A-line kameez with palazzos: does the flare clash?

Why the pairing goes wrong

An A-line kameez is narrowest at the bust and widest at its hem. Palazzos are narrowest at the waist and widest at theirs. Worn with a short top, palazzos show their whole length, and the waist or hip gives the eye a narrow place to rest. Under a knee-length A-line the narrow part of the trouser is hidden, and all that shows is a wide hem above a second wide hem.

There is a practical problem too. A flared kameez without slits rests on the trousers, so wide legs push against the hem from inside as you walk, and the kameez swings and catches.

When an A-line and palazzos balance

You do not need all six of these. Two or three are usually enough to tip the outfit from heavy to easy.

• A shorter kameez: mid-thigh, or just above the knee at the longest. Enough trouser shows below for the leg to look long, and the two hems are well apart.
• A gentle flare: a kameez that widens a few centimetres on each side works. A full, swinging A-line is a frock in practice and wants slim trousers.
• Soft fabric in at least one piece: palazzos in georgette, crepe, viscose or soft lawn hang straight down instead of standing out. Crisp cotton top and bottom doubles the width.
• Side slits: slits to the hip let the kameez part over the trousers and show the leg line. Ask for them, because an A-line is often cut with short slits or none.
• One colour: matching kameez and trousers turn two flares into a single long shape. A contrast trouser draws a line where the hems meet.
• A straight wide leg: a palazzo that falls straight from the hip is calmer than one that flares again from the knee.

When slim trousers are the better partner

Some A-lines are simply not made for wide trousers, and it is quicker to accept that than to fight it.

• Knee length or longer with real flare: cigarette pants, straight trousers or a churidar let the kameez hem be the only wide line.
• Stiff or thick fabric: khaddar, karandi and raw silk hold their flare firmly, so a narrow leg keeps the outline clean.
• A decorated hem: lace, a border or embroidery at the daman shows up most clearly against a plain, slim trouser.
• A petite frame: two flares shorten the figure more quickly on a small frame, unless the kameez is kept short.

Ordering the two together

If you have not settled on the kameez shape yet, our comparison of A-line and straight cuts may help, since a straight kameez with long slits is the more usual partner for palazzos.

On our quote form the kameez length and trouser style are separate choices, and for this pairing “Mid-thigh” with “Wide-leg” is the combination to start from. Write in your notes that the kameez is A-line, how much flare you want and that you would like side slits. If you are unsure, pick “Advise me” and tell us the fabric. Both pieces can be made through custom stitching in your fabric or ours, and you can ask for a quote here. The written quote records the agreed lengths and styles before cutting.