East Meets West: The Integration of Ethnic Pakistani Style into UK Fashion

Introduction

With Pakistani fashion making global headlines and leading trends everywhere, it is no surprise that there is a visible presence of ethnic pk style in the United Kingdom. There are many fusion elements of fashion derived from ethnic clothing of South Asian (India and Pakistan) descent that can be seen as a part of UK fashion these days.

Be it a modern fusion twist on the traditional kurta or kameez or the sight of people wearing comfortable co ord sets that are popping up everywhere as a part of trendy street style, it is undeniable that desi fashion is now advancing and is hard to miss!

This blog explains the evolution of ethnic fashion in the UK and gives you some really inspiring ideas for outfits that you can purchase from SAPPHIRE’s online UK store that will elevate your style and keep you up to date with UK street style.

Evolution of Pakistani fashion and its journey to the UK

Over the last few decades, there have been many waves of Pakistani immigrants moving to the UK. This gave a tremendous opportunity to Pakistani designers and Pakistani fashion brands to showcase their exceptional talent and unique craftsmanship by creating Pakistani dresses and ethnic suits for the immigrant community.

Soon Pakistani fashion starting spreading in the UK through the diaspora and the immigrant community and beyond started appreciating the beautiful craftsmanship of Pakistani fashion

The Pakistani communities played a key role in preserving and promoting their traditional fashion within the UK.

Over the years, Pakistani entrepreneurs have opened retail stores in the UK. These stores offer a wide range of traditional clothing, from everyday wear like shalwar kameez/salwar kameez to formal attire and partywear such as wedding outfits.

These shops not only catered to the Pakistani community but also attracted other South Asians from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lana and Nepal as well as non-South Asians interested in ethnic fashion.

On occasions such as Eid, Pakistani women dress to the nines and showcase their clothes on social media. Over the years, tailors from Pakistan established their businesses in the UK, providing custom-made traditional outfits made from unstitched fabrics that adhered to cultural designs and preferences, ensuring the authenticity of traditional fashion.

Pakistani weddings are a grand affair. Pakistani weddings that took place in the UK over the last few decades paved the way for Pakistani ethnic fashion to make its way.

Usually, traditional fashion is prominently displayed during weddings. These wedding celebrations help preserve the heritage by showcasing traditional bridal wear. The guests get a chance to dress up and showcase cultural heritage through their fashion and style.

Most common Pakistani styled outfit is shalwar kameez and its Indian counterpart is the saree which are seen the most at South Asian events in the UK. But now, the second generation of immigrants is more interested in fusion clothing that fuses western and eastern style aesthetics.

Key Elements of Ethnic PK Style

Overview of traditional Pakistani attire (Shalwar Kameez, Kurtis, Dupattas)

When it comes to ethnic wear, you automatically think of shalwar/salwar kameez, saree, kurti, dupatta, anarkali and pishwas.

Traditionally speaking, there are three staples to a quintessential Pakistani wardrobe: shalwar, kameez and dupatta.

Shalwar/salwar: The shalwar is essentially a pair of loose-fitting trousers or pants that taper at the ankles, offering comfort and ease of movement.

Kameez: A shalwar is usually paired with a kameez. A kameez is a long tunic that can vary in length, style, and embellishment, reflecting regional and cultural diversity. The kameez is known for its versatility, adapting to both formal and casual occasions depending on the fabric and design.

Dupatta: Dupatta completes the look of a shalwar kameez. It is a long flowing scarf that can be draped on shoulders, used as a hijab. The dupatta not only adds elegance and modesty but also serves as a canvas for intricate embroidery and vibrant patterns, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the outfit.

Chiffon and organza are popular and trendy fabric choices for dupatta.

In the winter months dupatta is replaced by beautiful shawls that come in great variety.

Together, these three pieces form the cornerstone of traditional Pakistani attire, each carrying deep cultural significance and embodying the rich heritage of the region.

Key fabrics and materials (Silk, Lawn, Cotton)

Ethnic PK style is renowned for its use of premium and high quality fabrics that are chosen for its unique properties that cater to different seasons, occasions, and personal preferences. Among the most popular are silk, lawn, and cotton.

Silk is bespoken for formal occasions due to its rich and luxurious texture and natural sheen. It drapes beautifully, making it a preferred choice for special events, weddings, and elaborate evening wear.

Lawn is a lightweight, breathable fabric that is particularly favored during the hot summer months in Pakistan. Made from fine cotton, lawn is cool against the skin and allows air to circulate, making it ideal for casual and semi-formal wear. It is often printed with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making it a staple for summer wardrobes around the world.

Cotton is one of the most versatile and widely used fabrics in Pakistani clothing. Known for its comfort and durability, cotton is suitable for everyday wear and can be easily adapted for both casual and formal attire. It is often used in the making of shalwar kameez and kurtis, providing a breathable, soft texture that is perfect for year-round use.

