When you shop for Indian suits, you’ll see three words come up again and again: unstitched, semi-stitched and ready-to-wear. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between unstitched vs semi-stitched suits, and which one you should buy, this guide explains it simply. We’ll also share a few tailoring tips so your suit fits the way you want.
Ready-to-wear suits
A ready-to-wear (or stitched) suit is made in standard sizes and is ready to put on as soon as you take it home. It usually comes as a top, bottom and dupatta.
- Good for: people who need an outfit quickly, or who fit standard sizes well.
- Pros: no tailor needed, you can try it on before buying, and what you see is what you get.
- Cons: less room to change the design, and you may still want small alterations like shortening sleeves or length.
Browse our ready-to-wear women’s suits.
Semi-stitched suits
A semi-stitched suit is partly made. The main parts are usually sewn, but the side seams, sleeves or length are left open or loose so a tailor can adjust them to your size.
- Good for: people who are between sizes, or want a better fit than standard sizing gives.
- Pros: the design and embroidery are already in place, so tailoring is quicker and simpler than starting from fabric.
- Cons: you still need a tailor and a bit of time before the event.
Semi-stitched styles are common for anarkalis and heavier suits, where a good fit around the bodice really matters.
Unstitched suits
An unstitched suit comes as pieces of fabric: one for the top (often with embroidery already done), one for the bottom, and a dupatta. You take it to a tailor, choose your design, and have it made from scratch.
- Good for: people who like a fully custom fit and want to choose their own neckline, sleeves and cut.
- Pros: total control over the design, and a fit made to your measurements.
- Cons: it takes the most time, and the result depends on your tailor.
You’ll find both types in our semi-stitched and unstitched suits range.
Unstitched vs semi-stitched: which should you choose?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
- Event in a few days? Go ready-to-wear.
- Event in a few weeks and you’re between sizes? Semi-stitched is a good middle ground.
- Plenty of time, a tailor you trust, and a clear design in mind? Unstitched gives you the most freedom.
If you’re still deciding whether to go with a suit at all, our guide on how to choose between a saree, lehenga or suit is a helpful read.
Tailoring tips for a better fit
A good tailor can make an affordable suit look made for you. These tips help things go smoothly:
- Allow enough time. Tailors in Melbourne get very busy before Diwali, Eid and wedding season. Book early.
- Bring a suit that fits you well. It’s the easiest way to show the tailor the fit you like.
- Take photos of designs you like. Necklines, sleeve styles and lengths are easier to explain with a picture.
- Ask for extra seam allowance. This leaves room to let the suit out later if needed.
- Go for a trial fitting. Try it on before the final stitching so small fixes can be made.
- Check the fabric first. Some fabrics shrink a little, so ask whether it should be washed or steamed before cutting.
- Think about lining. Sheer fabrics usually need a lining, which your tailor can add.
Before you buy, check your measurements against our size guide, especially for ready-to-wear and semi-stitched pieces.
Just ask. Message us on WhatsApp at 0450 649 304 with your measurements and event date, and we’ll suggest options and send photos. There are many more suits in store than online, so it’s worth booking a visit to our Aintree store to see the fabrics and try ready-to-wear pieces in the trial room. We also deliver Australia-wide for $16.