Panjabis are considered to be the traditional clothing for men in Bangladesh. Be it weddings, festivals or just another Friday, men find true delight in wearing them. Making customised panjabis allows them to have their own preference in material, colour and design. A large variety of materials, such as cotton, linen, silk, cashmere and viscose, as well as tailors for making panjabis, are abundant at Chandi Chawk (2nd and 3rd floor) in Gausia and Ramna Bhaban located in Bangabandhu Avenue.  

Each material can also have different types, for example, within cotton you can have addi cotton, blended cotton, khadi cotton and so on. The materials available in the stores of Chandi Chawk and Ramna Bhaban are relatively cheaper, where the price of cotton is within Tk 200-1600 per yard, depending on the type of cotton. The price of silk is slightly higher; the range lies within Tk 450-2500 per yard. 

Tailors specialising in making panjabis have their own catalogue of designs for customers to choose from.  However, they also accept personal designs provided by customers. Currently in trend are slim fit panjabis with embroidery on the neckline and the front, pinstriped, with embroidery on the sleeves.

Brighter colours such as blue, green and maroon are desirable among the younger generation. Simple embroidery on white panjabis is always in vogue. A new addition to panjabi designs is cufflinks on the sleeves, much like shirts, to create a unique style favoured by the older generation. There are different varieties of buttons that can be obtained for panjabis - wooden, shells or ornamental ones, along with regular plastic buttons. The shalwar can be a churidar, pants, loose or kabli, depending on personal choice and comfort. 

At the tailoring stores in Chandi Chawk, the cost of making customised panjabi varies between Tk 600-1000 depending on the design and handiwork, with the shalwar priced at between Tk 500-600. Renowned tailors such as Top Ten provide bespoke panjabis at the cost of Tk 600 and shalwars at Tk 500. A large assortment of materials is available at their store from Tk 1000-10,000 per piece. 

Sunmoon Tailors also offer regular panjabis at Tk 600, panjabis with piping at Tk 800, and embroidered panjabis at Tk 1000.  The price of materials varies between Tk 1000-2000 per piece.  In addition, Ferdous Tailors offer to make customised panjabis at Tk 738 and shalwars at Tk 400. These tailoring stores are located all over Dhaka city and deliver within 10 days. 

Creating customised panjabis allows men to create their own unique designs that are both fashionable and classy.  Let's wear panjabis in style!

By Mayesha Raidah
Photo: LS Archive