20 Best Punjabi Salwar Suits for Women in NZ

There's something about a Punjabi salwar suit that never goes out of style. The silhouette is flattering, the fabrics are often breathable and comfortable, and the embroidery or print work makes even a casual outfit look intentional. For women in New Zealand looking to stay connected to their South Asian roots or simply wanting to add some colour and craft to their wardrobe, finding the right salwar kameez in NZ can feel like a mission.

This guide covers 20 of the best Punjabi salwar suits for women available in New Zealand, broken down by style, fabric, and occasion. Whether you're dressing for a wedding, Diwali, Eid, or just a family get-together, there's something here for you.

What Makes a Salwar Suit "Punjabi Style"?

Before we get into the list, it helps to understand what sets Punjabi salwar suits apart from other regional styles.

Punjabi suits typically feature:

• A straight or flared kameez (tunic) that falls between the knee and mid-calf

• A salwar (trouser) that is loose at the top and tapers toward the ankle  the classic churidar or straight-cut style

• A dupatta (scarf), often in contrasting fabric or colour

• Embellishments like phulkari embroidery, thread work, mirror work, or block prints

The style originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent and has spread across South Asia and the diaspora. Today, it's worn across all occasions from everyday wear in cotton to bridal-adjacent looks in silk and georgette.

20 Best Punjabi Salwar Suits for Women in NZ

Here's the breakdown, organised by style type so you can find what suits your occasion.

Anarkali-Style Salwar Suits

Anarkali suits are a close cousin of the traditional Punjabi suit. The kameez has a flared, floor-length or knee-length skirt-like silhouette that was popularised by Mughal-era court fashion. They're an excellent choice for weddings and festive events.
1. Romika  Vichitra Embroidered Anarkali Suit This one comes in Blush Pink and Pistachio. The Vichitra fabric has a subtle sheen that photographs beautifully. The embroidery is surface-level, so it doesn't feel heavy to wear. Priced at NZD $165, it sits in the mid-range and works well for evening events.

2. Harsha  Soft Tissue Anarkali Suit Available in Off White, this suit uses a soft tissue fabric that drapes elegantly. If you're attending a formal event or a mehendi function and want to look put-together without going full bridal, this is a solid option at NZD $180.

3. Nidhi  Anarkali-Style Suit Nidhi comes in Teal and Hot Pink, two colours that work beautifully against a range of skin tones. Priced at NZD $165, this suit pairs well with statement jhumkas (drop earrings).

4. Madhuri  Festive Suit Available in Lavender and Olive Green at NZD $155, Madhuri is one of those suits that works for daytime ceremonies and evening receptions alike. The Lavender shade is particularly popular for spring events.

5. Sundri  Classic Suit Sundri comes in Bottle Green, one of the richest and most versatile shades in ethnic fashion. At NZD $155, it's accessible without compromising on look.

Cotton Salwar Suits  Everyday Punjabi Style

Cotton suits are where practicality meets tradition. These are your go-to styles for casual outings, family visits, or working from home while still feeling dressed.

6. Leena  Cotton V-Neckline Suit One of the best sellers on Saaisneh, Leena is available in Yellow and Blue at NZD $85. The V-neckline gives it a slightly more contemporary feel compared to a traditional round or square neck. Cotton fabric means it breathes well in New Zealand's warmer months.

7. Shiba  Cotton Angrakha Design Suit The Angrakha neckline wraps and ties to the side, a style with roots in North Indian court dress. Shiba comes in Purple and Yellow at NZD $65, making it one of the most affordable authentic options in this list.
8. Vibha  Cotton Block-Printed Suit Block printing is one of the oldest textile traditions from the Indian subcontinent. Vibha uses this technique in Green and Black colourways at NZD $65. If you appreciate handcraft in clothing, this one's worth a look.

9. Meena  Mulmul Cotton Embroidery Suit Mulmul (or muslin) cotton is exceptionally light and breathable. Meena comes in Peach at NZD $85 with delicate embroidery that keeps it looking elegant without being overdressed. Great for summer weddings or outdoor events.

Sharara and Palazzo Suit Styles

Shararas and palazzo-style suits give you the comfort of wide-leg trousers paired with Punjabi suit-style tops. They're a comfortable, festive option that has become very popular over the last decade.
10. Kaveri  Palazzo-Style Suit Available in Pink and Turquoise at NZD $165, Kaveri pairs a fitted kameez with wide-leg trousers. The Turquoise shade is particularly eye-catching for summer celebrations.

11. Priya  Festive Suit Priya comes in Yellow and Hot Pink at NZD $139. It's a cheerful, celebratory choice that works well for Holi, Diwali, or a sangeet night.

12. Mamta  Wine Suit The wine colourway in Mamta (NZD $155) is a rich, deep option for colder months or evening events. Wine and maroon tones have long been associated with festive dressing in Punjabi culture.

13. Pari  White Suit White salwar suits have a quiet elegance that's harder to pull off but stunning when done right. Pari at NZD $165 is a clean, well-structured option that would look exceptional at daytime ceremonies with the right dupatta styling.

14. Katha  Maroon Suit Maroon is one of those shades that works across skin tones and seasons. Katha (NZD $170) is a well-priced option if you want something that photographs well at wedding functions.

15. Lata  Red Suit Red is iconic in South Asian festive wear for good reason. Lata at NZD $170 delivers a classic festive look without the heaviness of full bridal wear.

Straight-Cut and Formal Salwar Suits

Straight-cut salwar suits have a more tailored, structured look. They're suitable for semi-formal occasions, office wear in cultural settings, or religious ceremonies.

16. Ruby  Camel Straight Suit The Camel colourway in Ruby (NZD $155) is a warm neutral that dresses up easily with gold jewellery and a contrasting dupatta. Straight-cut suits like this tend to work well across body types.

