Costumes of Punjab are indicative of the bright and vibrant culture and lifestyle of the people. The costumes are a mix of colours, comfort and beauty. It may be noted here that the state of Punjab is well known for the use of Phulkari in its costumes. It is a kind of flower work embroidery done most often on shawls. These shawls are worn over a tight-fitting Choli and Ghagra. Phulkari forms the traditional costume of rural women of this region. In earlier days, Phulkaris were made for everyday wear. Usually the border and field of the shawl were not so densely embroidered, with much of the ground cloth exposed. For ceremonial purposes, a special kind of Phulkari known as Bagh (garden) was made in which the whole of the ground was covered with embroidery, so that the base cloth was not visible at all.

Costumes of Punjabi Women
A popular, comfortable and convenient dress worn by the women of Punjab is the Churidar Kurta. This was traditionally the dress worn in Punjab, but is now worn almost everywhere, particularly among the younger generations. Punjabi girls and women also wear Salwar Kameez`s with bright coloured Dupattas. A Salwar Kameez has two pieces of clothes- the Kameez, or shirt that is the top piece; and the Salwar, (pants) or bottom piece. A Duppatta is a piece of colourful cloth that women wear around their necks like a scarf. Salwar Kameez`s and Dupattas come in a variety of colours and designs. Punjabi girls and women wear Salwar Kameez`s with bright coloured Duppattas. The women can also be seen wearing shawls adorned with the beautiful Phulkari shawls. The shawl is completely covered in thick silk embroidery and folk motifs done in jewel-tones on an ochre background.

Accessories of Punjabi Women
Punjabi women, as well as men, can be seen bedecked in gold. They adorn themselves with necklaces, bangles, rings, nose-rings, ear rings, toe-rings, anklets and ornaments to pin up the hair with. Sikh women and men are seen wearing the Kada, a steel bangle, at all times. After adolescence, and almost certainly after marriage, women are expected to wear traditional Indian clothing. But this trend is rapidly changing and women can be seen wearing a variety of western wear. Jeans, Jackets, Trousers, Skirts and other form of western outfits are worn by the women of Punjab today.

Costume of Punjabi Men
The traditional costume of the men of Punjab comprises a Kurta Pyjama. The Kurta is a kind of loose shirt which is long and straight-cut. The Pyjamas are loose, baggy pants which are tied at the waist. Some men also wear the Kurta with the Lungi or Tehmat, which is a kind of sarong. During winters they can be seen wearing bright colourful sweaters. Some of the boys and even the grown up men can be seen wearing loose pants or slacks with a collared shirt or t-shirt. The Sikhs among the Punjabis can be distinctly identified by their attire as they are obliged by religion to wear turbans, known as Pugg or Pagri.

Traditional Punjabi shoes, called Juttis, are extremely popular with men in both the rural and urban areas. They are extremely comfortable and also look very elegant. During the winter months, both the Punjabi men and women adorn a woolen shawl or a small blanket, over their chest and necks. The shawls, usually made by female members of the family, are rather colourful and intricately designed.

The modern urban Punjabi men have also adopted the western style of dressing and are equally at ease in a pair of jeans and t-shirt as they are in the Lungi and Kurta. For the purposes of formal wear, Punjabi men can be seen wearing shirts and trousers.