Kameez refers to the long tunic, while the salwar is the pajama-like trousers drawn tightly in at the waist called salwar. The salwar can be fit tightly at the hips, thighs and ankles more like leggings.

In this variation, it is called a churidar, over which one might wear a collarless or mandarin-collar dress called a kurta. Together this ensemble is aptly called the Kurta churidar or Punjabi suit.

To accessorize the generic dyed salwar kameez, ladies wear stole called dupatta. It could come in a variety of fabric such as bandhani, silk, or georgette. Most women consign this as the accessory to have, draped around the chest and over both shoulders or worn over one shoulder.

As of this moment, the dyed salwar kameez or salwar kameez in general are the penultimate women's dress in many a community in India.

Whereas men have moved on to find comfort in more conventional Western clothing, the salwar kameez has effectively come into its own as women's wear. Designers can only tinker with more and more mutations of the generic salwar kameez.

New styles include salwar that fit closely, almost like leggings. The kameez itself can also vary - long and flared or short and straight.