Fashion Transition in Pakistan: A Not-So Easy Journey

Fashion has been predominantly limited to woman only as glamour is a term associated with the fairer sex. However this is not the case, men fashion has evolved to an extent to challenge for the title of glamour itself plus with the world now essentially being a global village there are innovations in trends that know no boundaries. Fashion industry has had a mushroom growth over the past decade and people are now more understanding if the word “trend” and “what’s in” as compared to the early and mid 90’s.

Fashion in Pakistan has changed rapidly even though the transition has not been easy. The industry has suffered a lot and was not even properly appreciated or recognized entirely for its effort in trying to battle the extremist narrative which was plastered over the country. Over the years men fashion has evolved extensively from shalwar kameez . Shorts, khakhi, chinos, and waistcoats and other garments have been used commonly over the recent years which shows that the ever-evolving fashion industry of the country.

We already know what the go-to dress is for Pakistani men: Shalwar qurta. In Pakistan if a guy doesn’t know what to wear he wears the national dress and most of the time it looks good. Here is how the male fashion trend has changed over the years in Pakistan.

• Accessories

Modern day fashion relies a lot on accessories as these days one might say it’s a game of accessories and like all others the accessories have also evolved. From just wearing a wrist watch the fashion trends have moved on and it allows men to try more and more. Most of the young adults in the country prefer jeans and t-shirts through-out the year and for this outfit the list of apparels have become a necessity as the country is warm and sun shines almost for 10 months( give or take) you just simply cannot walk out without your ever-green aviator sunglasses . Prior to such fashion influx men were not into bands and other wrist accessories but as the fashion changed so did the demands and also the trends. Gone are the times when a wrist-watch would do the magic. Now you need to understand that G-shock is game when it comes to jeans and a watch is used when you are formal, also there are tons of wrist bands going around the market to choose from they have recently found their way in our market and seem to have quite an impact on the youth.

• SHOES

Here is the tricky part; shoes and foot wear for men in Pakistan have undergone a transition to be proud of. From sandals to kaaptan chapal the journey is incredible and to be talked about. Footwear is an essential part of your fashion need and in Pakistan it is nothing different. It seems a life time when we would see a man flip flopping in his shoes now is the age of need and fashion. Sandals have really made their way into the daily life all types of them. These sandals are never out of fashion and are always in from the expensive boots to sandals under shalwar qameez the journey is interesting. Another great transition is from formal shows to Kaaptan chapal first worn by Imran Khan now seems to be the essential part of any dress.

• Suits

Shalwar qameez and waistcoat a trendy outfit now widely wore on any occasion from your regular Friday lecture at the university to the mehndi of your bestfriend this combo has really lit up the dressing rooms and shops and also the collections. Plus with the interesting color palate to choose form men now a days are not afraid to try on the brighter color qurta’s or waistcoat. The trends have changed from a very sober white and black shalwar qameez to all the bright and happy colors now available in the national dress and any other suits you might like. The three piece formal suit have also changed magnanimously the color range to the fitting and the styles have all evolved. All it takes from you is to go to your favorite store and browse the shop. If you are too busy fret not the recent trend in the market seems to be very applicable towards this specific problem. Online shopping in Pakistan has dug deep and changed the entire culture the online retailers are well up-to-date and you can find stuff for reasonable prices as well. Plus you are in your comfort zone while shopping online.

So from a simple out going Pakistani man to upbeat dressing the journey of Pakistan fashion industry is applaud-able. So while we look back at our glorious fashion journey we can hope for more and more improvement in the near future.