The chikankari kurta set is a graceful Indian ethnic ensemble that every woman loves. When picking a chikankari kurta set for women, it is important to choose the right fabric, design, colors and embroidery style. Here are some tips on how to select the perfect chikankari kurti set for your body type and style needs. Read on to get some clarity before making a choice.
Fabric Choices for Chikankari Sets
Chikankari embroidery is done on lightweight, breathable fabrics that keep you cool in hot weather. Some popular options of fabrics used in chikankari suits are:
- Cotton: Pure cotton is ideal for chikankari as it has a crisp finish which shows off the embroidery well. From voile to muslin, organic cotton to cotton-silk blends – cotton chikankari sets are comfy and airy.
- Cotton Blends: Cotton blended with silks like tussar, crepe or chanderi gives a luxurious drape and fall. These are dressier cotton options perfect for occasions.
- Linen: Linen has a matte look that complements the sheen of chikankari threads. Linen chikankari kurta sets are subtly glamorous.
- Silk: Though less common, you can find chikankari sets made from silks like chanderi, georgette or crepe. The embroidery pops against the soft sheen.
- Voile: Lightweight, semi-sheer voile is the most popular base for chikankari. It highlights the delicate work. Voile sets are great for summers.
Choosing the Right Design
Chikankari sets come in three main pieces – kurta, bottom and dupatta. When selecting a design, consider these following three things:
- Kurta: Straight kurtas in calf-length flatter most body types. Anarkalis and angarkhas are stylish too. You must opt for short kurtis only if you are petite.
- Bottom: Matching churidars or leggings suit all heights. Palazzos complement tall girls while short women can wear harem pants.
- Dupatta: Sheer dupattas with border embroidery are widely used. Georgette or chanderi dupattas with heavy work make festive wear.
- Neckline: Round, V-necks and boat necklines look graceful. It would be better if you avoid deep U and plunging necklines.
- Sleeves: Full, 3/4th or elbow length sleeves are common. Avoid sleeveless or cap sleeves.
- Length: Calf-length kurtas are universally flattering. Make sure the chikankari work is highlighted on the yoke and lower hem.
Embroidery Styles for Chikankari Sets
Chikankari sets feature intricate white thread embroidery in many styles like:
- Teardrop Motifs: Small teardrop shaped floral motifs create delicate prints on the fabric. They resemble jaal work.
- Butis: Tiny geometric shapes or butis densely embroidered in patterns look beautiful. Butis create textured patterns.
- Floral Bootis: Dainty embroidered flowers and leaves woven closely together is a common motif seen on chikankari dupattas and yokes.
- Scalloped Edges: Scallop edged chikankari borders on the kurta, dupatta or bottom hem add ornamentation.
- Scatter Embroidery: Randomly scattered floral embroidered motifs give a free-flowing look. This style suits solid colored chikankari sets.
- Heavy Work: Intricate embroidery along hems, necks and cuffs creates lavish ornamentation for festive wear.
- Jaal Work: The signature lattice jaal pattern of chikankari is woven with thin criss-cross threads in geometric shapes.
Choosing the Right Colors
When choosing chikankari suits, color is one of the major aspects that a person considers. Chikankari sets come in a rainbow of colors but some evergreen choices are:
- White on White: A pristine white chikankari set is perfect for weddings and formal occasions.
- Pastels: Soft pastel hues like powder blue, blush pink, primrose yellow or sage green look graceful and girly.
- Earthy Tones: Mustard, rust, olive and mud brown chikankari sets paired with beige or cream dupattas make great ethnic wear.
- Greys: Steel grey, smoke and slate grey make smart choices for office or day wear.
- Pinks: From dusty mauve, antique rose to magenta – pink chikankari sets never go out of style.
Conclusion
The right chikankari set can make you look effortlessly elegant. When shopping for a chikankari kurta set for women, there are certain factors that needs to be examined such as the fabric, color, design details, embroidery style and your body type. With so many options, you will surely find a chikankari kurti set that expresses your unique style and brings you compliments!
