
For decades, Pakistan’s fashion narrative has been overwhelmingly dominated by women’s wear. The industry thrives on bridal couture, seasonal lawn collections, and prêt lines that constantly push creative boundaries. Men’s fashion, however, has remained largely underexplored, limited to shalwar kameez staples, sherwanis for ceremonial occasions, and western tailoring that seldom reflects Pakistan’s own design identity.
The absence of innovation in men’s fashion is striking when set against the country’s rich textile heritage and craftsmanship. Pakistan is home to centuries-old traditions in weaving, dyeing, and embroidery — yet much of this artistry is confined to women’s wardrobes. Reviving men’s fashion is no longer just a matter of style, but one of cultural preservation, economic opportunity, and global recognition.
Currently, men’s wardrobes in Pakistan revolve around a narrow set of categories:
• Eastern wear (shalwar kameez, waistcoats, sherwanis) with little variation beyond fabric and color.
• Western wear (suits, shirts, casual denim) often inspired by international trends, but lacking a distinct Pakistani voice.
• Occasion wear, particularly for weddings, where men experiment more freely with embellishments and bolder cuts.
This limited scope has prevented men’s fashion from becoming a dynamic, expressive industry in its own right.
1. Cultural Identity – Revitalizing men’s clothing with indigenous techniques (ajrak, khaddar, hand embroidery) offers a chance to proudly display heritage in everyday style.
2. Global Positioning – Pakistan has the potential to position itself as a hub of innovative menswear, much like Italy for tailoring or Japan for streetwear.
3. Youth Demand – With a large, fashion-conscious youth population exposed to global aesthetics, the demand for variety and individuality in menswear is growing.
4. Economic Potential – Menswear represents an underdeveloped yet highly lucrative segment of the fashion market.
The revival of men’s fashion will require a careful balance of tradition and modernity: fusion wear that combines eastern silhouettes with western cuts, streetwear inspired by local calligraphy and truck art, and eco-friendly collections rooted in sustainable textiles like khaddar and organic cotton.
In short, men’s fashion in Pakistan is overdue for reinvention. By anchoring innovation in heritage, Pakistan can create a bold new narrative that resonates both locally and internationally.