Piping, lace and trims: small details that change a kameez

The main trims

Most trims are sold by the metre, and a kameez usually needs more than people expect once the neckline, both sleeves, the slits and the hem are added up. Measure round each edge you want trimmed, add a little for joins, and buy slightly more than the total.

• Piping: a narrow strip of bias-cut fabric set into a seam or along an edge. Flat piping is subtle; corded piping has a fine cord inside and stands out more.
• Contrast bands: a wider strip of plain or printed fabric, often from the trouser or dupatta piece, at the hem, sleeves or neckline.
• Cotton or crochet lace: textured and casual, ideal for lawn and cotton.
• Organza, net and guipure lace: finer and dressier. Guipure is a heavier lace with open motifs and no net background.
• Gota: a woven ribbon in gold, silver or copper, festive without being heavy.
• Pom-poms, tassels, pearls and beads: playful or dressy finishes for sleeves, hems, cuffs and ties.
• Pintucks: not a trim as such, but narrow stitched folds that add texture in the same fabric.

Where to put them

A few well-placed trims usually look better than many. Choose one or two areas and repeat the same trim there, so the outfit looks planned.

• Neckline and placket: piping or a narrow lace draws attention to the face. See our neckline guide.
• Sleeve hems: lace, a band or pom-poms. Our sleeve guide covers the shapes.
• Kameez hem and slits: lace or piping, which also neatens the edges. See slits and hemlines.
• Panel seams: piping between kalidar panels or along a yoke; see our yokes and panels guide.
• Trouser hems: a band or lace at the ankle to echo the kameez.
• Pockets: a line of piping on a patch pocket is a subtle way to repeat a colour.

Colour, care and weight

For colour, pick a shade from the print for piping, or match lace to the base colour so it looks like part of the fabric. For Eid, gota or a metallic lace at the neck and sleeves is often enough to make an outfit feel festive.

Trims need the same care as the fabric they sit on, and sometimes more. Cotton lace can shrink at a different rate from lawn, so pre-washing it is worth considering; our pre-washing guide explains why. Dark or bright piping on a pale kameez can bleed in the first wash, so try our colour-fastness test first.

Weight matters too. A heavy lace or beaded trim on fine chiffon can drag the edge out of shape, while on cotton or cambric the same trim sits comfortably. Gota, metallic lace and beads are safest washed gently by hand.

Ordering trims with your outfit

On the stitching quote form, describe the trims you want in the design notes and upload a photo of anything you like. With a Stitching Only quote you can include your own lace or trim with your fabric, or ask for a suggestion; whatever is agreed appears in your written quote. If you plan to use your own, say how many metres you have and where each trim should go, so the quote can confirm it covers every edge. Stitching Only involves two shipping stages: you send your fabric and trims to us in Pakistan, and we ship the finished outfit to you. Before you post anything, we confirm with you that everything is suitable, how much is needed and how to send it. Adding trims to a kameez you already own is a job for a local tailor, as alterations and restyling of existing garments are not one of our services.