In Pakistan, a lot of men use traditional topi skull-caps in daily life and for religious ceremonies. This ornate prayer cap looks charming and graceful. But at the same time, it’s not just a meaningless accessory worn for style – by his topi, you can usually tell the religion of a man, his origin, and possibly some other features. Anyway, it’s a really nice headdress. And a Sindhi topi might impress you with its beauty – such a sparkly and eye-catching piece!
A topi is a skull-cap worn by men in the Indian subcontinent. Pakistani topi is short, round, and usually flat-topped (although, there are peaked topi as well in Pakistan). Generally, it’s religious headwear, a prayer cap. This is a type of so-called “taqiyah” cap, popular in most Muslim countries, but it is popular not only among Muslims.
Pakistani topi cap
Different shapes and designs of Pakistani topi are used for different purposes. For example, Sindhis have their own traditional style, Pakistani Muslim men prefer a crocheted topi, etc. Also, a topi is often worn as the national Pakistani headpiece, together with traditional clothes
The topi as a folk headdress is most often paired with salwar kameez or kurta and paijama in Pakistan.
Men in Pakistani traditional outfits and topis
Pakistani topi cap is usually beautifully adorned, except for the crocheted Muslim caps that are pure white. These headpieces can be made from various fabrics – velvet, cotton, wool; embellished with embroidery, gems or metal decorative elements attached to the surface, mirrors, and so on. But it isn’t tacky or overwhelmed with décor at the same time. These caps make Pakistani males appear more festive and stylish.
Sindhi topi is interesting and looks extremely pretty. It has a front opening at the forehead, which allows the wearer to place his forehead on the ground during prayer. This cap is usually very ornate and sparkly because there are tiny mirrors and gems sewed into this skull-cap. It can be decorated with embroidery as well. And the color palette is diverse – blue, pink, yellow, burgundy, multicolored, etc.
Boys in Pakistani topi caps – Sindhi topi on the left and Muslim white topi on the right
Another Sindhi topi cap, bright orange one
Other typical Pakistani traditional headdresses for men are pakol, fez, and karakul hat.
