Styles and design · 30 September 2026 · 4 min read
Made-to-measure tunics and long shirts for everyday wear
Order 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.
InspirationBetween a kurta and a shirt
A tunic is a long top, usually hip to knee length, that sits somewhere between a kurta and a Western shirt. A long shirt takes a classic shirt, with its collar and buttoned front, and extends it to cover the hips or thighs. Both are the pieces you reach for on an ordinary day: over jeans or straight trousers, on the school run, at a desk or on a train.
They are also surprisingly hard to buy in the right length and fit. Shop tunics are often too short in the body, tight at the hip or short in the sleeve, which is exactly where made to measure helps. If you live in jeans or trousers but like the length and cover of a kurta, a tunic is often the answer.
Choosing the shape
Length is personal: hip length is neat with slim trousers, mid-thigh is the classic tunic length, and knee length makes a tunic almost a kameez. Our length guide helps you choose. The main shapes are:
- Straight tunic: a simple straight body with side slits and a round or V neck. The easiest everyday piece.
- Long shirt: a shirt or band collar, a full button placket and a curved hem. Smart with trousers, relaxed with jeans.
- A-line tunic: fuller at the hem for movement; see A-line vs straight.
- Back yoke with a pleat: a shirt detail that gives room across the shoulders for reaching and carrying.
- Knee-length shirt: a long shirt taken to the knee, worn open over trousers as a light layer or buttoned as a dress.
Everyday details
Small things decide whether a tunic becomes a favourite. Think about how you spend the day, reaching for shelves, carrying a bag on one shoulder or sitting in a car, because each puts pressure on the shoulders, hips or hem in a different way.
- Sleeves: three-quarter sleeves, or full sleeves with a button tab that holds them rolled up. See our sleeve guide.
- Pockets: side-seam pockets for keys and phone, or a chest patch pocket on a long shirt. Our pockets guide explains the options.
- Hem and slits: a curved shirt-tail hem, or a straight hem with slits, so it sits over the hips and lets you sit comfortably. See slits and hemlines.
- Fastenings: simple, flat buttons that survive the washing machine.
- Neckline: a round or V neck for a softer tunic, or a collar for a sharper long shirt.
Fabric and fit
Everyday pieces need fabrics that wash easily and do not need much ironing.
- Cotton and cambric: crisp, breathable and easy.
- Linen and linen blends: cool in summer, relaxed in their creases.
- Viscose: soft and fluid, good for looser tunics.
- Dobby and textured cotton: hide creases better than smooth fabrics; see our textured cotton guide.
- The hip: a tunic worn over jeans must clear the hips and waistband comfortably, even when you sit, so allow enough ease there; our guide to ease explains how much.
- Shoulders and back: you should be able to lift your arms without the whole hem rising; if ready-made tops pull across your back, mention it.
- A favourite to copy: a shirt or tunic that already fits well makes an excellent template; see using a kameez that fits as a template.
Ordering
On the stitching quote form, choose “Kurta or kameez only” or “Western wear”, add your measurements, the length and a reference photo, and mention whether it will be worn over jeans. If you have more than one fabric, ask about a few pieces in the same shape, which makes a simple everyday wardrobe. For more ideas, see our office wear guide and everyday outfits. The custom stitching page explains the rest.
Common questions
What is the difference between a tunic and a kurta?
There is a lot of overlap. A tunic is simply a long top, often with a Western shape or details such as a shirt collar, while a kurta follows South Asian styles and is usually worn with shalwar or trousers.
What length tunic should I wear with jeans?
Hip to mid-thigh length usually works best with jeans, with side slits or a curved hem so the tunic sits smoothly over the hips. Longer tunics suit slim jeans or leggings.
Can you copy a shirt I already love?
It can be used as a guide to the fit and shape. Measure it carefully and add the numbers to your quote request, and your written quote confirms the details.
