Styles and design · 8 October 2026 · 3 min read
What is a scalloped daman? Fabric and finish
A scalloped daman design is a row of curves cut along the hem. How it is faced or bound, which fabrics hold the shape and why a printed border fights it.
InspirationWhat a scalloped daman is
Daman is the hem of a kameez. A scalloped daman is a hem cut into a row of curves, like the edge of a scallop shell, instead of a straight line. The curves are usually all the same size, running evenly around the hem, and they can be tiny and delicate or deep and bold.
It is a small detail that gives a plain kameez a finished, feminine edge, and the same idea is used on sleeves, dupatta edges and necklines.
How the curves are finished
A curved edge cannot just be folded and stitched like a straight hem, because the curves would pucker. It needs one of a few finishes.
- Facing: a strip of fabric cut to the same scalloped shape is stitched to the hem, clipped at every curve and point, then turned inside. This gives a clean edge with no visible stitching.
- Piping: a narrow cord covered in fabric is set into the facing seam so each curve is outlined. Contrast piping makes the scallops stand out; see the piping and trims guide.
- Bias binding: a narrow strip cut on the bias is wrapped over the raw edge, giving a visible outline round each curve.
- Embroidered edge: the scallops are outlined in dense satin stitch and the fabric is cut away outside the stitching. Describe the look or send a photo through our embroidery service, and we confirm what is possible in your quote.
Fabrics that hold a scallop
Medium-weight, tightly woven fabrics give the cleanest curves: cambric, cotton, lawn with a facing, linen and khaddar. A tight weave can be clipped close at each point without fraying. Very loose weaves fray at the clips and lose their shape, and very slippery chiffon or georgette needs a firm facing, often in a light organza, to hold the curve.
The size of the scallop should match the fabric. Small scallops suit lightweight lawn; larger, bolder scallops suit heavier winter fabrics, where tiny curves would look clumsy.
Why a printed border fights it
Many unstitched suits come with a printed or woven border along one edge, meant to run along the daman. A scalloped hem cuts across that border, slicing through its pattern at every curve. The result usually looks accidental rather than designed.
If your fabric has a border, the choices are to place the border a little above the scallops as a separate band, to use the border elsewhere such as the sleeves, or to keep the scallops for a plain fabric and choose a straight hem for the bordered one. The daman with lace page shows a hem detail that works with borders more easily.
Asking for a scalloped daman
Scalloped hems are not a fixed option on our form, so add a note or photo with the size of scallop you want and whether you prefer a plain facing, piping or binding. We confirm what is possible on your fabric and design in the written quote. Then request a quote.
Common questions
Do scallops make a hem heavier?
Only slightly. A facing adds a strip of fabric round the hem, which helps a light lawn hang a little better without feeling heavy.
Can scallops go on the sleeves too?
Yes. Matching scallops on the sleeve hems and the daman give a coordinated look, especially with piping in the same colour.
Will the scallops survive washing?
A well-faced scallop on a tightly woven fabric washes well. A quick press of the curves from the inside keeps them crisp.