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As a chiefly rural and nomadic population, the Pashtun dress of Afghanistan is typically made from light linens, and are loose fitting for ease of movement. The Pashtun dress includes local forms of the shalwar kameez, which are differently made for males and females.

The traditional male dress includes the Khet partug and Perahan wa tunban. Males usually wear kufi, Peshawari cap, turban, sindhi cap or pakul as traditional headgear. Leaders sometimes wear a karakul hat, like President Hamid Karzai and former monarchs of Afghanistan.

The traditional female dress is the firaq and partūg. Women typically wear solid-coloured trousers, a long kamīs shirt with a belt. Sometimes they will wear an encompassing burqa over this outfit or a tsādar on their head.

More elaborate and fancier dresses are detailed with gold threading, gold beads, and come in many different colors on silk fabrics. These dresses are usually worn to special occasions and weddings.

Many of the co-ethnic groups who live alongside the Pasthuns in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran have also adopted the dress because of comfort or popular culture.

Traditional Afghan Clothes

Gulpari is a gorgeous fancy formal
Afghan dress for any special
occasion and look stunning. Gulpari
comes with green pants and a
multicolor chador (head scarf).

Decorated with elegant mirrors and
beads that trim the hemline and
cuffs. Made from a silkyand vibrant
yellow fabric. Comes with an equally
beautiful tie-dye scarf and. matching
green pants Perfect for weddings
, special occasions, or parties

This dress has an adjustable belt.
The measurements provided are
the maximum measurements. The
size small to medium (depending
on bust size) means that the dress
has straps on the back sides of the
hip that tie behind the lower end of
your back for your specific sizing.
Comes with an equally beautiful,
embroidered scarf, and matching pants.

The Nazee formal Afghan dress is
perfect for weddings, engagements
and special occasions. The rich
color and elegant embroidery make
this dress sophisticated, charming,
and chic. Made from beautiful silk
fabric and comes with matching
scarf and pants.

Gorgeous, luxurious
Afghan dress, decorated
with a beautiful golden
embroidered pattern.
Comes with an equally
beautiful, embroidered
scarf, and matching pants.

Women of nomadic tribes in Afghanistan wear this full-skirted
above the ankle dress. The tight waist bodice has  an opening
in the back and is connected by a front waistband and gussets
to the skirt and the full sleeves. Fabric requirements and
instructions  come with the pattern. The pattern is one size
fits all. One suggestion for making the dress is to gather
your remnants  of print fabrics and make the dress
out  of them. What a colorful fun idea to use up those folded
pieces of fabric that are wasting away on that closet shelf.

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Personal Appearance

Urban Angolans generally wear Western clothing. They like to dress well when going out, even if only for everyday tasks such as shopping. Older urban men may wear a two-piece suit on formal occasions. Among younger businessmen, a three-piece suit and tie is the norm. It is still common for women, especially in rural areas, to wear a blouse, an African-style wraparound dress, and a colorful shawl tied around the neck or head. A shawl may also be wrapped around the back to carry a child. Young urban women often prefer jeans or other casual Western clothing. In rural communities, if people have nice clothes, they prefer to reserve them for the most important events, such as a wedding or church service. Traditional clothing still exists among some ethnic groups. For example, Mumuilas women in southern Angola wear elaborate beadwork and bracelets on their neck, arms, and legs.

Greetings

Female friends and friends of the opposite sex greet by kissing one another once on each cheek. Good male friends may greet with a brief hug and several slaps on the back. Otherwise, people shake hands. Portuguese greetings include Bom dia, como está? (Good day, how are you?) and the informal Oi or Olá (both meaning “Hi”). A young man might say to another Meu camba, fixe? (Friend, are you okay?). A common Umbundo greeting is Walale (meaning “Good morning,” but literally translated as “How did you pass the night?”). The reply is generally Ndalale (I passed the night well, and you?). One addresses an elderly man with a respectful term such as Kota (Elder) or Tio (Uncle), even when no family relationship exists. An elderly woman is called Mãe or Mamá (Mother) or Tia (Aunt). In formal situations, the Portuguese titles Senhor (Mr.) or Senhora (Mrs.) precede the person’s last name. When people part, they might say Boa continuação (Have a nice day), Feliz noite (Good night), or the informal Tcháu (Good-bye).

Gestures

Holding the hand flat and pointing the index finger of the other hand into the palm means “I want to speak to you.” Pointing an index finger at someone can be interpreted as aggression. Giving the “thumbs up” is a common way to say “Everything is okay!” If a person is busy talking with someone but wishes to greet another person, the greeter lifts the palm of the hand. The other person will reply with the same gesture. Public displays of affection between people of the opposite sex are discouraged, especially in rural areas. As a sign of friendship, friends of the same sex may hold hands. It is not uncommon, or considered rude, for people to spit, pick their nose, or scratch their body in public.