Unstitched suits · 8 October 2026 · 3 min read
How much lining for a flared frock, maxi or sharara?
How much lining for an anarkali, flared frock, maxi dress or sharara, why it is cut slimmer than the outer, and how to work out the metres and hem width.
InspirationFar less than the outer fabric
A flared frock or anarkali that uses 4 to 6 metres of outer fabric usually needs only about 2 to 3 metres of 44 inch lining, because the lining is cut as a slimmer A-line instead of copying the full flare. A floor-length maxi needs roughly 2.5 to 3 metres, and a sharara about 2 to 2.5 metres. On 58 to 60 inch lining, take off about half a metre.
Our article on choosing lining for an unstitched suit deals with a straight kameez, where the lining simply matches the outer. Flared pieces are different, and the savings are large.
Why the lining is cut slimmer
Lining has three jobs: to stop the outer being see-through, to make the garment comfortable against the skin, and to help it hang. None of these needs the full flare. A lining with as much flare as the outer adds weight and bulk at the waist seam and can stop the outer swinging. So the bodice is lined piece for piece, and below the waist or yoke the lining widens only enough to walk and sit freely.
As a working guide, a lining hem around 1.5 to 2 times your hip measurement gives enough room for an ankle-length stride. A knee or calf-length lining can be narrower still.
Working out the amount
To estimate it yourself, work through these in order:
- Where the lining starts: from the shoulder for a fully lined frock, or from the waist or yoke if the bodice is lined separately.
- Where it ends: usually 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) above the outer hem, so it never shows.
- Its hem width: pick a figure from the guide above, and divide by the usable width of your lining to see how many panels you need.
- Rows: on 44 inch lining, an A-line front and back usually take two lengths; on wide lining, often one and a bit.
- Sharara: each leg is lined with a straighter trouser shape, flaring a little from the knee; two to two and a half lengths of the trouser on 44 inch lining.
When the lining copies the flare
Sometimes a full-flare lining is the right choice. A very sheer outer, such as net, organza or fine chiffon, shows the shape of whatever is under it, so a slim lining can appear as a darker column inside a pale skirt. Then the lining is cut with the same flare, or a softer underskirt is added, and it needs nearly as much cloth as the outer. Our net and lace guide shows how sheer layers are usually handled.
Climate matters too. In heat, a light cotton or voile lining is kinder than polyester; our article on lining for hot and cold climates compares them.
Ordering a lined flared outfit
Lining is one of the choices on our quote form. Mention the shape you want, the kalidar frock or a sharara, say whether the outer is sheer, and we work out how much lining is needed. With Fabric + Stitching we supply both; start with a Fabric + Stitching quote.
Common questions
Does an anarkali need a full-length lining?
Not always. If the outer fabric is opaque, lining the bodice and a short way below the waist can be enough. Pale or sheer fabric usually needs lining to just above the hem.
Can the lining be a different colour from the frock?
Yes, but match it closely under sheer fabric, because the lining colour shows through and changes the shade. A skin-toned or matching lining is safest for net and chiffon.
Should a sharara be lined all the way down?
If the fabric is sheer or pale, yes, at least to just above the hem. In an opaque fabric, many sharara are lined only to the knee, where the flare begins.
