How much fabric does a three-piece shalwar kameez need?

Rough guide by garment

For plain fabric bought by the metre, these are working figures for an average height and size on a 45 inch (114 cm) width. Wider fabric needs less; long, flared or larger sizes need more.

• Straight kameez, knee length: about 2.5 m.
• Long kameez, calf length: about 3 m.
• Anarkali or kalidar (flared): 4 to 6 m depending on flare and length.
• Shalwar: about 2.5 m; a patiala shalwar 3.5 to 4 m.
• Straight or cigarette trousers: about 2 m.
• Sharara: 4 to 5 m; gharara 5 to 6 m.
• Dupatta: 2.5 m, or 2.25 m for a shorter stole.
• Lining: add the length of the piece being lined.
• In yards: a metre is about 1.09 yards, so 2 m is about 2.2 yards, 2.5 m about 2.75 yards and 3 m about 3.3 yards. A three-piece with a 3 m kameez length, 2.5 m for the trousers and a 2.5 m dupatta comes to 8 m, or about 8.75 yards.

When to buy extra

Large prints and borders need matching, which uses more fabric. Embroidered panels must be positioned, so the cut is less efficient. If you are between sizes or tall, add half a metre. When in doubt, send us a photo of the fabric label and the design you want and we will confirm the amount before you cut or buy.