THE LIMA GLOSSARY
Words of the Atelier
New to Pakistani fashion? Here is what each garment, fabric and craft means — simply put.
Garments & Silhouettes
Gharara
say “ga-RAA-ra”
A traditional wide-legged trouser, fitted through the upper leg and flaring dramatically below the knee, usually with a band at the knee joint.
Sharara
say “sha-RAA-ra”
Wide trousers that flare from the waist all the way down, so they move like a skirt.
Shalwar
say “SHAL-war”
Loose, comfortable trousers gathered at the waist and narrowing to a cuff at the ankle.
Kameez
say “ka-MEEZ”
A long tunic or shirt, usually with side slits for easy movement, finishing anywhere from mid-thigh to the ankle.
Dupatta
say “doo-PUT-ta”
A long, light scarf draped over the shoulders or head, often edged with lace or embroidery.
Daman
say “DAA-man”
The lower hem of a kameez — often the most richly embroidered part of the piece.
Fabrics & Weaves
Lawn
A very fine, light cotton that is crisp and breathable — the favourite for warm days.
- Feel
- Crisp, soft & breathable
- Weight
- Light
- Stretch
- None
- Transparency
- Low
- Best for
- Everyday wear & daytime events
- Season
- Spring / Summer
Chiffon
A sheer, floaty fabric with a soft drape, loved for dupattas and evening wear.
- Feel
- Floaty & silky-soft
- Weight
- Light
- Stretch
- Slight
- Transparency
- High
- Best for
- Dupattas & evening wear
- Season
- All-season
Organza
A sheer, crisp fabric with a gentle sheen that holds its shape and adds volume.
- Feel
- Crisp with a gentle sheen
- Weight
- Light
- Stretch
- None
- Transparency
- High
- Best for
- Dupattas, sleeves & festive volume
- Season
- Spring / Summer / All-season
Banarasi
say “ba-NAA-ra-see”
A luxurious silk from Varanasi, woven with gold or silver thread into rich brocade patterns.
- Feel
- Structured & silky
- Weight
- Medium
- Stretch
- None
- Transparency
- Low
- Best for
- Weddings & occasionwear
- Season
- Autumn / Winter / All-season
Silk
A natural fibre with a soft lustre that drapes beautifully and feels cool against the skin.
- Feel
- Smooth & lustrous
- Weight
- Light–Medium
- Stretch
- None
- Transparency
- Low
- Best for
- Formals & occasionwear
- Season
- All-season
Velvet
A dense fabric with a short, soft pile that catches the light — the classic winter luxury.
- Feel
- Plush & rich
- Weight
- Heavy
- Stretch
- Slight
- Transparency
- None
- Best for
- Winter weddings & evening wear
- Season
- Autumn / Winter
Jamawar
say “JAA-ma-war”
A woven fabric with intricate paisley and floral patterns, traditionally from Kashmir.
- Feel
- Rich & smooth
- Weight
- Medium
- Stretch
- None
- Transparency
- None
- Best for
- Formal suits & shawls
- Season
- Autumn / Winter
Khaddar
say “KHUD-dar”
A thick, slightly coarse hand-loomed cotton that keeps you warm.
- Feel
- Textured & cosy
- Weight
- Medium–Heavy
- Stretch
- None
- Transparency
- None
- Best for
- Everyday winter wear
- Season
- Autumn / Winter
Karandi
say “ka-RUN-dee”
A blended weave with a fine slub texture — warmer than lawn, lighter than khaddar.
- Feel
- Slightly crisp & textured
- Weight
- Medium
- Stretch
- None
- Transparency
- Low
- Best for
- Winter suits & smart day wear
- Season
- Autumn / Winter
Net
An open mesh fabric that carries embroidery beautifully while staying almost weightless.
- Feel
- Light & airy
- Weight
- Light
- Stretch
- Slight
- Transparency
- High
- Best for
- Bridal layers, sleeves & dupattas
- Season
- All-season
Craft & Embellishment
Mukesh
say “moo-KESH”
Fine metal strips twisted by hand into tiny sparkling dots across sheer fabric.
Kardana
say “kar-DAA-na”
Small tube-shaped glass beads stitched by hand to catch the light in floral or linear patterns.
Zari
say “ZAA-ree”
Metallic gold or silver thread used for embroidery and woven borders.
Gota Patti
say “GO-ta PUT-tee”
Gold or silver ribbon cut into shapes and appliquéd onto fabric — a festive classic.