Is Pakistani dressing style more influenced by Europeans or Americans?

[Major]

In Pakistan, or in Islamabad to be precise, i have noticed how people dress up.
Most people here dress up very nicely even if its not for an occasion.

Be it, simple grocery shopping, running errands or even going to class, people here tend to dress more properly and nicely.

I've always believed that this was an influence by the European culture. Though, i've never been to Europe but i have seen from media that they also tend to dress nicely.

Now if we talk about American dressing, people there dress very casually. Most of the attire there is sports attire. People dress up there just for the sake of it and nice clothes are only put on for occasions.

In Pakistan, casual dressing is frowned upon. Infact, you are treated the way you are dressed over here.

Do you guys think Pakistani dressing is influenced by Europeans?

 

[ManFan]

They look out of place and uncomfortable.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

 

[TeymurBlake]

I mean most people don't care how they look especially students when it comes to doing grocery shopping here in the UK, unlike somewhere say far east asia where most people tend to look well dressed just for say a Pint of Milk

 

[Pakistanian]

I think Asians are more conscious of how they look in public as opposed to caucasians. Even among American raised Pakistanis, I feel like we dress better and consciously try to look good in public whereas white people are more laid back about how they dress. I think it stems from the Asian culture of being concerned about how people think of us. It's the "laug kya kahenge" mentality.

 

[Major]

I've lived in Canada for quite sometime, so i've also picked up the habit of dressing very casually. So now in Pakistan, i very rarely dress up nicely.

Its always the sports shirt and a short. I dont even mind wearing a shirt with holes or ragged jeans.

But i've notice that i always look the odd one out.

Infact, many times during groceries or in other shops people often confuse me as i work there

WHat i suppose to mean is that i get treated differently, like i get treated as if i have very low social status. Why? Because of the way i dress . I think i have often made to feel that way with the way I get treated outside for not dressing up nicely for the sake of it

Even in my University, i see many of my peers coming in dressed up and all as if they have something to prove, and i'm there wearing casuals.

 

[KingKhanWC]

If people like to be presentable in public , I dont see an issue. People dress smartly and go shopping here too. Whatever makes someone feel comfortable.

I would say when in Islamabad it does make me giggle how some Pakistani's dress in western attire. The quality of some of the shirts and t-shirts are hideous with strange designs and funny quotes. I've seen people wear jeans which are either too short or too baggy, not fitting properly and let's not even get into the trainers, they are just far too embarrassing to even look at. The Pakistani clothes in Pakistan are top quality and you can have them tailored to fit perfectly. I dont wear western clothes when in Pakistan.

 

[UP]

Its more got to do with show off. People in that country are obsessed with showing off their wealth. Just look at the grand weddings.

Last year, during my trip - I was told not to wear a simple shalwar kameez to a wedding by my aunts and was forced to wear a western dress. I was kind of shocked. Whenever, I visit Pak - I find myself cramped around the social expectations because I’m just so used to living on my own terms in a western country.

Too much nakhra and obsession with useless things.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Its more got to do with show off. People in that country are obsessed with showing off their wealth. Just look at the grand weddings.

Last year, during my trip - I was told not to wear a simple shalwar kameez to a wedding by my aunts and was forced to wear a western dress. I was kind of shocked. Whenever, I visit Pak - I find myself cramped around the social expectations because I’m just so used to living on my own terms in a western country.

Too much nakhra and obsession with useless things.

Well if its a wedding and the dress codes is western suits, then it would be silly to wear Shalwar Kameez?

 

[Major]

If people like to be presentable in public , I dont see an issue. People dress smartly and go shopping here too. Whatever makes someone feel comfortable.

I would say when in Islamabad it does make me giggle how some Pakistani's dress in western attire. The quality of some of the shirts and t-shirts are hideous with strange designs and funny quotes. I've seen people wear jeans which are either too short or too baggy, not fitting properly and let's not even get into the trainers, they are just far too embarrassing to even look at. The Pakistani clothes in Pakistan are top quality and you can have them tailored to fit perfectly. I dont wear western clothes when in Pakistan.

too short?

You mean showing the ankles and wearing loafers?

apparently its some new style amongest the Pakistani Youth.

I don't mind what people wear. I care less. Thing is, i find it weird if they dress up nicely for no occasion. Just to attend class everyday or doing grocery shopping you wear nice clothes.

 

[Major]

Its more got to do with show off. People in that country are obsessed with showing off their wealth. Just look at the grand weddings.

Last year, during my trip - I was told not to wear a simple shalwar kameez to a wedding by my aunts and was forced to wear a western dress. I was kind of shocked. Whenever, I visit Pak - I find myself cramped around the social expectations because I’m just so used to living on my own terms in a western country.

Too much nakhra and obsession with useless things.

i thinks its also more about proving a point.

It really bothers me that casual dressers like me are judged by others.

But i have kind of accepted that here you have to dress up really nicely or else you get treated like crap

 

[UP]

Well if its a wedding and the dress codes is western suits, then it would be silly to wear Shalwar Kameez?

Many ‘seniors’ were dressed in a shalwar kameez. There was no dress code.

