Which shoes go with a shalwar kameez?

Matching shoes to the trouser style

The width and finish of the trouser hem tells you what kind of shoe will look right.

• [Shalwar](/styles/trousers/shalwar). The gathered cuff sits at the ankle, so most of the shoe shows. Khussas, flat sandals and low block heels all suit it. Chunky trainers can look heavy under the fullness.
• [Churidar](/styles/trousers/churidar). The ruched leg shows the ankle and foot clearly. Delicate flats, khussas and heeled sandals suit it; a heavy shoe interrupts the slim line.
• [Cigarette pants](/styles/trousers/cigarette-pants). The most flexible: loafers, pointed flats, trainers, ankle boots and heels all work, because the narrow hem stops above the shoe.
• [Straight trousers](/styles/trousers/straight-trousers). Almost anything goes. Trainers and loafers make them casual, heels make them dressy.
• [Palazzo](/styles/trousers/palazzo) and wide-leg. The hem covers much of the shoe. Heels or platforms let a long hem fall straight; flat shoes need a slightly shorter hem.
• Sharara and gharara. These are long and full, and usually worn with heels or embellished flats, with the hem set to just clear the floor in those shoes.

Trainers with a suit

Trainers with shalwar kameez are now an ordinary everyday look, especially with cotton kurtas and straight or cigarette trousers. Plain, slim, low trainers in white, beige or black work best; they keep the outfit relaxed without taking over. Keep the kurta simple, too, because a heavily embroidered suit with sporty shoes tends to look like an accident.

Dressing up for Eid and gatherings

For dressy outfits, the choice is usually between embellished khussas and heels. Khussas are the comfortable choice for long days of visiting, sitting on the floor and standing in kitchens. Heels look elegant with wide trousers and long kameez, but plan for a lot of standing. Metallic shoes in gold or silver go with almost any festive colour, and a shoe in the dupatta colour ties everything together. In winter, ankle boots under straight or cigarette trousers and a long coat keep a suit practical outdoors.

Why the shoes decide the trouser length

Trouser length is measured to the ankle or the floor, and the height of the shoe changes both. Wide trousers hemmed for heels will drag on the ground in flats; trousers hemmed for flats look short when you add a heel. Slim trousers are more forgiving, but even they can bunch above a high heel.

If one pair of trousers will be worn with one kind of shoe, measure wearing that shoe. If you switch between flats and heels, choose a trouser style that tolerates both, such as cigarette or straight. Our guide to measuring for each trouser style has the details.

Ordering with your shoes in mind

When you order a suit through custom stitching, tell us which shoes you plan to wear and give the trouser length measured in them. It helps us plan the hem and any lace or border at the ankle. Request a quote, and the measurements are confirmed in writing before cutting.