Styles and design · 4 October 2026 · 5 min read
Making a design more modest: sleeves, lining and length
How to make a design you love more modest before it is stitched: longer sleeves, a higher neckline, extra length, lining and a waistcoat, agreed in your quote.
InspirationLoving a design that is not quite covered enough
It is a familiar problem: you find a design you love, but the sleeves are short, the neckline is deeper than you wear or the fabric is sheer. Because made-to-measure clothing is cut only after the details are agreed, you can make a design more modest before it is stitched rather than layering around it afterwards. The changes that matter most are sleeve length, neckline, kameez length, lining and an extra layer such as a waistcoat.
This guide explains each change, what it does to the look, and how to ask for it, whether you are customising one of our designs or sending a picture of your own.
Sleeves
Sleeves are the most common change. A short or elbow sleeve can usually become three-quarter or full length, and a sleeveless design can gain a sleeve, although it changes the look more than people expect. Think about how the new sleeve should behave: straight and neat, softly gathered, or a bell shape that echoes the original style. Our sleeve guide shows the options side by side.
If the original sleeves are sheer, ask whether they can be lined to the wrist. That keeps the delicate outer look while covering the arm.
Neckline
A deep V, sweetheart or wide boat neck can be raised or swapped for a shape that sits higher, such as a round neck or band collar. When a design has embroidery around the neckline, the embroidery is usually planned for that particular shape, so a new neckline may need the work re-placed; we tell you in the quote what is possible.
Remember the back neckline too. Many designs have a lower back, which shows when you lean forward or wear your hair up.
Length, lining and an extra layer
Three more changes that add coverage without redesigning the outfit:
- Kameez length: a longer kameez covers more and changes the proportions. Look at how a border or hem detail would sit at the new length before deciding.
- Lining: full or half lining makes a sheer fabric opaque. Say which pieces should be lined: kameez, sleeves, trousers.
- A waistcoat: a long or hip-length waistcoat over a kameez adds a covering layer at the bodice and looks deliberate rather than added on.
- Trouser style: swapping slim trousers for a shalwar, palazzo or straight trouser changes how much shape shows below the hem.
What can be changed on our designs
On the designs in our collection, customisation covers the choices on the quote form: the pieces (adding a dupatta or waistcoat), neckline, sleeves, kameez length, trouser style, lining and the level of embroidery, plus whether you choose Fabric + Stitching or Stitching Only. Those choices cover almost every modest change described above. The customisation service in Qatar explains the same process for Gulf customers, and the UK customisation page does so for the UK.
If you want something beyond those choices, describe it through Send Your Design with a photo or written notes, and we quote it individually.
Asking for it in your quote
Start on the customise quote form, choose the design, and list each change in plain words: “full sleeves to the wrist, lined”, “round neck instead of V”, “kameez 5 cm longer”, “add waistcoat”. Every change is written into the quote and confirmed before cutting, as our page on design approval explains.
Production takes 5 to 7 working days from approval and full payment, and the quote includes delivery and any import charges, so the price you approve is the price you pay.
Common questions
Can you add sleeves to a sleeveless design?
Usually yes, as sleeves are one of the choices on the quote form. Adding a sleeve changes the look, so choose a sleeve shape that suits the rest of the design. The written quote confirms the change before cutting.
Can a deep neckline be made higher?
Yes, the neckline is one of the changes you can ask for. If the original design has embroidery around the neckline, the quote confirms how it will be placed on the new shape.
What if I want a change that is not on the quote form?
Describe it with a photo or written notes through Send Your Design, and we quote it individually so you can see exactly what is agreed before anything is made.
