Eid Fashion: Traditional Panjabi and Saree Trends

Eid morning is when a year of family life gets dressed up. New clothes are part of the joy, from the panjabi Abba wears to prayers to the saree Amma saves for the afternoon visits. Here are the looks we keep coming back to, and how to make them work in England.

Panjabis for every part of the day

For Eid prayers, a white or pale cotton panjabi is timeless and cool under a coat. Look for a neat embroidered placket and a straight, knee-length cut.

For the afternoon, colour comes out. Sea green, maroon, mustard and deep blue all photograph well, and a woven check or tone-on-tone pattern looks rich without being loud.

For the evening and weddings, silk and silk blends with dense embroidery around the collar come into their own. A haldi-yellow panjabi is also the classic choice for a gaye holud.

Pair a panjabi with a slim pajama or churidar and plain leather sandals or smart shoes.

Sarees and three-pieces

• Jamdani is the heirloom choice for Eid day, especially in black, deep blue or soft white with woven butis.
• Tangail tant is lighter and easier to wear through a long day of visits and cooking.
• Three-pieces of kameez, trousers and orna are the practical favourite, especially for younger women and girls running between houses.
• Kantha-stitched ornas add handmade detail to a plain outfit.

Matching the family

One trend that keeps growing is the whole family in one colour story: a father and son in matching panjabis, mother and daughter in coordinating sarees or three-pieces. It makes for a lovely Eid photo. Order early if you want several pieces in one colour, as handmade stock is limited.

Dressing for British weather

Eid moves through the seasons, so plan for it:

• Winter Eids call for a shawl, a long wool coat over a panjabi, or a cardigan in a tone that matches your saree.
• Spring and summer Eids suit cotton and handloom, which breathe far better than synthetic fabrics on warm days.
• Rain is always possible. Keep the silk for indoor visits and wear cotton when you're walking to the mosque.

However you dress, Eid is about coming together. The clothes are how we show each other it matters.