state in Punjab, India.

The origins of Patiala suits can be traced back to the early 20th century when the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh, introduced the outfit as a royal attire for his courtiers. The suit was designed to be loose and comfortable, with a unique draping style that allowed for greater mobility and flexibility.

The Patiala suit became popular among the general population in Punjab in the 1940s and 1950s when it was adopted as casual wear by both men and women. The suit was particularly popular with women, who appreciated the comfort and practicality of the loose-fitting design.

Over the years, the design of the Patiala suit has evolved to suit changing fashion trends. Today, the suit is usually made of cotton, silk, or other lightweight fabrics and features a baggy salwar with multiple pleats and a short kameez or tunic. The dupatta or scarf is usually draped over the head or around the neck.

Despite the changes in design and fashion trends, the Patiala suit remains an important part of Punjabi culture and tradition. It is still worn during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions and is a symbol of pride and identity for many Punjabi women.

Why are Patiala Suits so Famous?

There are several reasons why Patiala suits are so famous:

Comfortable and practical: Patiala suits are designed to be loose and comfortable, making them ideal for everyday wear in hot and humid weather. They are also practical for women who need to move around and work, as they offer greater mobility and flexibility than other types of traditional clothing.

Unique style: The draping style of Patiala suits is distinct and eye-catching, with pleated and billowing fabric that creates a voluminous silhouette. This unique style has made Patiala suits popular with women all over India and around the world.

Cultural significance: Punjab is a region with a rich cultural heritage, and Patiala suits are an important part of that heritage. They are often worn during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions and are a symbol of pride for many Punjabi women.

Versatility: Patiala suits can be dressed up or down according to the event and can be worn with a variety of accessories and footwear. This versatility has made them a popular choice for women who yearn to look stylish and comfortable at the same time.

Overall, Patiala suits from Punjab are famous for their comfort, unique style, cultural significance, and versatility. They have become an important part of Indian fashion and are loved by women all over the world.

Different Styles of Patiala Suits

There are several different styles of Patiala suits, each with its own unique features and variations. Some of the most popular styles include:

Standard Patiala Suit

This is the most common style of Patiala suit, featuring a baggy salwar with multiple pleats and a short kameez or tunic. The dupatta or scarf is usually draped over the head or around the neck.

Semi Patiala Suit

A semi-Patiala suit is a variation of the traditional Patiala suit, with a slightly different style of salwar or bottom. In a semi-Patiala suit, the salwar is still loose and comfortable, but it has fewer pleats than a traditional Patiala salwar. Instead of the multiple pleats gathered at the waist, a semi-Patiala salwar has just two or three broad pleats that create a more streamlined and fitted look. The salwar is still tapered or fitted around the ankles, giving it a distinct shape.

Palazzo Patiala Suit

This style features wide-legged palazzo pants instead of the traditional baggy salwar. The kameez can be short or long, and the dupatta is draped in various styles.

Anarkali Patiala Suit

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This style features a fitted bodice and a flared skirt with multiple pleats, creating a flowy, princess-like effect. The dupatta is usually draped over the head or around the neck.

Jacket Patiala Suit

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This style features a short jacket or waistcoat over the kameez, adding a layer of elegance to the outfit. The salwar is the traditional baggy style, and the dupatta can be draped in various styles.

Dhoti Patiala Suit

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This style features a dhoti-style salwar, with the pleats gathered at the ankles. The kameez can be short or long, and the dupatta is draped in various styles.

Sharara Patiala Suit

This style features a sharara-style pants with a flared silhouette, giving the appearance of a skirt. The kameez is usually short, and the dupatta is draped in various styles.

These are just a few examples of the many styles of Patiala suits available. Each style can be customized with different fabrics, prints, and embellishments to create a unique and personalized look.

Although many variations of Patiala suits have come into existence, the standard version is considered the most authentic one. Here is more about this style:

The Standard Patiala Suit is the most common and traditional style of Patiala suit. It typically consists of three pieces - a baggy salwar, a short kameez or tunic, and a dupatta or scarf.

The salwar or bottom is the key element of the Patiala suit. It is characterized by its voluminous and pleated design, which makes it loose and comfortable to wear. The salwar has several pleats gathered at the waist, which creates a billowing effect at the hips and thighs. The bottom of the salwar is usually tapered or fitted around the ankles, giving it a distinctive shape.

The kameez or tunic is usually short and falls just above the knees. It is designed to complement the baggy salwar and is often made of lightweight fabrics such as cotton or silk. The kameez may be sleeveless, half-sleeved, or full-sleeved, depending on the occasion and personal preference.

The dupatta or scarf is an essential accessory that completes the Patiala suit. It is draped over the head or around the neck and is used to add color and elegance to the outfit. The dupatta is usually made of sheer fabrics like chiffon or georgette and can be embellished with embroidery, sequins, or other decorative elements.

The Standard Patiala Suit is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It is often worn during weddings, festivals, and other special events, as well as for casual and everyday wear. The style has evolved over time, with designers adding new fabrics, prints, and embellishments to create a more modern and trendier look.

Interesting and Surprising Facts about Patiala Suits

• The Patiala suit was named after the city of Patiala in Punjab, where it originated in the early 20th century.
• The Patiala suit was originally designed for men, but over time, it became popular among women as well.
• The traditional Patiala suit has over 50 pleats in the salwar, making it one of the most voluminous and comfortable styles of Indian clothing.
• The Patiala suit was a favorite of the Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, who was often seen wearing it during his revolutionary activities in the 1920s and 30s.
• The Patiala suit gained international recognition after Bollywood actresses started wearing it in films and on the red carpet, making it a popular style for women all over the world.
• The Patiala suit has inspired many designers to create their own variations of the style, incorporating modern fabrics, prints, and embellishments.
• The Patiala suit is not just popular in India but is also worn by Punjabi communities around the world, including in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
• The Guinness World Record for the largest Patiala salwar was set in 2014, with a salwar that measured 3,233.8 meters in length and 1.20 meters in width.
• The Patiala suit is a symbol of Punjabi culture and identity and has played an important role in promoting Punjabi fashion and heritage on the global stage.

Where to Buy Patiala Suits?

If you are visiting Punjab, you can find a wide variety of Patiala suits in local markets and bazaars. These markets offer a range of options, from traditional and authentic designs to modern and trendy styles.

Chandni Chowk is a popular shopping destination in Delhi, known for its wide range of clothing options. You can find many stores here that specialize in Patiala suits, offering a variety of styles and designs. You can also shop for Patiala suits from online websites like Amazon, Myntra, BIBA, etc.