Eid shopping: Pakistani dresses top women's choice, men stay loyal to local panjabis

With Eid just weeks away, markets in Dhaka and Chattogram are buzzing with shoppers searching for festive outfits. From glitzy shopping malls to bustling street markets, retailers say the seasonal shopping rush has begun gathering momentum.

This year the trend is distinct in fashion preferences: women are setting their eyes on Pakistani dresses, while men remain loyal to the traditional panjabi-pyjama set for Eid celebrations.

Pakistani outfits dominate women's Eid fashion

At women's clothing stores in major shopping malls across Chattogram – selling items such as three-piece suits, lehengas and gowns – Pakistani dresses are enjoying great demand. Retailers say the trend marks a shift from previous years when dresses named after popular characters from Indian television serials dominated Eid markets.

Shops at well-known malls in the port city – including Sanmar Ocean City, Finlay Square and Bali Arcade – are displaying both Pakistani and Indian outfits. However, sellers say Pakistani dresses are drawing greater attention from buyers this year.

Among Pakistani collections, outfits branded as Farsi, Maria, Satraha, Karizma and Hosneara are selling particularly well. Indian outfits featuring karchupi, zardozi and hand embroidery also continue to attract buyers, though their demand has slightly declined compared with previous years.

Lion Aklima Akter, owner of Super Noor Fashion at Sanmar Ocean City Market and a director of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Pakistani outfits are currently leading the market.

"Demand for Pakistani dresses is higher this Eid. At the same time, Indian and Mumbai dresses are also selling well," she told The Business Standard. "Most of these dresses are priced between Tk15,000 and Tk20,000."

Data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) reflects this shift in demand. According to import statistics, around 17 lakh pieces of women's garments were imported into Bangladesh between July last year and February this year. Nearly 95% of these imports came from Pakistan and India, with Pakistan accounting for about 67% and India 28%.

Over the same period, more than 11 lakh three-piece suits were imported from Pakistan, with an importer-declared value of about $2.8 million. In contrast, around five lakh Indian dresses – including three-pieces, lehengas and gowns – were imported at a value of about $1.5 million.

Retailers say buyers are especially interested in Pakistani organza three-piece suits and thread-based fabrics. Many shoppers cite design variety and quality as the key reasons behind the trend.

Sadia Siddiqui, a university student visiting a shopping mall in Chattogram, said Pakistani outfits stand out for their style. "Pakistani dresses have better cutting and more design variations. The quality is also good, which is why we prefer them," she said.

Despite the surge in Pakistani fashion, Indian garments still maintain a presence in the market. Traders say buyers who prefer heavily embroidered outfits often choose Indian designs.

Ariful Islam, owner of Ladies Point at Bali Arcade, said the demand is still dominated by Pakistani fashion. "About 70–80% of buyers are choosing Pakistani outfits. Dresses like Farsi, Sarar and Zarara are among the most popular," he said.

Md Ruhul Amin Salman, owner of Ruponti Boutiques at VIP Tower Market, said buyers' response has been encouraging so far. "We are seeing good sales this year. Dresses like Farsi, Sarara and Gharara are in high demand, and we have products ranging from Tk1,000 to Tk16,000," he added.

Men stick to traditional panjabi

While women's fashion trends continue to evolve, men's Eid attire remains rooted in tradition. 

Industry insiders estimate that Bangladesh's panjabi market is worth Tk700 crore to Tk1,000 crore annually, with more than half of total sales taking place during the Eid season.

Retailers say markets from high-end malls to temporary roadside stalls are now packed with panjabi collections in various designs, fabrics and price ranges.

Traders are optimistic about sales this year, expecting 30–50% higher revenue compared with last year, when political uncertainty slowed business.

Md Yasin, owner of Rahman Fashion at Dhaka's New Market, said he hopes to significantly increase sales this season. "Last year we sold around 8,000 panjabis. This year we are targeting between 12,000 and 14,000 pieces," he said.

Production hubs and pricing

Dhaka remains the main hub for panjabi production. During the Eid season, hundreds of small and medium-sized factories in Islampur, Chawkbazar and Gausia stay busy producing pyjama-panjabi. Fabric supplies largely come from Narayanganj and Narsingdi, while cutting, sewing and finishing work is often done in Gazipur.

The production cost of a mid-range panjabi ranges between Tk500 and Tk900, including fabric, sewing, buttons, labels and packaging. High-quality fabrics and embroidery can push the cost beyond Tk1,000.

In wholesale markets, panjabis typically sell for Tk700 to Tk1,000, while retail prices range between Tk1,000 and Tk5,000 or more, depending on brand and quality. In shopping malls across the capital, panjabis priced between Tk3,000 and Tk6,000 are selling briskly, though buyers have mixed reactions to prices.

Shafayet Islam, who came to Sharif Market in Old Dhaka to buy a panjabi, said purchasing one for Eid is a tradition. "Every year I buy at least one panjabi for Eid. Wearing a panjabi during the Eid prayer is part of our culture," he said. 

Footpath markets and online sales

Alongside malls and boutiques, temporary Eid markets have sprung up across the capital. Footpaths near mosques, particularly around Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, are lined with stalls selling affordable panjabis.

Prices there range between Tk300 and Tk500, while children's panjabi-pyjama sets sell for Tk400 to Tk600. Crowds increase after iftar and shopping often continues late into the night.

Cotton remains the most popular fabric for panjabis, though demand for khadi, linen and silk-blend fabrics is gradually rising. Minimalist designs, subtle embroidery and traditional motifs such as nakshi-kantha patterns are among this year's trends.

Online sellers are also capitalising on the festive demand.

Mahiyuddin, a Dhaka College student who sells panjabis online, said most online sales occur between the 10th and 25th days of Ramadan. "Our sales fluctuate depending on trends and online demand," he said. "But during Eid, panjabi-pyjama sets are always among the most popular items."

As Eid approaches, retailers across the country are hoping the growing crowds in markets will translate into strong sales during the final days of Ramadan.