Chikankari is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. The fine thread embroidery looks graceful in daylight and dressy by evening, and on a breathable base it stays comfortable in Pakistan's heat. Here are five easy ways to wear it, from a family dawat to a regular workday.
What is chikankari?
Chikankari (often spelled chicken kari) is a traditional embroidery from Lucknow, worked in fine thread on light fabric. Its delicate floral patterns and shadow work make it a classic for summer eastern wear. At Giraah we pair chikankari shirts and skirts with soft lawn and printed pieces, so every outfit is stitched and ready to wear.
1. Chikankari skirt with a floral top for dawats
A flowing chikankari skirt with a printed floral top is the easiest festive outfit there is: one set, no styling guesswork. Add khussas or block heels, small jhumkas and a potli bag, and you are ready for a family dawat or an evening mehfil.
See our chikankari skirts with floral tops, our festive jora in peach, red, olive, yellow and green.
2. Embroidered chikankari 2-piece for Eid
For Eid, choose a deeper colour with embroidery on top of the chikankari. A black, navy blue or yellow embroidered shirt with a lawn shalwar looks polished without feeling heavy. Gold jewellery and a light dupatta finish the look.
3. Off-white chikankari with a floral shalwar for summer days
White chikankari is the summer classic. Pairing it with a printed lawn shalwar adds colour and keeps it from looking too formal. Try our off-white shirts with a purple floral or blue floral shalwar for brunch, family visits or weekend errands.
4. Everyday chikankari for work and errands
A darker chikankari shirt with an inner slip is practical for daily wear: it does not need layering and hides creases better than white. Our black chikankari shirt with floral beige shalwar works with flat sandals, a tote and minimal jewellery.
5. Evening chikankari
For evening events, let the embroidery do the work. Choose a rich colour, add heels, a statement earring and a small clutch, and keep everything else simple.
Caring for chikankari
Hand wash gently in cold water with a mild detergent, or dry clean. Do not wring or scrub the embroidery, dry in the shade and iron on the reverse side. More care tips are in our FAQ.
Shop chikankari at Giraah
Every piece is stitched and ready to wear, delivered anywhere in Pakistan in 4 to 5 working days with cash on delivery.