If you ever visit Punjab, wouldn’t you like to wear Punjabi clothes? Punjabi clothes are different from regular Western clothes, and thus you should know the relevant words if you are interested in buying clothes of good quality. In this blog post, you will learn about different types of Punjabi clothes along with the epic Punjabi clothes vocab, which will further assist you in choosing the best clothes for yourself.
Clothes/Clothing In Punjab
The word for clothes is ਕੱਪੜੇ (Kapaṛē) in Punjabi. Punjabis are very concerned and sensitive about their culture and clothing. They find it offensive if someone disobeys or mocks their clothing style. Therefore, not knowing their way of dressing while living there causes a problem.
The lavishing clothes in Punjab give an insight into the vibrant, dazzling lifestyle and culture of Punjab. Punjabi dresses are always a merger of beauty, comfort, and colors. These cultural and traditional dresses show the harmony of modernity of the people living there.
Different Punjabi Clothes
In ancient times, Punjabi people used to wear cotton clothes. Both men and women used to wear Knee-length tops. Let’s look at some most common clothes in Punjab.
ਸੁਥਾਨ (Suthāna)
ਸੁਥਾਨ (Suthāna), which got its name from the Punjabi region Suthana, is a lower garment and stated as a type of trousers. The Punjabi Suthana is a kind of Svasthana that can be loose or tight around the ankle according to its type.
It is both a men’s and women’s garment, but women mainly wear it with a kurta. Punjabi people mostly wear it and do not wait for a specific date and time.
ਕੁੜਤਾ (Kuṛatā)
ਕੁੜਤਾ (Kuṛatā) Worn in Northern India, Kurta used to be a shirt; short in length. It is considered comfortable because it is loose.
Moreover, its sides are slashed. The modern Kurta is similar to the ancient Kurta, well-worn by people in the Punjab district.
ਸ਼ਲਵਾਰ ਕਮੀਜ਼ (Śalavāra kamīza)
ਸ਼ਲਵਾਰ ਕਮੀਜ਼ (Śalavāra kamīza) is a Punjabi dress that is worn by people in all five provinces of Pakistan. It consists of a straight-cut salwar and Kurta.
This Punjabi suit is stitched from different styles worn by people in cities and villages. The kameez is stitched straight and flat, while the shalwar is loose from the top but fits at the point of the legs. As time passes, changes can be seen in the designs of the ਸ਼ਲਵਾਰ ਕਮੀਜ਼ (Śalavāra kamīza) as well.
ਚੋਲਾ (Cōlā)
ਚੋਲਾ (Cōlā) is a kind of garment that is similar to a gown. Men and women can wear it. It can also reach the point of the ankle. It contains a lot of fabric for the stitching, and it increases the beauty of a woman. The people of upper local areas wear it.
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਘੱਗਰਾ (Pajābī ghagarā)
Before Punjabi suits, the traditional clothes of Punjabi women were Punjabi ghagra. These clothes include a head scarf, shalwar, Kurta, and ghagra. A Punjabi Ghagra is worn in various parts of Punjab. Ghagra became a well-liked attire in the period of Gupta. Its origin is Candakata.
The Candakata used to be male-half trousers and later transformed into ghagra.
ਫੁਲਕਾਰੀ (Phulakārī)
Its origin is the 15th century. It refers to a term called flower craft. It represents the symbol of the clothing desires of women in Punjab and is representative of floral heritage.
This traditional dress contains bright colors and is embroidered lavishly. Phulkari dress can be woven into other clothing items like shawls, kurtas, lehengas, and dupattas. You can check a Punjabi calendar and look for the best events to try this out
ਪਟਿਆਲਾ ਸਲਵਾਰ (Paṭi’ālā salavāra)
This dress has its roots in Patiala. It consists of baggy and pleated trousers. Earlier, it was worn by men, but now Patiala salwar is more prevalent among girls. It is a combination of a kurta and chunni. This traditional dress has various modern designs while keeping the traditional cultural touch alive.
ਜਾਮਾ (Jāmā)
The traditional dress worn by men in the Mughal regime is known as Jama. It is like a skirt because it is a long piece that flares up at the ankles or knees. It is usually paired with a turban to reflect royalty and goes well with majestic kings. This dress has long sleeves. It allows freedom of movement, and therefore it is comfortable.
ਪਗੜੀ (Pagaṛī)
The headwear worn by Punjabi Sikh men is known as ਪਗੜੀ (Pagaṛī). This turban is available in different colors and has a lot of significance in the lives of Punjabi men as it helps them to cover up their long hair. Dastar Bandi is the ritual in the Golden temple where the young children wear turbans for the first time in the presence of their family members.