Youth/younger people were dressed in western clothing.

 

[KingKhanWC]

too short?

You mean showing the ankles and wearing loafers?

apparently its some new style amongest the Pakistani Youth.

I don't mind what people wear. I care less. Thing is, i find it weird if they dress up nicely for no occasion. Just to attend class everyday or doing grocery shopping you wear nice clothes.

Yes, above the ankles. What kind of foolish style is this? lol. If you want to show your ankles wear shorts not jeans.

If Im going to the local shop to get a pint of milk, I wear gym shorts, gym t-shirt and flip flops in the summer. If im going into town on a Saturday shopping, I will dress nice. When you're out for a few hours, you want to look dapper.

 

[PakLFC]

Europeans. The British effect is still for all to be seen.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Many ‘seniors’ were dressed in a shalwar kameez. There was no dress code.

Youth/younger people were dressed in western clothing.

You shouldnt have let them force you to wear what you dont want to. I've noticed a lot of youth in Pakistan and India want to be western on a daily basis. I dont understand this tbh, you have great clothes in Pakistan so why wear a fake designer t-shirt, terrible jeans and ugly trainers or shoes.

 

[Major]

Yes, above the ankles. What kind of foolish style is this? lol. If you want to show your ankles wear shorts not jeans.

If Im going to the local shop to get a pint of milk, I wear gym shorts, gym t-shirt and flip flops in the summer. If im going into town on a Saturday shopping, I will dress nice. When you're out for a few hours, you want to look dapper.

shorts are called kachas here. People think shorts are underwear, thus you can't really wear shorts in Pakistan.

Like you could wear them, but you will get weird stares and even comments by some. Plus, your entery is also limited in some places.

Often people here think wearing shorts infront of females is wrong, as the thighs are exposed.

Regarding shorts, i've been through all situations, so i have plenty of stories

 

[Major]

You shouldnt have let them force you to wear what you dont want to. I've noticed a lot of youth in Pakistan and India want to be western on a daily basis. I dont understand this tbh, you have great clothes in Pakistan so why wear a fake designer t-shirt, terrible jeans and ugly trainers or shoes.

The Pakistani clothes arn't that great for summers to be honest.

Wearing shalwar kameez in summer is quite difficult. Plus the whole taking your shalwar off to the washroom and avoid it from getting it wet and all.

Plus, at my university, Shalwar kameez isn't even allowed . only allowed on fridays.

You will find this quite funny, locals here try to go towards western trend, while foreign Pakistanis returning would opt for the local clothing and even language.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

We have the most efficient fashion police.

 

[KingKhanWC]

shorts are called kachas here. People think shorts are underwear, thus you can't really wear shorts in Pakistan.

Like you could wear them, but you will get weird stares and even comments by some. Plus, your entery is also limited in some places.

Often people here think wearing shorts infront of females is wrong, as the thighs are exposed.

Regarding shorts, i've been through all situations, so i have plenty of stories

The Pakistani clothes arn't that great for summers to be honest.

Wearing shalwar kameez in summer is quite difficult. Plus the whole taking your shalwar off to the washroom and avoid it from getting it wet and all.

Plus, at my university, Shalwar kameez isn't even allowed . only allowed on fridays.

You will find this quite funny, locals here try to go towards western trend, while foreign Pakistanis returning would opt for the local clothing and even language.

I wear long shorts which fall below your knees. I have some on right now, basketball shorts and I also have a lot of combat martial arts long shorts.

Yes going to the bathroom can be an issue in shalwar kameez but I find them more cool and comfortable in the hot summer of Pakistan compared to jeans.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I think its about herd mentality. People don’t like to look like the odd one out in their groups. That too is not limited to fashion. For example, look at our drama industry. They keep twisting the same storylines and make ‘new’ tv. All because everyone likes it and we are conditioned like what everyone else like. Take religion. You don’t belong to one religion and you are an outcast. Take politics or journalism. You either support one party line constantly or risk being branded ‘lota’ or ‘lifafa’. Take sports. The only time you are outraged that your team is not playing decent football is when the FIFA World Cup is on. Otherwise, ‘Pakistan me football kaun dekhta hay’. And it goes on and on.

 

[Pakistanian]

If people like to be presentable in public , I dont see an issue. People dress smartly and go shopping here too. Whatever makes someone feel comfortable.

I would say when in Islamabad it does make me giggle how some Pakistani's dress in western attire. The quality of some of the shirts and t-shirts are hideous with strange designs and funny quotes. I've seen people wear jeans which are either too short or too baggy, not fitting properly and let's not even get into the trainers, they are just far too embarrassing to even look at. The Pakistani clothes in Pakistan are top quality and you can have them tailored to fit perfectly. I dont wear western clothes when in Pakistan.

That's true, the western clothes you find in the subcontinent are really poor quality and unappealing.

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

I can't speak for America or Europe but here in Australia most people definitely wear extremely casual clothing and don't really care what others might think of them. I guess that's a good thing and bad thing at the same time.

 

[Greenstorm]

I do not know why our universities(specially those in Islamabad) have banned shalwaar Qameez. It is our national dress for God's sake.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I can't speak for America or Europe but here in Australia most people definitely wear extremely casual clothing and don't really care what others might think of them. I guess that's a good thing and bad thing at the same time.

