Modest outfits from a morning walk to the school run

The tunic: long enough, loose enough

A tunic for active days should cover the hips and seat when you bend, which usually means mid-thigh or knee length. Longer than that, and it catches on bikes, buggies and car doors. A straight or gentle A-line shape moves best; avoid tight bodices, which pull when you lift a child or a bag.

Slits make or break it. Without slits, a straight tunic restricts your stride; with high slits, it flaps open. Ask for side slits that end around the top of the thigh on a knee-length tunic, or a slightly flared hem with shorter slits. Test with a kameez you own by taking big steps and climbing stairs.

Trousers that move

Trousers do most of the work on an active day.

• Waist: a full elastic or drawstring waist stays comfortable when you bend and sit on the floor.
• Rise: a slightly longer rise stops trousers pulling down when you crouch. Our trouser size guide shows where to measure.
• Width: straight or wide legs give room to stride; a shalwar is the roomiest of all.
• Length: cut to the shoes you wear most, usually trainers, so hems do not drag in puddles.
• Fabric: firm cotton or a cotton blend that will not go sheer when stretched at the knee.

Sleeves, pockets and other small things

Three-quarter sleeves stay out of the way when you wash hands or push a swing, while full sleeves with a slightly loose wrist can be pushed up without strain. If you wear a hijab, a crew or band neckline sits flat under a sports-style scarf.

Pockets are the most requested detail for everyday wear. Side-seam pockets in the tunic or trousers hold a phone and keys so you can leave the bag at home; our guide to adding pockets covers the options. A loop for keys inside a pocket is a small detail to ask about.

Fabric for active days

Choose fabrics that wash often and dry fast: cotton, cambric, dobby and cotton blends. Lawn is cool but creases and can go sheer when pulled; viscose drapes well but can cling when damp. Darker colours and small prints hide grass marks and splashes. If you would like some stretch for comfort, ask in your quote; we confirm whether a fabric suits the design before anything is cut.

Two or three tunic-and-trouser sets in one colour family can be swapped around all week. Our everyday page has more simple combinations.

Getting a set made

Everything here can be made to your measurements in Pakistan and sent to you, whether you live in Birmingham or Chicago. The custom stitching service covers both routes: Fabric + Stitching, where we supply the agreed fabric, and Stitching Only, where you send your own after we confirm it.

Start on the quote form and list the details from this guide that matter to you: tunic length, slit height, waist type, pockets and sleeve length. Production takes 5 to 7 working days once the written quote is approved and paid in full, and the quote includes delivery and any import charges.