Salwar kameez

[redbird]

I have (after a few unsuccessful attempts) won an EBay auction for a made-to-measure salwar kameez. Following the instructions, I have gotten cattitude to measure many things (including the circumference of my biceps, wrist, knees, and ankles) and now have to make some decisions. In particular, sleeve length: I suspect that long sleeves are most traditional, but it's already getting on to summer: has anyone gotten a short-sleeved or sleeveless kameez, and if so, do you like it? (They're also offering half and three-quarter sleeves, but those don't really tempt me.)

Also, do I really want the kameez knee-length?

Comments

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

I have a short-sleeved off-the-peg one that I bought in Pune, India. Yes, I like it :-)

I think that kameez work well in a range of lengths, but probably best no shorter than mid-thigh?

[kateyule.livejournal.com]

Sites offering custom-sewn kameez sometimes have photos of "sample styles" one can look at, but they tend toward the trendy and dramatic -- this is one of the better ones (http://tailor.bravehost.com/style.htm). Anybody have a better source of kameez pictures?

[liv]

I have a few salwars, (obtained in this country rather than from eBay), and I've found that they're incredibly cool, even when they cover your arms and legs. OK, it probably doesn't usually get as hot here as it does in New York, but I would certainly wear them in conditions where I wouldn't consider long-sleeved western-style blouses. I also tend to wear the top long, but that's partly just my style, I wear a lot of things longer than the manufactureres probably intended.

[papersky.livejournal.com]

It's coming on summer, do you want to burn to a crisp, or keep your pale skin covered up with light cloth?

For years I went on the principle of "I don't like clothes, so the less there is of them the better" but I'm really much more comfortable in long sleeves and long trousers especially if air can get in them.

[adrian-turtle.livejournal.com]

Many kinds of light cloth do not block nearly as much UV as chemical sunscreens. Light colors, absorbancy, loose weaves, all weaken sun protection (and of course that's what you want to wear in summer.) In some climates, it doesn't matter. But for long exposure to intense sunlight, people in your family should use sunscreen. And consider something like this: http://www.ritdye.com/sun_guard/

[redbird]

It's not just sun protection--it's also that even shaded and indoor areas, and the outdoors at night, are a lot warmer in the summer.

[adrian-turtle.livejournal.com]

Half sleeves will come to your elbows, or a bit beyond, considering your arm length. I think that's as short as you can go and still have it look like a kameez (though I've seen sleeveless tops over sleeved blouses.) You should be fine with light cloth.

Yes, I think you want the kameez knee-length. If you're having a pocket sewn into the side seam of the trousers, you can ask for them to slit the sides of the kameez. I've seen men wearing informal kameez that come just past mid-thigh. And occasionally girls who look like they're outgrowing everything. You can certainly make it shorter than knee length if you feel more comfortable. But the fancy ones seem to be worn a little *past* the knee, so I wouldn't suggest going too short if you want something dressy.

[fimbrethil.livejournal.com]

Might want to ask noelfigart these questions as she wears these quite often and makes them herself.