Journal · 19 guides
Styles and design
Necklines, sleeves, cuts, trousers and finishing details, and how to describe what you want.
- 4 min readDupatta finishing ideas: edges, lace, tassels and borders for everyday and EidRolled hems, piping, lace, tassels, pom-poms, gota and embroidered borders for a dupatta: how each finish looks, wears and washes, and which suits everyday or Eid.Read

- 4 min readA-line vs straight kameez: which cut suits you?How a straight and an A-line kameez differ in shape, fit and fabric, which suits your frame and trousers, and what to tell your tailor about hem width and slits.Read

- 4 min readPeplum tops and short kurtis with trousers and jeansHow peplum tops and short kurtis are cut, where the waist seam and hem should sit, and which trousers and jeans to wear them with for work, campus and weekends.Read

- 4 min readKurta plackets and buttons: fastenings that look finishedHidden, visible, half and full plackets, potli buttons, loops, hooks and zips: how kurta fastenings look and wear, which fabrics need support, and what to ask for.Read

- 4 min readPiping, lace and trims: small details that change a kameezContrast piping, cotton and organza lace, gota, tassels and fabric bands: where to use trims on a kameez and trousers, and how to keep them looking good in the wash.Read

- 4 min readAdding pockets to kurtas and kameez: side seam, patch or hiddenHow to add pockets to a kurta or kameez, from side-seam and patch pockets to hidden zipped ones, where they sit with slits, and how to stop them showing or sagging.Read

- 4 min readCo-ord sets: matching tops and trousers for work and weekendsPlan a made-to-measure co-ord set: top and trouser shapes that go together, fabrics for work and weekends, how much fabric to allow, and wearing the pieces apart.Read

- 4 min readKaftan-style kameez: easy shapes for heat and comfortHow a kaftan-style kameez is cut, why fabric width limits the shape, which fabrics keep you cool, and how to add waist ties, slits and coverage for everyday wear.Read

- 4 min readGharara and sharara for Eid and gatherings: styles, fabric and fitThe difference between a gharara and a sharara, how much fabric each needs, which tops and fabrics suit them, and how to get the length right for Eid and gatherings.Read

- 4 min readChoosing suit colours that suit your skin tone: a gentle, rule-free guideA gentle, rule-free way to choose suit colours: notice contrast, test fabric in daylight near your face, trust what you love and plan colour across the suit.Read

- 4 min readPairing printed and plain pieces in a three-piece suitHow to balance printed and plain kameez, trousers and dupatta, mix two prints without clashing, and use spare fabric for bands and piping so the suit looks planned.Read

- 4 min readModest dressing: sleeves, necklines and lengths that work togetherPlan a modest kameez as a whole: necklines that sit well with a hijab, practical sleeves, kameez and slit lengths, fit and lining, so every detail works together.Read

- 4 min readMade-to-measure Western dresses and skirts: what to ask forHow to order a made-to-measure dress or skirt: shapes, lengths, fastenings, lining and pockets, the measurements that matter, and how to describe the look you want.Read

- 4 min readCollar styles for kurtas: band, shirt, Peter Pan and moreBand, shirt, Peter Pan, revere, tie-neck and ruffle collars for kurtas: how each looks, which fabrics hold them, and how to describe the height and finish you want.Read

- 4 min readYokes and panels: using fabric details to shape a kameezHow yokes, princess panels, centre panels and colour blocks shape a kameez, add room or structure, use embroidered pieces from a suit pack and lift a plain fabric.Read

- 4 min readMatching dupatta and trouser colours to your kameezMatching, tonal, accent and contrast approaches to choosing dupatta and trouser colours for a kameez, with easy neutral pairings and tips for finding plain pieces.Read

- 4 min readHow to brief a tailor with screenshots and reference photosHow to choose, crop and label reference photos and screenshots so a tailor understands the neckline, sleeves and shape you want, and what a photo cannot tell us.Read

- 4 min readMade-to-measure tunics and long shirts for everyday wearOrder a made-to-measure tunic or long shirt for everyday wear: lengths, collars, plackets, sleeves and hems, easy-care fabrics, and a fit that clears the hips.Read

- 6 min readMachine or hand embroidery on a made-to-measure kameez: which to choose?How machine embroidery, hand embroidery and light zardozi differ on a made-to-measure kameez, kurta or dupatta: the look, the care and where each works best.Read

More from the journal

Ready when you are
Ready to order made to measure?
Upload a photo of your fabric or describe the outfit and we’ll send a written quote, with delivery to the UK, Europe or the USA.
No commitment until you approve your written quote.
