Why Chikankari Cotton is Perfect for the Pakistani Summer Heat

Chikankari is a beautiful and traditional form of embroidery that has been a part of South Asian fashion for centuries. Known for its delicate floral patterns and intricate designs, chikankari fabric is a favorite for many women in Pakistan. The best part is, whether you choose ready to wear outfits or uncstitched chikankari fabric, you can easily customize it to suit your personal style.

In this blog, we’ll explore some simple tips on how to customize your chikankari fabric to make your outfit truly yours, while also keeping it stylish and comfortable for every occasion.

1. Choose the Right Fabric for the Occasion

The first step in customizing your chikankari outfit is to choose the right fabric. Chikankari can be done on a variety of fabrics like cotton, chiffon, georgette, and silk. Depending on the occasion, you can select a fabric that works best for you.

• For casual wear, cotton chikankari is an excellent option. It’s breathable, comfortable, and perfect for the hot summer months. You can go for a ready to wear chikankari kurta or get uncstitched cotton fabric and have it stitched to your liking.
• For formal or evening wear, consider chiffon or georgette chikankari. These fabrics add a touch of elegance and are great for events like weddings or parties.
• If you want something a bit luxurious for special occasions, silk chikankari can make a beautiful statement, giving your outfit an extra shine.

Choosing the right fabric is important because it will set the tone for your entire look.

2. Pick the Design and Style

One of the most fun parts of customizing your chikankari fabric is deciding on the design and style. Chikankari embroidery features a wide variety of patterns, from delicate floral motifs to bold geometric shapes. Here are a few things to consider when picking the design:

• For traditional looks, go for floral motifs like paisleys or mughal-inspired patterns. These classic designs add a touch of elegance and are perfect for festive occasions like Eid or weddings.
• For modern, minimalist looks, choose simpler designs with less dense embroidery. You can even opt for geometric patterns or abstract shapes for a contemporary style.
• Customize the placement of the embroidery to suit your preferences. For example, you might want intricate chikankari designs on the sleeves, neckline, and hemline for a balanced look. You can also add a bold motif in the center of your shirt for a statement piece.

Whether you are getting ready to wear chikankari or uncstitched fabric, you can talk to a tailor about the design placement, so the final result matches your vision.

3. Experiment with Color

Chikankari is often done in white thread on light-colored fabrics like white, cream, or pastels. However, you can break away from tradition and experiment with different colors. Here’s how you can add your personal touch with color:

• Bold Colors: If you prefer a more modern and vibrant look, consider chikankari on deep shades like navy blue, burgundy, or emerald green. These colors can make the intricate embroidery stand out even more.
• Pastel Shades: For a soft and elegant look, go for pastel shades like mint green, peach, or lavender. These colors are light and perfect for casual or semi-formal wear.
• Monochrome: You can also opt for a monochrome look, where the embroidery is done in the same color as the fabric. This creates a subtle, elegant effect.

If you’re working with uncstitched chikankari fabric, you can customize the color of both the fabric and the thread to create a combination that reflects your personality.

4. Add Personal Touches with Accessories

Accessories are a great way to enhance your chikankari outfit. Here are some ideas on how you can personalize your look:

• Add a Dupatta: A beautifully embroidered chikankari dupatta can elevate any outfit. You can choose a dupatta with matching or contrasting embroidery to complement your kurta. For example, if you have a white chikankari kurta, a pastel-colored dupatta with floral chikankari embroidery can create a soft, feminine look.
• Statement Jewelry: Pair your chikankari outfit with traditional jewelry like jhumkas (dangly earrings) or chandbalis to complete your look.
• Footwear: Pair your chikankari outfit with kolhapuris, mules, or pumps for an added touch of elegance.

Adding these accessories can make a simple chikankari kurta or dress truly your own, while also giving it a more sophisticated look.

5. Tailoring Your Outfit for the Perfect Fit

Once you have your uncstitched chikankari fabric or ready to wear piece, tailoring it to fit you perfectly is key. An outfit that fits well will not only make you feel more comfortable but will also enhance the overall look. Here are some tailoring tips:

• Fit: Ensure that your kurta or dress is neither too tight nor too loose. A well-fitted chikankari outfit looks more polished and is more comfortable to wear.
• Length: Customize the length of your kurta or dress to suit your preference. You can go for a longer tunic style or a shorter, more casual length, depending on what you like.
• Sleeve Style: You can adjust the sleeve length as well—go for full sleeves for a more formal look, or short sleeves or cap sleeves for a casual style. Adding a bit of embroidery to the cuffs of the sleeves can make them stand out.

Tailoring is an important part of customizing your outfit because it ensures that the final result is flattering and suits your body type.

6. Add Layers for Extra Flair

If you want to make your chikankari outfit even more personalized, consider adding layers. For example, you can wear a long cardigan, a jacket, or a long vest over your chikankari kurta. These layers add a modern touch to the traditional embroidery and make your outfit stand out even more.

Conclusion

Customizing your chikankari fabric is a fun and creative way to create a unique outfit that truly reflects your style. Whether you opt for ready to wear chikankari or get uncstitched fabric, the key to personalizing your outfit lies in choosing the right fabric, design, color, and accessories. With these simple tips, you can easily transform a traditional chikankari piece into something that’s perfect for you, making it ideal for any occasion.

So, next time you go shopping for chikankari fabric, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!