Chikankari Kurtis
Chikankari is the delicate thread embroidery from Lucknow that Indian and Pakistani women both love. Shagufta's are soft viscose, one with sequins worked into the embroidery and one with a half lining at the front, in medium with a 40-inch chest. They go from a work day to a family dinner with just a change of pants. Each lists its chest, hips and length in inches, so you can check the fit before you order.
Size
4 pieces
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Ask ShaguftaWhat chikankari is
Chikan or chikankari work comes from Lucknow in northern India. Traditionally it is fine thread embroidery on light fabric, using tiny stitches, knots and open work so the pattern seems to float on the cloth.
Today it's made in many qualities and colors, not only the classic white on white, and it is worn across India, Pakistan and the diaspora. In Indian shops you'll also see it sold as chikan work or a Lucknowi kurti; Pakistani shops usually just say chikankari. The guide to what chikankari is explains how to recognize it.
Why viscose suits chikankari
Viscose is light and flowing, so the embroidery stays soft rather than stiff and the kurti drapes nicely over jeans or palazzo pants. Because chikankari often has open or sheer areas, check whether a kurti is lined: one here has a half lining at the front.
In summer a chikankari kurti is cool and airy; in winter, wear a camisole underneath and a cardigan over it.
Size and length
The ones here are medium, with a 40-inch chest, 43 to 44-inch hips and lengths of 37 to 38 inches. If you usually wear a medium in Indian kurtis, start there, but compare the inches with a kurti you own using the size guide. Every one is new, and if you'd like to see a particular motif more closely, ask Shagufta for extra photos.
How to wear a chikankari kurti, and ordering
For work, a chikankari kurti with straight trousers and flats looks neat and calm. For a weekend lunch, try it with jeans and juttis; for a dinner, add palazzo pants and a light dupatta. The sequin one is dressy enough for a small party. Because the embroidery does the talking, keep jewelry simple: small earrings or a thin bangle are plenty.
To buy, tap Order on WhatsApp under the kurti. Shagufta confirms the order and the shipping cost, and she can send a close-up video of the embroidery first.
Prices: Chikankari Kurtis
| Piece | Fabric | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscose Embroidered Chikankari Kurti / Top | Viscose | M | $25 |
| Viscose Chikankari Kurti / Top | Viscose | M | $25 |
| Viscose Chikankari Kurti / Top | Viscose | M | $25 |
| Viscose Chikankari Kurti / Top | Viscose | M | $25 |
Questions people ask
What is chikankari?
Chikankari is a traditional hand embroidery from Lucknow, India, usually fine white or tone-on-tone thread work on light fabric.
How do I wash a chikankari kurti?
Hand wash it gently in cold water with a mild soap, don't scrub the embroidery, and dry it in the shade.
Are the pieces new?
Yes, every piece in the shop is new. Each listing shows all of its photos, the price, the size and its measurements in inches.
What do I wear under a chikankari kurti?
If the kurti is sheer, wear a camisole or slip in a matching or skin-tone color. One of Shagufta's chikankari kurtis has a half lining at the front, which helps.
Can I wear a chikankari kurti to the office?
Yes. The fine embroidery is subtle, so a chikankari kurti with straight trousers or slim jeans looks smart for work. Keep the sequin one for evenings.
Is chikankari Indian or Pakistani?
Chikankari comes from Lucknow in India, but it is worn and loved in Pakistan too, and Pakistani brands also make chikankari kurtis and suits.
