Embroidery and fancy work · 8 October 2026 · 4 min read

Tassels and latkans: where they work on an outfit

Latkan design ideas and tassels explained: where they work on ties, dupatta corners, sleeves and hems, with weight, snagging and washing to think about.

Inspiration

Where latkans and tassels work

Latkans and tassels work where something on the outfit already hangs or ties: the ends of a back-neck dori, the corners of a dupatta, the ties of a sleeve or wrap front and the ends of a drawstring. A latkan is simply a hanging ornament, from the Urdu and Hindi word for to hang, and a tassel is the most common kind.

They are small, but they move, catch the eye and add weight to one point, so placement matters more than the latkan design itself.

The main types

Most latkans are one of five kinds, or a mix of two.

Thread tassels: a bundle of cotton or silky thread bound at the top. Light, soft and the easiest to live with.
Fabric latkans: small stuffed shapes such as balls, cones or drops, made from the suit fabric or a contrast and often edged with piping. They match the outfit exactly.
Beaded latkans: strings or clusters of beads or pearls, sometimes ending in a tassel. Heavier, and they swing more.
Pom-poms: round and playful, used singly or as a fringe.
Bells and shells: small metal bells or cowrie shells, traditional on festive and folk-style pieces. They make a sound when you move.

Placement by placement

Each spot has its own advantage and its own nuisance.

Back-neck dori: the classic latkan on a kameez dori, hanging from the tie cords at the back of the neck. It needs a back neckline cut low enough to have a tie. Hard or heavy drops press into your back when you lean on a chair.
Dupatta corners: tassels on a dupatta give the four corners a little weight, which helps a light dupatta hang and stay put. See our dupatta finishing ideas.
Sleeves: a tassel trim on sleeves, either at a tie on a bell sleeve or as a short fringe at the hem. Keep it small: sleeves go near food, taps and door handles.
Wrap fronts and side ties: the ties of an angrakha are a natural home for a pair of small tassels.
Hem corners and side slits: a single tassel at each side slit or daman corner. Low-hanging ones get sat on and trodden on.
Drawstrings: the ends of a trouser drawstring are traditionally finished with decorative tassels, hidden under a long kameez and seen with a short one.

Weight, snagging and washing

Weight. A heavy latkan on a fine fabric pulls the cloth out of shape: a back neckline gapes, a chiffon corner droops into a point. Match the weight of the ornament to the fabric, and choose thread tassels for anything sheer.

Snagging. Anything that dangles finds something to catch on. Long hair, bag straps, seat belts, chair backs, bracelets and small children are the usual culprits. Short, compact latkans on short cords cause far less trouble than long swinging ones.

Washing. Thread tassels tangle and fluff in a machine, and strongly coloured ones can bleed onto a pale suit, so test them first. Beads can chip, and stuffed fabric shapes dry slowly. Hand washing is kinder, and tying tassels inside a small cloth bag keeps them tidy. Latkans attached by a loop can be taken off before washing, which is worth asking for.

How many is too many

One feature is usually enough. A back-neck latkan with plain sleeves, or tasselled dupatta corners with a quiet kameez, looks finished. Tassels at the neck, sleeves, hem and dupatta together start to look busy and multiply the snagging. Our piping and trims guide shows quieter ways to finish the other edges.

Asking for them

A particular tassel or latkan is not a finish anyone can promise before seeing the fabric and design. If you would like one on an outfit we are stitching for you, describe it or send a photo, say where it should hang and how long, and mention whether you want it removable. We confirm what is possible in your written quote, and if a trim cannot be done, we say so before you pay. Our custom stitching page explains how an order is agreed, the custom embroidery page covers embroidery, lace and borders, and the Send Your Design form takes your photos.

Common questions

What is the difference between a latkan and a tassel?

Latkan is the general word for any ornament that hangs from an outfit. A tassel is one kind of latkan, made from a bound bundle of threads. Fabric balls, bead drops and small bells are others.

Can latkans be removed before washing?

Only if they were attached to come off, for example on a small loop or hook. It is worth asking for this when you order, especially for beaded or stuffed latkans.

Are tassels practical for everyday wear?

Small thread tassels on a dupatta or a tie are fine for daily use. Heavy, beaded or long ones are better kept for occasions, because they catch on things and need gentler washing.

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