Shalwar Kameez or cotton tops

minoo

hey all

im hoping to get some stuff made to wear in india, i was thinking of shalwar kameez or cotton kurta style tops.

Where is the best place in delhi to get some material, chandni chowk? how much should i expect to pay.

And how much should i pay to get the clothes made? Should i haggle or is it fixed price?

And where is best for ready made shalwar kameez- again what are the prices roughly? i dont want anything outrageously expensive but nothing too shabby either I have no idea what styles are in- i did pick up an asian fashion magazine wasnt too impressed but will take another look

a bit of an odd question but appreciate any help

camelgirl

Someone may have some suggestions but for me it's impossible to answer. Like asking the best place to buy jeans in the USA. I know people believe there is a best place but to me there are just too many to make it possible to answer.

In other words, salwar kameez are ubiquitous to most of India and they come in thousands of styles/color combinations/prices and quality. I saw some beautiful ones in Delhi in Connaught place for about $50 each. They were sensational but I didn't buy them because they seemed too expensive. Then there was another shop also in Connaught Circle that sold the top and bottom separately and seemed to be doing a brisk business. I bought mine in Rajasthan, one in Jaipur and one in Jodhpur for under $10 each. Could have spent more and could have spent less!!

Just look around and you will see them everywhere. Also shops selling fabric, who will stitch it up for you.

I guess this isn't helpful, but I really think you'll figure it out when you are there!

Unless someone has a recommendation for the "perfect" shop

akt

There are lots of shops all over Delhi. Don't buy the first thing you like, but start with a little survey.

It takes a while and many repeat expereinces to settle on a favorite tailor. Therefore I too would suggest asking the shop if it has a tailor (most have such arrangements) and letting him to it. This way you won't be putting all your eggs in one basket.

minoo

thanks for the replies and the good advice, camelgirl you are absolutely right the question was a bit vague, i wont be in delhi for my whole trip so i'll see what other clothes are available in rajasthan for example.

akt- i like the 'survey' idea, i wont be stopping at the first place i like thats for sure

wonderwomanusa

You can find inexpensive salwar kameez at shops on Janpath; a cople of those will get you out of Delhi and to some small town where tainloring is less expensive!

Take note of different styles of salwar kameez, so you can tell the tailor "tight or loose" bodice, sleeves, etc. Or take a top you love that won't look awkward if made longer, and have it copied!

I had some wonderful clothing made in Jodphur one year, out of local tie-dye and a couple of nice "suits" in Puri from locally "ikat" dyed cotton.

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minoo

wonderwomanusa- i like your outfit, yes something like that would be cool.

I'll get the tailor to stich my clothes on an old long top and show him some magazine cuttings

I have high expectations now- i'll be disapointed if i dont find anything i like within budget (im worrying too much,very unlikely)

akt

If you could give us a even rough idea of which places you are likely to visit, people may be able to advise on which ones are good for buying clothes/fabrics. Both Delhi and Rajasthan should be good. However, no need to worry. Traveling, shopping,...it's all about having fun.

minoo

i dont have a definite plan but i will be in delhi for a week or two anyway- going to wander around old delhi, CP and the tibetan quater as well as Karol Bagh- heard thats good for shopping.

I do plan on visiting rajasthan- jaipur and jalsalmer. Im off to Gujerat (bhuj) but most of my time will be in north india- major destinations (in no order) will be kolkatta, varanasi (im still in two minds) darjeeling, shimla, manali, mcleod ganj, dharamsala. Please dont move this topic mods!

South india- kerala would be amazing, avoiding goa.

I would love to get a silk saree,
stupid question, can women of any age wear sarees or do they look ridiculous on some people. honest opinions please! I dont think i could carry one off but im still going to get one!

Nick-H

They look ridiculous on some people.



...but fabulous on most

It helps if you have really good posture, but even if you don't, it is worth a try.

Doesn't have to be silk. Many very beautiful designs are there in cotton, and even in synthetics, to suit all tastes and all budgets.

And age has nothing to do with it! Other than the fact that today's youth is veering towards jeens and teeshirts

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Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

SteamBuff

I think they would look ridiculous on most men !!!

akt

Get a few informal lessons on how to wear one, practice a little, feel free to "cheat" alittle with pins (Indian women do that), and you'd not only carry one off but look fabulous!

Some fabrics tend to stay in place, others tend to slip, so pay attention to that quality.

Sari, especially for new wearers, should be limited to those occasions when one can afford to stand and walk gracefully. For active lifestyle---hiking, catching Delhi buses, running behind porters/coolies at train stations, climbing upper berths in the trains---it may not be the best attire.

noflylist

For first timer, please use pins or loose your modesty!

camelgirl

OK, I'm inspired to be a model also The all white one was from Jodhpur and the red ran into the white when I washed it. I don't care, I still like it! The black,red,white is from Jaipur and they were both pre-made. I wish I could wear them here in the USA but it just doesn't work for me. I guess I don't like calling attention to myself, since no one wears them here. I'll save them for our next trip to India! There are also ones with tight legs, which I quite like.

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mercedes10

I would recommend buying the fabric and having stuff made. I found that pre-made stuff never fitted me. I'm tall though, so I guess it depends on your height. Also, many pre-made shalwaar suits have weird trousers with a MASSIVE waistband that you have to pull in with a string. If you get a suit made you can get an elasticated waist or zip or whatever you want. I recall not paying more than 400R for fabric (enough to make top, bottoms, and including dupatta - scarf), plus between 150R - 300R for tailoring. Some of the fancier suits (silk, or with lots of embroidery or beading) will of course cost a bit more - but remember to haggle - lots!

mercedes10

Oh, and saris are great, but not very practical to wear. You can get a tailor to add clips and hooks to it to make it easier to wear (and less likely to fall off!). A sari is essentially 6 yards of fabric and nothing else! There are some stunning ones around though. Worth buying for the fabric alone and then make it into something else. I bought saris for 250R (plain-ish) but you can pay massive amounts for the seriously embellished ones!