ਚੂੜੀਦਾਰ ਪਜਾਮਾ (Cūṛīdāra pajāmā)
The culture of ਚੂੜੀਦਾਰ ਪਜਾਮਾ (Cūṛīdāra pajāmā) came into being from Royal families. It is a part of men’s and women’s attire. It is connected with Punjab and is famous all over the subcontinent. Mostly, churidar pajamas are blue with Sussi (cotton) material, but it depends on people’s choices. They buy different colors of churidar pajamas.
ਬਹਾਵਲਪੁਰੀ ਸਲਵਾਰ ਸੂਟ (Bahāvalapurī salavāra sūṭa)
While talking about the traditional clothes of the Punjab of India, let’s also talk about one from the Punjab of Pakistan.
The origin of this suit is Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The ਬਹਾਵਲਪੁਰੀ ਸਲਵਾਰ ਸੂਟ (Bahāvalapurī salavāra sūṭa) has a lot of voluminous folds and is baggy. The traditional material is Sufi, combined with silk fabric and gold threads.
Punjabi Clothes Vocab
When you go to Punjab, you can wear anything. From wearing jeans and shirts to pants, everything is allowed. But what would be culturally more appropriate is to buy the traditional clothes of Punjab and try to mix with the people. This is a sweet gesture in Punjab, and people find it easier to accept you.
Here is a list of basic words and phrases for different clothes in the Punjabi language!
A-M
English Words | Punjabi Translation | Romanized Punjabi |
Anga/Angarkha | ਅੰਗਾ/ਅੰਗਾਰਖਾ | Agā/agārakhā |
Bahawalpuri shalwar suit | ਬਹਾਵਲਪੁਰੀ ਸ਼ਲਵਾਰ ਸੂਟ | bahāvalapurī śalavāra sūṭa |
Chamba angarkhi | ਚੰਬਾ ਅੰਗਰਖੀ | cabā agarakhī |
Chaup and subar | ਚੌਪ ਅਤੇ ਸੁਬਾਰ | caupa atē subāra |
Chhamaas | ਛਮਾਸ | chamāsa |
Choga and Neelak | ਚੋਗਾ ਅਤੇ ਨੀਲਕ | cōgā atē nīlaka |
Churidar pajama | ਚੂੜੀਦਾਰ ਪਜਾਮਾ | cūṛīdāra pajāmā |
Fabric prints and embroidery | ਫੈਬਰਿਕ ਪ੍ਰਿੰਟਸ ਅਤੇ ਕਢਾਈ | phaibarika priṭasa atē kaḍhā’ī |
Ghoonghat bagh | ਘੂੰਘਾਟ ਬਾਗ | ghūghāṭa bāga |
Jama and Turban | ਜਾਮਾ ਅਤੇ ਦਸਤਾਰ | jāmā atē dasatāra |
Khes and Paranda | ਖੇਸ ਅਤੇ ਪਰਾਂਦਾ | khēsa atē parāndā |
Kurti and Chola | ਕੁਰਤੀ ਅਤੇ ਚੋਲਾ | kuratī atē cōlā |
Muktsari kurta | ਮੁਕਤਸਰੀ ਕੁੜਤਾ | mukatasarī kuṛatā |
Multani kurta | ਮੁਲਤਾਨੀ ਕੁੜਤਾ | mulatānī kuṛatā |
Multani shalwar suit | ਮੁਲਤਾਨੀ ਸ਼ਲਵਾਰ ਸੂਟ | mulatānī śalavāra sūṭa |
P-Z
English Words | Punjabi Translation | Romanized Punjabi |
Patiala salwar | ਪਟਿਆਲਾ ਸਲਵਾਰ | Paṭi’ālā salavāra |
Phulkari and Luanchari | ਫੁਲਕਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਲੂਣਚਾਰੀ | phulakārī atē lūṇacārī |
Phulkari of south and southwestern Punjab region | ਦੱਖਣ ਅਤੇ ਦੱਖਣ-ਪੱਛਮੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਖੇਤਰ ਦੀ ਫੁਲਕਾਰੀ | dakhaṇa atē dakhaṇa-pachamī pajāba khētara dī phulakārī |
Phulkari sari | ਫੁਲਕਾਰੀ ਸਾੜ੍ਹੀ | phulakārī sāṛhī |
Pothohari suit | ਪੋਠੋਹਾਰੀ ਸੂਟ | pōṭhōhārī sūṭa |
Punjabi bandhani kurta | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਬੰਧਨੀ ਕੁੜਤਾ | pajābī badhanī kuṛatā |
