Pheran is a less heard of, cloak like garment used by people in Jammu and Kashmir. A lovely and comfortable traditional dress, Pheran makes the beautiful Kashmiri women look all the more graceful. Ideally, it’s worn by both men and women with a slight variation. The Pheran for ladies looks stunning with the heavy embroidery and has broad sleeves. While the Pheran for men has no embroidery, narrow sleeves and open laced collar. There is also some difference observed between the Hindu and Muslim Pheran.
With no concrete evidence, the origin of Pheran is difficult to find, it is possibly a combination of Indian and Iranian traditional dress. The woolen material used for Pheran is suitable for cold climate areas like Jammu and Kashmir. It is worn above a salwar or chudidaar. Kashmir people involved in the handicrafts industry, house-boat business continue to wear the traditional Pheran. This gives them the traditional look that makes the tourist get the feel of Kashmir as seen in pictures.
With the changing times, the use of Pheran has reduced and been replaced by Salwar kameez, Saris, western outfits etc., however during at the time of wedding Pheran is a must.
A Pheran being a garment suitable for cold regions were popular only in the hilly regions of India and hence is not as known of as other traditional garments.
Indian fashion designers were and still are inspired by Pheran. Lots of their designer wear has the look of a Pheran.