Tink, we have both developed a love for fabric Shopping. Until recently the whole buying new Indian Suits process was fairly difficult. It was easy getting it done in India, but here at home, I hadn’t really got the hang of it. 

So I feel like I’ve cracked that a little more now and Tink I’ve taken you along for the ride with me.

Sets Suits or Loose Fabric? …….

Either you can buy set suits or you can make your own. The set suit is for a set price, this will include salwar, kameez and dupatta. You do still need to get the lining and any additional trims you want. This method is more common and there are plenty of shops in Birmingham that sell this way. However it’s a little problematic for children because there is so much waste of fabric. Yes you can ask the tailor to give the fabric back, but its still a lot of wastage.

The make your own method is actually a little harder and isn’t as readily available, but its become our favourite method because we have been able to get creative! The best place to go for fabric is either Stratford Road (Ananya), Spark Hill or Alum Rock and for trims its Button & Lace House on Stratford Road. The fabric is all on the roll, so you choose how much of it you want and match it how you want.

You’ve just gone through a satin phase and wanted an all over cerise satin salwar kameez! I’ve managed to persuade you to go with a navy satin kameez, gold banarsi salwar and mesh duputta. You chose a trim to put around the bottom of the kameez. We purchased lining for both the kameez and salwar. If you are going for a satin salwar you don’t need to bother with lining. On another outfit you’ve chose a printed kameez with lining, a satin salwar and mesh dupatta.

‘Kitne Kadz?’ How many yards? That’s the famous question, in reality we all work in meters!

The measurements that you need are:

Adults

kameez – 2.5m

salwar – 2.5m

Dupatta –

Childrens11 year old

kameez – 1.5m

salwar – 1.5m

Dupatta – 1.75m

Take it to the Tailors

This part will all remain hard. Finding a good Tailor Dharzi isn’t easy. If you find one, stick with them, other wise you just have to ask around for recommendations.

My current one is Deeps on Foleshill Road. They are little more expensive than your normal, but they do a clean job. You get a price for a set suit and then applying trims and finishing tharpai of the chunni will cost on top.

Leave yourself enough time to get it made before you need to wear it. They can get it made in 2 weeks at a push but they rarely like to commit to that incase they get busy. So give yourself 4 weeks and tell them you need it back it 2 weeks. Expect them to say it will take 3!

Mecha – Measurements

There are two ways to get a suit made, one is from your body measurements and the second is from a previous suit. Normally they prefer the later, but if you’ve changed in size or it’s a kids suit then it can be hard.

Take a note book with you, write down what you are asking them to do. You need to have decided what you want it to look like before hand.They key things to think about are Kameez length, sleeve type, sleeve length,front neck shape and drop, back neck drop and type of bottoms. If it’s a Salwar then length, fullness and foot cuff poncha width. This is why it is helpful to take an old suit with you, so you have that’s a guide to go on. ‘Is 7 inch back neck drop ok?’ ……errr no idea. Quick measure of the old suit, yes that’s fine or actually no ill go lower. I have a common issue, where because of Nani I tie my salwar really low. I get asked twice ‘are you sure you want it that low?’. If I have the old salwar, they are welcome to measure it. If you have purchased a set suit, then you may not have bought lining at the time. They will purchase and line the suit for you. They just charge you for it.

Make sure they take your name and telephone number, take theirs. Ask for a date of when it will be ready. Check you’ve told them about any trims. If the chunni has a raw edge, ask them to finish it with tharpai. If it’s already finished they will give it you to take away. Make sure they’ve noted everything down. They rip the paper off, fold it into the suit, stick it in a bag, knot it and chuck it onto a pile…..organised chaos. Most of the time.

Give them a call about 3 days before you are supposed to collect it to check its ready. First they will act as if they have no idea who you are and your heart beats a little fast while you thinking….my suit!! Then they magically remember! Either they will tell you its ready, or you’ve just reminded them to hurry up and finish it.

When you go to collect, take your note book with you so you can check its as it is supposed to be. Try it on to make sure it fits. You pay when you collect.

That’s it, get home and promise yourself that you going to get more suits made and mix up the designs when in reality it will be forever before you actually get there again!