Punjabi ghagra | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਘੱਗਰਾ | pajābī ghagarā |
Punjabi ghuttana | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਘੁੱਟਣਾ | pajābī ghuṭaṇā |
Punjabi Juti | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਜੁੱਤੀ | pajābī jutī |
Punjabi phulkari kurta | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਫੁਲਕਾਰੀ ਕੁੜਤਾ | pajābī phulakārī kuṛatā |
Punjabi suthan suit | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸੂਟ ਸੂਟ | pajābī sūṭa sūṭa |
Punjabi tamba and kurta | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਤੰਬਾ ਅਤੇ ਕੁੜਤਾ | pajābī tabā atē kuṛatā |
Salwar Kameez | ਸਲਵਾਰ ਕਮੀਜ਼ | salavāra kamīza |
Saraiki shalwar suits | ਸਰਾਇਕੀ ਸ਼ਲਵਾਰ ਸੂਟ | sarā’ikī śalavāra sūṭa |
Senchi phulkari | ਸੈਂਚੀ ਫੁਲਕਾਰੀ | sain̄cī phulakārī |
Suthan and Kurta | ਸੁਥਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਕੁਰਤਾ | suthāna atē kuratā |
Til patra | ਤਿਲ ਪਾਤਰਾ | tila pātarā |
Accessories In Punjabi
Here is a list of all the words for accessories which you can wear with clothes
English Words | Punjabi Translation | Romanized Punjabi |
Anklets and Belts | ਗਿੱਟੇ ਅਤੇ ਬੈਲਟ | Giṭē atē bailaṭa |
Bangles and Bracelets | ਚੂੜੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਕੰਗਣ | cūṛī’āṁ atē kagaṇa |
Brooches and Pins | ਬਰੂਚ ਅਤੇ ਪਿੰਨ | barūca atē pina |
Cuff Links and Studs | ਕਫ਼ ਲਿੰਕਸ ਅਤੇ ਸਟੱਡਸ | kafa likasa atē saṭaḍasa |
Earrings and Eyeglasses | ਮੁੰਦਰਾ ਅਤੇ ਐਨਕਾਂ | mudarā atē ainakāṁ |
Facemask and Gloves | ਫੇਸਮਾਸਕ ਅਤੇ ਦਸਤਾਨੇ | phēsamāsaka atē dasatānē |
Hair accessories and Helmets | ਵਾਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਉਪਕਰਣ ਅਤੇ ਹੈਲਮੇਟ | vālāṁ dē upakaraṇa atē hailamēṭa |
Handkerchiefs and pocket squares | ਰੁਮਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਜੇਬ ਵਰਗ | rumāla atē jēba varaga |
Hats and Handbags | ਟੋਪੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਹੈਂਡਬੈਗ | ṭōpī’āṁ atē haiṇḍabaiga |
Headdresses and headwraps | ਸਿਰਲੇਖ ਅਤੇ ਸਿਰਲੇਖ | siralēkha atē siralēkha |
Luggage | ਸਮਾਨ | samāna |
Necklaces and Pendants | ਹਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਪੈਂਡੈਂਟਸ | hāra atē paiṇḍaiṇṭasa |
Neckties and Perfumes | ਨੇਕਟਾਈਜ਼ ਅਤੇ ਅਤਰ | nēkaṭā’īza atē atara |
Phones and peripherals | ਫ਼ੋਨ ਅਤੇ ਪੈਰੀਫਿਰਲ | fōna atē pairīphirala |
Purses and Wallets | ਪਰਸ ਅਤੇ ਬਟੂਏ | parasa atē baṭū’ē |
Rings and Sashes | ਰਿੰਗ ਅਤੇ ਸੈਸ਼ | riga atē saiśa |
Scarves and Footwear | ਸਕਾਰਫ਼ ਅਤੇ ਜੁੱਤੇ | sakārafa atē jutē |
Socks and Stockings | ਜੁਰਾਬਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਟੋਕਿੰਗਜ਼ | jurābāṁ atē saṭōkigaza |
Sunglasses and Umbrella | ਸਨਗਲਾਸ ਅਤੇ ਛਤਰੀ | sanagalāsa atē chatarī |
Brands In Punjab For Women
If there is one thing that Punjabi women love, it is shopping. Punjabi women adore shopping from several brands, and thus here is a list of some of the most common brands in Punjab that you can vouch for.