People generally wear the clothing more suitable for the climate, in California you probably get a lot of people wearing t shirt and shorts. In Pakistan the shalwar kameez made sense because it's comfortable clothing in hot weather. I guess those who wear western dress are following fashion, which is what kids all over the world do. Just the desi western dress sense won't be that developed since they don't create western fashion, they will be mimicking it.

 

[King-Misbah]

Yes, above the ankles. What kind of foolish style is this? lol. If you want to show your ankles wear shorts not jeans.

If Im going to the local shop to get a pint of milk, I wear gym shorts, gym t-shirt and flip flops in the summer. If im going into town on a Saturday shopping, I will dress nice. When you're out for a few hours, you want to look dapper.

It's the new hipster and trendy look my brother. We are going more towards the sunnah it seems

 

[Saeed]

Nah Pakistanis are influenced by something else. I was looking at some videos and men were wearing extremely skinny jeans like HS teenagers and they look ridiculous.

 

[Major]

People generally wear the clothing more suitable for the climate, in California you probably get a lot of people wearing t shirt and shorts. In Pakistan the shalwar kameez made sense because it's comfortable clothing in hot weather. I guess those who wear western dress are following fashion, which is what kids all over the world do. Just the desi western dress sense won't be that developed since they don't create western fashion, they will be mimicking it.

I never found Shalwar Kameez to be comfortable in hot weather.

Shorts are a better fit.

in 40 degrees wearing a shalwar kameez and covers each and every skin isn't really a comfortable clothing for hot weather in my opinion.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I never found Shalwar Kameez to be comfortable in hot weather.

Shorts are a better fit.

in 40 degrees wearing a shalwar kameez and covers each and every skin isn't really a comfortable clothing for hot weather in my opinion.

It's more comfortable than jeans or trousers which is what the younger folk in Islamabad probably wear, especially if you wear the lighter cotton fabric in the hotter months. Shorts would be a good alternative, I don't know if they are popular in Pakistani cities.

 

[Major]

It's more comfortable than jeans or trousers which is what the younger folk in Islamabad probably wear, especially if you wear the lighter cotton fabric in the hotter months. Shorts would be a good alternative, I don't know if they are popular in Pakistani cities.

shorts are actually kind of taboo here.

People consider it to be equivalent to wearing your underpants in public. I've been made fun of by families and other folks for wearing them alot of times.

Even on the cricket field i had a team mate who was doing a little jog in shorts, the cricket field was under army administration and one of the sepoys there started shouting at the guy for wearing shorts.

 

[Mamoon]

Shalwar kameez is comfortable but impractical. Making trips to the toilet is a big problem, and good luck when you lose your "naara". I have cut down on it considerably over the last few years. I tend to wear it on Eid only these days.

I hope this outdated outfit dies soon. Yes it is cultural, but it has no place in this fast-paced world. You won't see any Romans walking around in their togas today.

As far as "western" clothing is concerned, it is a generic term. Western countries did not invent shirts and pants, they borrowed them.

 

[Pakistanian]

Shalwar kameez is impractical like others have said. I think Pakistanis don't dress appropriate to their climate, they tend to overdress.

In a hot country like Pakistan, people should dress similar to Australians and Americans in the south. Shorts and tank tops should be Pakistan's national attire.

 

[troodon]

Shalwar kameez is comfortable but impractical. Making trips to the toilet is a big problem, and good luck when you lose your "naara". I have cut down on it considerably over the last few years. I tend to wear it on Eid only these days.

I hope this outdated outfit dies soon. Yes it is cultural, but it has no place in this fast-paced world. You won't see any Romans walking around in their togas today.

As far as "western" clothing is concerned, it is a generic term. Western countries did not invent shirts and pants, they borrowed them.

Any shirt or top that goes all way down to your knees is mighty uncomfortable when attending nature calls. I find it extremely uncomfortable when wearing Kurta Pyjama for religious occasions.

Shorts or pants are the best.

 

[Pakistanian]

shorts are actually kind of taboo here.

People consider it to be equivalent to wearing your underpants in public. I've been made fun of by families and other folks for wearing them alot of times.

Even on the cricket field i had a team mate who was doing a little jog in shorts, the cricket field was under army administration and one of the sepoys there started shouting at the guy for wearing shorts.

That's weird. When I visited Pakistan last time I went to Lahore and people would refer to my shorts as nickers and they had a problem with it, however when I went to Karachi nobody had an issue.

 

[Pakistanian]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] I think shorts should be the norm for both genders like it is here.

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] I think shorts should be the norm for both genders like it is here.

Religious hang-ups. Not going to happen.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Pakistanis are easily the most fashionable in the subcontinent. But don't know why the british pakistanis have such poor sense of fashion..and bad grooming.

 

[MenInG]

Those who dont see their posts here should think carefully before next post.

 

[Slim]

Pakistanis are easily the most fashionable in the subcontinent. But don't know why the british pakistanis have such poor sense of fashion..and bad grooming.

The hairstyles especially, so gaudy!