Noor-e-Banaras Brocade Cotton Gray Suit (T+B+D)

What is woven on the hem of the top?

The hem carries a pink-grey woven band with a white cow among lotus flowers in red and blue, set against the pale grey ground, and the dupatta brings in stripes to go with it. The red lotuses give the cool grey some warmth, and the band is the focal point of the set.

What comes in the package?

Three unstitched pieces: fabric for the kurta, fabric for the bottom and a dupatta. The top fabric is 2.5 to 3.0 metres, and the bottom and dupatta are 2.4 to 2.5 metres each. Show them to your tailor before deciding on the cut.

Is pale grey a good choice for an evening dinner?

Yes. Pale grey reads calm and polished, and the red and blue lotuses keep it from looking dull. Have the kurta cut straight so the lotus and cow band shows at the hem, pair it with straight pants, and keep jewellery to silver studs or a thin chain.

Will the colours run?

To be safe, wash it separately, especially the first few times. Dry cleaning is preferred; if you hand wash, use cold water and mild detergent, don't soak it for long, and dry it in the shade rather than in strong sun.

Is it comfortable in hot weather?

Yes. Banarasi cotton is lightweight and breathable, and it suits warmer climates well. A cotton lining, if you want one, keeps it comfortable through a long day. The whole three-piece set weighs about 500 grams, so it stays easy to wear on a warm evening.

Is the pattern printed or woven?

It's woven. Brocade weaving adds decorative patterns into the fabric with extra threads during weaving, so the motifs sit slightly raised and are part of the cloth. You can see this in the lotus flowers and the white cow worked into the band at the hem.

Should I line a brocade cotton kurta?

Many people do, and it is a good idea. A light cotton lining covers the back of the woven motifs and helps the kurta keep its shape. Ask your tailor for a thin, breathable one so the set stays comfortable, and to place the lotus and cow band neatly at the hem.