Traditional embroidery and embellishments (Zari, Gota, Mirror work)

Ethnic PK style is often adorned with beautiful embroidery and embellishments, adding depth, texture, and a sense of cultural heritage to each piece.

Among the most celebrated forms of adornment are Zari, Gota, and Mirror work—each with its unique history and application.

Top UK Street Style Trends You Can Find at SAPPHIRE

SAPPHIRE has an all encompassing collection waiting for you that will not only elevate your ethnic pk style but also upraise your fashion game in the UK.

Trend: Funky Prints and Colorful Patterns

Trend Overview: Explore how bold prints and patterns have become a staple in UK street fashion, including florals, checks, and abstract designs.

SAPPHIRE’S SELECTIONS

Colorful Printed Lawn Shirt and Matching Trousers

This vibrant two piece suit features a colorful printed lawn shirt paired with matching trousers, offering a perfect blend of style and comfort. The lightweight fabric ensures breathability, while the intricate print adds a touch of elegance and modern flair.

Ideal for UK summers, perfect fusion of eastern and western wear. Can be worn casually or at semi-formal occasions.

This outfit embodies effortless sophistication with a bold, contemporary twist.

Bold Floral Print

This stunning piece features a bold floral print in rich, dark hues, crafted from premium lawn fabric.

Designed to make a statement and perfect for both day and evening wear, this outfit seamlessly blends traditional Pakistani aesthetics with contemporary UK style.

Trend: Embroidered Classics

Trend Overview: Pakistani ethnic fashion is incomplete without embroidered classics. Embroidered kurtas and outfits effortlessly blend timeless elegance with modern flair. This trend celebrates intricate craftsmanship, with detailed embroidery adding a touch of luxury to traditional and contemporary pieces alike.

SAPPHIRE’S SELECTIONS

Embroidered Jacquard Outfit

Checkout this stunning outfit that seamlessly blends traditional ethnic style pk craftsmanship with modern elegance.

This outfit features rich jacquard fabric, known for its luxurious texture and intricate self- woven patterns, enhanced by detailed embroidery that adds depth and sophistication.

This outfit exudes grace and refinement, making it a standout choice for those looking to make a stylish statement.

Embroidered Dobby Shirt

The Embroidered Dobby Shirt is a traditional classic white anarkali style, A-line shirt. It is the most versatile piece in our collection that combines subtle texture with elegant detailing.

The intricate embroidery adds a touch of finesse, accentuating the design aesthetic.

Perfect for both semi-formal and formal gatherings s this embroidered dobby shirt is a stylish addition to any wardrobe, showcasing traditional Pakistani craftsmanship.

Trend: Oversized Silhouettes

Trend Overview: Oversized clothing has become a dominant trend in UK street style, reflecting a shift towards comfort, versatility, and a relaxed aesthetic.

SAPPHIRE’s collection embraces the oversized trend with a variety of options that align with both traditional and contemporary fashion preferences. The collection includes oversized kurtas, loose-fit tops in breathable fabrics and wide-leg pants, a key component of the oversized trend.

Kurtas, western fusion tops and wide-leg pants are all available in various prints and fabrics, offering a versatile option for those who appreciate both comfort and style.

SAPPHIRE’S SELECTIONS

Printed Lawn Shirt with Flared Pants

All the style and aesthetic elements come together so beautifully in this practical and versatile ensemble.

This apple red, white and black outfit is loose, breezy and comfortable but at the same time is very trendy and chic, blending in with UK street style.

Printed Lawn Shirt and Pants

This relaxed and trendy outfit reflects the UK street style’s love for eclectic, relaxed, and visually engaging fashion.

The oversized silhouettes add a sense of comfort and coolness while the bold prints add personality into the outfit.

This look is versatile, merging comfort with a fashion-forward edge.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating ethnic PK style ethnic UK street style highlights the dynamic and symbiotic relationship between Pakistan and UK fashion trends.

As traditional elements blend seamlessly with contemporary looks, they create a unique and captivating style.

The brand new rise of modern fusion pieces, like short kurtis, boxy cuts, wide legged pants, loose fit silhouettes, and trendy co-ord sets, underscores the growing influence of desi fashion on the global stage.

SAPPHIRE’s pret collection offers an array of fashion-forward pieces that reflect the best of both worlds. SAPPHIRE has an inclusive size chart (size s, size m, size l, all the way to size xlarge), making it easy for everyone to purchase the outfit that best fits them.

With SAPPHIRE’s curated selection available online in the UK, diving into the fusion of UK street style and Pakistani ethnic style is just a click away. Order now and stay fashionable!