Pashto Girls in Pashtun traditional Dress

Women and girls wear traditional long dresses with a light piece of cloth used to cover their hair. Pashto women near Pakistan's border wear long, full trousers, often red in colour, with a loose, long-sleeved tunic dress, rather like the kameez, together with a draped headscarf.  This is the basis of many of the women's costumes and the tunic varies in length and design. In the northern areas striped material is used, often dyed red from madder or in shades of blue and brown. Loose sleeveless, hip-length jackets are worn in full-length striped coat for warmth. Although purdah is an essential part of Pashtun culture, purdah is not observed by young girls and old women.