17. Priyanka  Grey Formal Suit Grey ethnic wear is understated and works beautifully for professional settings or day events. Priyanka at NZD $349 (on sale from NZD $499) uses quality fabric and construction.

Designer and Premium Salwar-Style Outfits

These are investment pieces  suits crafted from richer fabrics with more detailed work, suitable for weddings, milestone celebrations, or gifting.

18. Sumangali  Multi-Colour Suit Available in Hot Pink, Lime, Navy Blue, and Yellow at NZD $215 (on sale), Sumangali gives you the versatility of colour choice without needing to compromise on quality. The fabric has a light sheen and works for daytime functions.

19. Gulzar  Navy and Mustard Suit Gulzar comes in Navy and Mustard at NZD $280. These are two of the most wearable colours for Punjabi salwar suits  Navy reads formal, Mustard reads festive. This is the kind of suit you wear repeatedly across different occasions.

20. Ilma  Hot Pink and Black Suit Ilma at NZD $255 comes in Hot Pink and Black. Hot Pink has a strong association with Punjabi festive fashion, and the construction here holds up for formal events like weddings or engagement ceremonies.

How to Choose the Right Punjabi Salwar Suit for Your Occasion

Here's a quick guide to matching your suit choice to the event:

Weddings and formal events: Go for embroidered fabrics like Vichitra, soft tissue, or silk-blend kameez. Anarkali styles and deep jewel tones (wine, maroon, navy, red) tend to work well.

Casual and daily wear: Cotton suits like Leena, Shiba, or Vibha are your best bet. They're comfortable, washable, and look appropriate without effort.

Festive celebrations (Diwali, Eid, Holi, etc.): Bright colours  Hot Pink, Yellow, Turquoise, and Lime  suit the mood. Palazzo or sharara-style bottoms add to the celebratory feel.

Day events and receptions: Neutrals like Camel, Grey, Off White, and Olive Green offer flexibility. Pair them with contrasting dupattas or statement jewellery to lift the look.

Where to Buy Punjabi Salwar Suits in New Zealand

Finding authentic salwar kameez in NZ used to mean flying items in from India or waiting months for them to arrive. That's changed.

Saaisneh is an Auckland-based Indian ethnic fashion store that ships across New Zealand. Their salwar suit collection covers everything from NZD $65 cotton day suits to NZD $285+ embroidered formal wear. The store sources fabrics from India and also offers alteration services, which is genuinely useful if you need a size adjustment after purchase.

The store carries styles across anarkali, sharara, straight-cut, palazzo, and cotton angrakha categories, which means you're not limited to a single silhouette. Free delivery applies on orders over NZD $150.

How to Style Punjabi Salwar Suits for Women in NZ

Styling a salwar suit goes beyond the outfit itself. Here are a few tips:

Dupatta draping matters. A dupatta draped over both shoulders gives a traditional Punjabi feel. Pinned to one shoulder looks contemporary. Left loose works for casual cotton suits.

Footwear changes the register. Kolhapuri chappals or juttis (traditional flat shoes) keep the outfit grounded in tradition. Block heels or strappy sandals dress it up.

Jewellery should match the occasion, not just the colour. Kundan, polki, or oxidised silver tend to complement embroidered suits well. For cotton everyday suits, small gold hoops or minimal silver jewellery keeps it easy.

Dupatta colour contrast is underrated. A mint green dupatta on a maroon suit or a coral dupatta on navy can completely transform a look.

Punjabi salwar suits remain one of the most practical and beautiful expressions of South Asian fashion. They've crossed borders, adapted to diaspora lifestyles, and held their own against decades of changing trends. For women in New Zealand looking for authentic options without the wait of international shipping, stores like Saaisneh make it possible to find quality ethnic wear locally  from everyday cotton suits under NZD $70 to embroidered festive pieces at higher price points.

The 20 suits listed here cover a wide range of occasions, budgets, and styles. Use this as a starting point and go from there.

FAQs About Punjabi Salwar Suits for Women

Q1: What is the difference between a Punjabi salwar suit and a Pakistani shalwar kameez? 

The two styles share the same basic structure: a tunic, trousers, and scarf  but differ in cut and embellishment. Punjabi suits often feature phulkari embroidery and brighter colours, while Pakistani shalwar kameez tends toward longer tunics and more restrained embellishment. Both are beautiful and the lines between them have blurred over decades.

Q2: What fabric is best for Punjabi salwar suits in New Zealand's climate? 

Cotton and mulmul are best for spring and summer wear in NZ. For autumn and winter events, Vichitra, soft tissue, and georgette fabrics provide warmth while still looking festive. Silk blends work well year-round for formal occasions since they tend to be heavier and more structured.

Q3: Can I wear a salwar suit to a New Zealand Indian wedding as a guest? 

Absolutely. Salwar suits are entirely appropriate as guest attire at South Asian weddings. For daytime functions, medium-weight embroidered suits work well. Evening receptions call for heavier fabrics and richer colours. Avoid all-white unless you know the cultural preferences of the family.

Q4: Are the salwar suits on Saaisneh available in plus sizes or can they be altered? 

Saaisneh offers alteration services alongside their clothing range, which means sizing is more flexible than standard off-the-rack shopping. Check the product listings for size options, and contact the store directly about alterations if you need a specific fit adjustment.

Q5: How do I care for an embroidered Punjabi salwar suit at home? 

Most embroidered salwar suits should be hand-washed in cold water or dry-cleaned to preserve the embroidery and fabric. Turn the kameez inside out before washing. Avoid wringing the fabric, press out water gently and dry in shade. Iron on a low heat setting through a thin cloth to avoid flattening the embroidery work.