The daman (hem) and chaak (side slits) finish the bottom of a kameez, and they’re best chosen together with the cut and length. A straight daman shows a printed or embroidered border best, a curved gol daman looks softer and more modern, and lace or organza turns the hem into a feature. Tell us the hem shape, the slit height and the finish, or ask us to advise.
Why the daman and chaak matter
The bottom of a kameez does more work than it gets credit for. The side slits (chaak) let a knee or calf-length kameez move when you walk, sit and climb stairs, and the shape and finish of the hem (daman) change the whole mood of a kurta, from classic to relaxed to dressy. They’re also easy to get wrong: slits that are too high feel exposed, and a fancy hem can cut straight through a printed border.
Hem and slits work with the cut and the length. A straight kameez almost always needs slits, while an A-line or kalidar kameez needs shorter ones or none, because the wider hem already gives room to move. The way the hem is finished affects how the kameez hangs too, so it’s worth deciding them all at the same time.
Hem shapes at a glance
Most daman designs start from one of a handful of shapes, then take their character from the finish: plain, piping, lace, organza or a border.
Straight: the classic, and the best partner for an embroidered or printed border. See the straight daman.
Curved (gol daman): rounded corners at the slits, or a gentle shirt-tail curve. Relaxed and modern, especially on short kurtis. See the gol daman.
High-low: shorter at the front than the back. Looks good in motion and over slim trousers or jeans.
Asymmetric or angled: one side lower than the other. A fashion detail that suits plain and small-print fabrics best.
Scalloped: a row of curves along the hem, finished with a facing or edged in piping or lace. Pretty on lawn and cotton, and lovely repeated on the sleeves.
Pointed or handkerchief: points at the sides or corners, usually on flowing kurtas in soft fabric.
How to choose
A few practical questions narrow it down quickly.
Is there a border? A border is made to run straight, so a straight hem shows it best. A slight curve at the slits usually works; a scalloped or high-low hem often means cutting through or piecing it.
What’s the fabric? Crisp cambric holds a scallop or a sharp point well; very soft lawn and chiffon suit simple shapes.
How much coverage do you want? Lower slits and a straight hem are the simplest combination. See our modest dressing guide.
What’s the occasion? Plain straight and curved hems for everyday and work; lace and organza finishes for Eid and gatherings.
How will you wear it? Think about coats, bags and bikes: a long high-low back can catch, and very high slits flap in the wind.
Slits usually start around the hip on a knee-length straight kameez, but there’s no fixed rule; our chaak guide explains how to choose the height and finish. The top of a slit is a stress point, so it should be reinforced, and the edges can be finished with a facing, piping, lace or a contrast patti.
Curved and shaped hems are usually finished with a facing rather than a turned hem, which helps them hang neatly. Many unstitched suits include a daman border; send a photo with your fabric and we’ll tell you how it will look with the hem you want, and whether it’s long enough to go all the way round. Our guide to using borders from a pack has more.
Not sure? Describe the look in the design notes on the stitching quote form, or write “advise me”, and we’ll suggest a hem and slit height that suit the cut, the length and the fabric. Whatever you choose is written into your design approval before cutting.
Common questions
What is the difference between daman and chaak?
The daman is the hem, the bottom edge of the kameez, and the chaak are the slits at the sides (or sometimes at the centre front or back). They’re usually designed together, because the slit height and the hem shape affect each other.
Which daman design is best for an embroidered border?
A straight daman, because the border is made to run in a straight line. A slight rounding at the slits usually works too, but scallops, points and high-low hems often cut through the pattern.
Can the hem or slits be changed on a kameez I already have?
A local tailor who can see the kameez is the person to ask, as we don’t alter existing garments. We can make a new kameez to your measurements with the hem and slits you want.
Last reviewed 30 September 2026.
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