Churidars, alsochuridar pyjamas, aretightly-fitting trousers worn by both men and women on theIndian subcontinent.[1] Churidars are a variant of the commonshalwar pants. However, while shalwars are cut wide at the top and narrow at the ankle, churidars narrow much higher on the leg, allowing the contours of the legs to be revealed. In addition, they are usually cut on thebias, imparting a natural stretchiness, an important quality for close-fitting garments.
They are also worn longer than the leg, sometimes being finished with a snug, buttoned cuff at the ankle. The excess length falls into folds and appears like a set of bangles resting on the ankle, from which they get their name ('churidar':"bangle like" in English, from 'churi': bangle, 'dar': like). When the wearer is sitting, the extra material is the "ease" that makes it possible to bend the legs and sit comfortably. The wordchuridar is fromHindi and made its way into English only in the 20th century.[2] Earlier, tight-fitting churidar-like pants worn in India were referred to by the British asMoghul breeches,long-drawers ormosquito drawers.[3]
Churidars are usually worn with akameez (tunic) by women or akurta (a loose overshirt) by men, or they can form part of a bodice and skirt ensemble.
Tight trousers … traditionally worn by people from South Asia.(Subscription orparticipating institution membership required.)
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