Which Format Is Right for You?
When you're shopping Pakistani fashion in the UK, three words come up again and again on product pages: stitched, unstitched, and semi-stitched. Each means something specific about what arrives at your door ā and each suits a different kind of buyer. This guide works through the questions we hear most often so you can order with confidence.
What Do the Three Formats Actually Mean?
Stitched
A fully stitched outfit arrives ready to wear. The kameez (shirt), trousers or leggings, and dupatta (where included) are cut and sewn to the size you select at checkout. You receive a complete, finished garment ā no tailor required. Kapraye's stitched range includes everyday pret pieces such as the Asim Jofa Embroidered Raw Silk 3-Piece and the Asim Jofa Embroidered Cambric 2-Piece, both cut to labelled Pakistani sizing. Before you order, check our Size Guide to match your measurements to the right size ā Pakistani sizing can run differently from UK high-street sizing.
Unstitched
An unstitched suit is fabric. You receive the printed or embroidered cloth for the kameez, trousers, and dupatta (typically 2 or 3 pieces of fabric), exactly as woven and finished by the brand. Nothing is cut. You take the fabric to a tailor of your choice, who cuts and sews it to your exact measurements. Kapraye carries a wide unstitched selection, including Charizma 3-Piece Unstitched Lawn CS6-09 and the full Charizma Signature Lawn Collection. The finished garment can be made precisely to your height, bust, and preferred silhouette ā but the result depends on your tailor's skill and style.
Semi-Stitched
Semi-stitched sits between the two. Typically the kameez is partially constructed ā the embroidered or printed panels are assembled and the neckline may be finished ā but the garment is left open at the sides or hem so a tailor can adjust width, length, and sleeve fit. Kapraye's semi-formal Iznik Noor Angan pieces, such as the CC-58 Embroidered Chiffon and the UE-416 Embroidered Chiffon, are supplied in this format. You get the decorative finish of a ready-made piece with some room for personalisation.
The Questions UK Buyers Ask Most
"Will it fit me properly? I'm taller/shorter than average."
Stitched: Sizes are fixed. Our Size Guide lists the measurements for each size label ā check your bust, waist, and kameez length against those figures before ordering. If you are above or below the charted height range, the kameez length is the measurement that most affects fit.
Unstitched: This is the strongest format for non-standard heights. Because a tailor cuts from scratch, the kameez can be made as long or as short as you need, and the trousers can be cut to your exact inseam. If fit precision matters to you, unstitched gives a tailor full control.
Semi-stitched: There is some adjustment room, particularly in length and width, but the decorated panels are already placed and cannot be moved significantly. It works well if you are close to standard sizing but want minor alterations.
"Will the finished garment look like the photo?"
Stitched: What you see is very close to what you receive. Product photography shows the garment made up, and because it is already sewn, the silhouette, print placement, and embroidery position are as pictured.
Unstitched: The fabric and embroidery will match the product photo, but the final shape depends on the style your tailor cuts. A wide-leg trouser or an A-line kameez is a tailoring decision, not one made at the fabric stage. Share reference photos with your tailor to guide the outcome.
Semi-stitched: The embroidered or printed sections are positioned as shown, and the overall look will be close to the product image once a tailor finishes the side seams and hem.
"I don't have a tailor nearby ā is that a problem?"
Stitched: No tailor needed at all. Order, receive, wear. This is the most practical format if you do not have access to a South Asian tailor in your area.
Unstitched: You will need a tailor. Most UK cities with a South Asian community have tailors experienced in shalwar kameez construction ā Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester, Leicester, and parts of London are common. If your nearest tailor is not local, some buyers post fabric to a trusted tailor and courier the finished garment back. Allow time for this in your planning.
Semi-stitched: A tailor is recommended to finish the garment properly, though the work required is less than making from scratch. A general alterations tailor can often handle semi-stitched finishing, whereas a full unstitched suit usually requires someone familiar with the silhouette.
"How long will it take before I can wear it?"
Stitched: Once your order arrives from Kapraye, it is ready to wear. No additional waiting time for stitching.
Unstitched: After delivery you will need to book a tailor appointment, which varies by season and how busy local tailors are. During Eid and wedding season, popular tailors can have waiting lists of several weeks. Factor this into your timeline if you have a specific occasion in mind.
Semi-stitched: Turnaround with a tailor is typically faster than a full unstitched suit, since the main construction is already done. Finishing work ā side seams, hem, sleeve adjustments ā is generally quicker to book and complete.
"Is unstitched cheaper?"
Unstitched fabric is priced on the cloth and embroidery alone, so the product price is often lower than a comparable stitched piece. However, you should add the cost of tailoring, which varies by tailor, garment complexity, and your location. A heavily embroidered bridal or formal suit may cost more to stitch than a simple lawn print. When comparing total cost, factor in both the fabric price and the tailoring fee.
Quick Reference
| Format | Tailor needed? | Fit flexibility | Ready to wear on arrival? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stitched | No | Fixed to size chart | Yes | Convenience, last-minute occasions |
| Unstitched | Yes | Fully customisable | No | Precise fit, non-standard heights |
| Semi-stitched | Recommended | Moderate adjustment | No | Decorated pieces with some fit room |
Sizing: The One Step That Applies to All Three
Whatever format you choose, measuring yourself accurately before you order makes a real difference. Our Size Guide covers bust, waist, hip, and kameez length measurements, and explains how Pakistani size labels translate to those figures. Stitched buyers need it to select the right size label. Unstitched and semi-stitched buyers should share those measurements directly with their tailor.
Browse by Format at Kapraye
- Stitched pret: Asim Jofa Raw Silk 3-Piece, Asim Jofa Raw Silk 2-Piece, Asim Jofa Cambric 2-Piece, Asim Jofa Raw Silk 1-Piece
- Unstitched lawn: Charizma CS6-01, Charizma CS6-02, Charizma CS6-03, Charizma CS6-04, Charizma CS6-05
- Semi-stitched chiffon formals: Iznik CC-58 Embroidered Chiffon, Iznik UE-416 Embroidered Chiffon, Iznik CC-100 Embroidered Chiffon
If you're unsure which size to select for any stitched piece, our Size Guide is the best place to start.