English Words | Punjabi Translation | Romanized Punjabi |
Aks | ਅਕਸ | Akasa |
Anouk | ਅਨੋਕ | anōka |
Aurelia | ਔਰੇਲੀਆ | aurēlī’ā |
BIBA | ਬੀ.ਬੀ.ਏ | bī.Bī.Ē |
FabIndia | ਫੈਬਇੰਡੀਆ | phaiba’iḍī’ā |
Gerua | ਗੇਰੂਆ | gērū’ā |
Global Desi | ਗਲੋਬਲ ਦੇਸੀ | galōbala dēsī |
Haute Curry | ਹੌਟ ਕਰੀ | hauṭa karī |
Jaipur Kurti | ਜੈਪੁਰ ਕੁਰਤੀ | jaipura kuratī |
Juniper | ਜੂਨੀਪਰ | jūnīpara |
Karigari | ਕਰਿਗਾਰੀ | karigārī |
Libas | ਲਿਬਾਸ | libāsa |
Rain And Rainbow | ਮੀਂਹ ਅਤੇ ਸਤਰੰਗੀ ਪੀ | mīnha atē sataragī pī |
Rangmanch/Akkriti By Pantaloons | ਪੈਂਟਾਲੂਨ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਰੰਗਮੰਚ/ਅਕ੍ਰਿਤੀ | paiṇṭālūna du’ārā ragamaca/akritī |
Rangriti | ਰੰਗਰਿਤੀ | ragaritī |
Sangria | ਸੰਗਰੀਆ | sagarī’ā |
Shree | ਸ਼੍ਰੀ | śrī |
Soch | ਸੋਚ | sōca |
W for Woman | ਔਰਤ ਲਈ ਡਬਲਯੂ | aurata la’ī ḍabalayū |
Brands In Punjab For Men
Now that we have talked about the brands of women not talking about the brand of men would be such a shame. Here is a list of brands for men in Punjab that you can also try, Cheers!
English Words | Punjabi Translation | Romanized Punjabi |
Allen Solly | ਐਲਨ ਸੋਲੀ | Ailana sōlī |
Arrow | ਤੀਰ | tīra |
BlackBerrys | ਬਲੈਕਬੇਰੀ | balaikabērī |
Classic Polo | ਕਲਾਸਿਕ ਪੋਲੋ | kalāsika pōlō |
Fabindia | ਫੈਬਿੰਦਿਆ | phaibidi’ā |
Flying Machine | ਫਲਾਇੰਗ ਮਸ਼ੀਨ | phalā’iga maśīna |
Indian Terrain | ਭਾਰਤੀ ਭੂਮੀ | bhāratī bhūmī |
John Players | ਜੌਹਨ ਖਿਡਾਰੀ | jauhana khiḍārī |
Louis Phillippe | ਲੁਈਸ ਫਿਲਿਪ | lu’īsa philipa |
Monte Carlo | ਮੋਂਟੇ ਕਾਰਲੋ | mōṇṭē kāralō |
Mufti | ਮੁਫਤੀ | muphatī |
Numero Uno | ਨੰਬਰ ਯੂ.ਐਨ.ਓ | nabara yū.Aina.Ō |
Park Avenue | ਪਾਰਕ ਐਵੇਨਿਊ | pāraka aivēni’ū |
Parx | ਪਾਰਕਸ | pārakasa |
Peter England | ਪੀਟਰ ਇੰਗਲੈਂਡ | pīṭara igalaiṇḍa |
Privée Paris | Privée ਪੈਰਿਸ | Privée pairisa |
Provogue | ਪ੍ਰੋਵੋਗ | prōvōga |
Raymond | ਰੇਮੰਡ | rēmaḍa |
Van Heusen | ਵੈਨ ਹਿਊਜ਼ਨ | vaina hi’ūzana |
Wrapping Up
Punjabi is the most popular first language of Pakistan and also India. The users of the Punjabi language are about two and a half million people all over the world. It is a rich and tonal language.
The Punjabi Language gives us an insight into their rich culture. People link with each other through languages. The origin of the Punjabi language is the Dravidian of the Harappa civilization.
Many links and free sites help us learn and understand the Punjabi language. Ling App is by far the best website to learn Punjabi.
On our website, you can learn the Punjabi language the best way possible. Besides learning through the blog posts, you also get more options and tools.
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You can use our website and app on several devices and benefit from several resources free of advertisements. Even better, if you are learning any language along with the Punjabi language, try Ling App as it teaches more languages.
Also, check out the Punjabi alphabet and Punjabi job titles.
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