Ramadan outfits: comfort and modesty for long days

Comfort first

• Breathable fabrics: lawn, cotton, cambric and linen in warmer weeks; soft khaddar or marina when Ramadan falls in winter. Ramadan moves about eleven days earlier each year, so over time it passes through every season.
• A relaxed fit: a straight or A-line kameez with a little extra ease at the waist and hips, especially if you sit on the floor for iftar or prayers. Our guide to ease explains how much to ask for.
• Soft waistbands: full elastic or a drawstring, which is kinder after iftar than a fitted waist.
• Sleeves that push up: three-quarter sleeves, or full sleeves with a cuff or short slit, are easy to roll back for wudu, cooking and washing up. See our sleeve guide.
• Opaque fabric: if a fabric is pale or fine, a light lining gives coverage without much extra warmth.
• Pockets: for a phone, keys or prayer beads, so your hands are free. See adding pockets to kurtas.

Outfits for different parts of the day

Around the house, a soft, loose cotton suit is ideal for suhoor, the quiet hours of the afternoon and answering the door. Well-washed lawn from past seasons is perfect for this.

For work and study, a long straight kurta with straight trousers or a simple co-ord keeps you comfortable through the afternoon. Plain colours and small prints are easy to wear day after day.

For iftar with family and friends, a slightly dressier lawn or cotton suit with a finished dupatta works well. If you are hosting and cooking, choose washable fabrics and sleeves that stay out of the pots.

For taraweeh and other prayers, many women like a longer kameez, loose trousers that allow easy movement when sitting and standing, and a dupatta or scarf that stays in place. Our guides to modest dressing and outfits for Friday prayers go into more detail.

Planning Ramadan and Eid together

Ramadan is also when many people buy their Eid fabric, as brands release their festive collections. If you are having outfits made for both, plan them together: a few comfortable everyday pieces for the month and your Eid outfit, quoted together with one set of measurements and, once we have confirmed what to send, posted in one parcel.

The weeks before Eid are the busiest time of year for anyone who stitches South Asian clothes, so order as early as you can. We do not give delivery dates for Ramadan or Eid orders in advance; the timing for your order is confirmed in your written quote before you commit, and we tell you honestly if your date is tight. Our Eid planning timeline walks through the stages.

Getting started

Send your fabric details and photos through the stitching quote form, with your measurements and the date you need each piece. Choose “advise me” for anything you are unsure of, and mention if you would like extra room at the waist or sleeves that roll. The unstitched suit stitching page explains the service, and our Eid page has outfit ideas for the end of the month.