Indian Accessories

One of the accessories along with sari is a tight fitting short top called choli or blouse worn under the sari. Cholis are usually made of cotton or silk material with or without a collar and sleeves.

They are usually more tailor-made than simple knit tops, and may look more attractive by adding” feminine” details such as ruffles or embroidered decorations. The 10th century AD cholis were only front covering with a bare back, still common among Rajasthani ladies.

Sari cholis are quite snugly and comfortable wear, fitted in varying lengths, necklines and sleeves. Some cholis have short neckline while some have low-cuts. In the case of sleeves, cholis are long sleeved, short or sleeveless. Style-wise, the permanent favorites are the short-sleeved ones and wrap-arounds with or without straps. Blouses having prominent buttons in the back are very desiarable.

Blouses with long sleeves in transparent chiffon or lace are also very popular. There are off-shoulder fashions and those held up with strings and Lycra blouses for a casual, modern look. Sari blouses are stitched with a full opening in the front or the back. After wearing the blouse the opening ends are joined by hooks or buttons. The material required to stitch a choli is 1 or 1.20 to .80meters long depending upon the size of the lady and the length of sleeves.

Ready made blouses in various colors and designs are available; but a blouse stitched by a tailor with correct measurements of the lady is preferred.

Though blouses are available in all the bright shades reds, maroons, wine red and whites are in great demand with attractive sari. The work such as Zardozi, in-laid with stones, antique and gold work or sequins on them form part of the embroidery. A bridal choli contains lavish use of gold and antique threads.

The fabrics used for designer blouses are mostly crepes, georgettes, silk and satin, crepe in more demand. Ceremonial Designer cholis have sequins, beads work, and rich chikan embroidery in colored thread or embroidery work in gold and bronze threads all over.