Salwar Kameez--how much fabric?

Hi! I want to buy fabric to have a Salwar Kameez made, but I'm not sure how much fabric I need for each part of it. For reference, I'm 5'5" and about a US 12/14 (approx. 42-36-45). Thanks!

kameez(the top) - 2.5 metres to 3 metres(knee length and full sleeves).
salwar(the bottom) - 2 to 2.5 metres
churidar - 2.5 metres

If you're buying from an "Indian" shop, whatever country it is in, the fabric will come as a kit of ready cut pieces in coordinating fabrics, which will be enough for 'ordinary' size people.

The 'kits' often have embroidery already stitched around the part you would cut as the neckline &c.

In this kits the length of the salwar/churidar cloth is often 2 metres which may not be enough for a 5'5" or 5'6" woman. It gives the salwar a capri kind of look when you seat down.

Oh, I'm so glad you pointed that out, I always thought it looked more than enough, but what do I know, I'm only 4' 10"

These things - you learn the hard way

I think the tailor can add some fabric to the waist part to make it longer if I'm not wrong...

Yes. thats the common practise if you are tall.

Thanks so much--very helpful information!!! And I guess if I see a kit that I reallllly like but doesn't have enough fabric for the churidar, I can just buy fabric that will match the kameez and dupatta well. Speaking of dupatta, about how much fabric does it take to make the long ones that one sees most often?

the longer dupattas are about 2 metres.
hardly anyone "makes" a dupatta by buying fabric.
A dupatta is always purchased ready made.

Yes, that's right. They add a strip of cheaper plain fabric from the drawstring/waist area to about top of thighs where it won't show. I'm 5'8" so I've had to do this.

jenny, yes you can buy your own material as well even mix and match for salwar and kameez/churidar as well. The kits Haylo referred to are esp wonderful when you want embroidery around the neckline as they come that way.

Ditto dupatta, which basically is a strip of cloth stitched on all 4 sides to give it a finished look. They are easy enough to find readymade but you can make your own if you like. People make them out of chiffon sarees and other things they want to recycle.

I have a whole bunch of saris I'll never wear so I've made stoles, scarves, wraps, mufflers, etc. out of them. Given them to friends here because every time i wear one, I get so many compliments. Just can't get those beautiful materials and prints here..*love* indian fabric

Hi. Any one have resources on where I can buy material to make salwar kameez? Except having my family or friends bring it!