Punjabi ghagra suit

The term tewar or ti-or suggests that the outfit was originally a three-piece ensemble[12] which would have comprised the head scarf, kurta/kurti/angi and the ghagra.

However, when preparing clothes to give to the bride, the suthan/kurta or salwar kameez outfit is counted as bewar, comprising two articles, with the head scarf not being included.

[14] The kurti is a short cotton coat[15] or a mini anga (dress)[16] without side slits which is believed to have descended from the tunic of the Shunga period (2nd century B.C.).

The angi is the Punjabi name for the bodice which is a short sleeved vest which covers the breast but leaves the chest partly bare and the abdomen wholly exposed.

[30] It is still popular in Multan where the Multani choli is embroidered in different colours or hand printed, tied at the front or the back.

The ghagra is a long full skirt which can vary from 9 to 25 yards[32] The picture on the right shows the styles worn by Saraiki speaking women in west Punjab.

[33] In Lahore[34] and East Punjab, the ghagra however was only worn when going outdoors[35] or in some areas, when going to another village in which case the kurta/kurti would be replaced by a choli.

[36][37] Women were expected to continue to wear the ghagra over the suthan[38] or the salwar until old age or until at least the eldest child got married.

[40] Older Punjabi women living in the United Kingdom recall wearing the ghagra over the salwar.

The edge is finished with either a row of pin tucks, embroidery, gota or by putting a border of daryai (stiffened cloth).

[32] Other materials used for ghagras are hari-shael, latha,[39] saatan (satin), embroidered phulkari, parachute cloth etc.