The service
One garment, two traditions
In traditional Indian dress, the koti is the short jacket worn over a kurta at weddings and festivals — adding a structured line without the length of a sherwani. In Western dress, the waistcoat is the equivalent layer over a shirt, worn under a blazer or on its own. Both are stitched at our shop, and both are fitted over the garment they sit on.
That last point matters: a koti or waistcoat is best made after, or with, the kurta or shirt it will be worn with, so the fit across the back and shoulders is judged against the real layer beneath. The consultation settles the length, the neckline, the closures and the fabric before cutting.
Two traditions, one cut
Koti over a kurta, waistcoat over a shirt.
Fitted with its base garment
Best made with the kurta or shirt it sits on.
Details at consultation
Length, neckline and closures agreed first.
Fabric before cutting
Chosen to match the garment beneath.
Occasions
When you'd wear it
The right occasions for this garment — decide in advance what you're dressing for, and the details follow.
Weddings
A koti over a kurta is a classic wedding-day layer for the groom’s party and guests.
Festivals
Traditional dress with a shorter, lighter line than a sherwani.
Formal wear
A waistcoat over a shirt — under a blazer or on its own as part of a formal outfit.
Layering
A third piece that ties a shirt-and-trouser outfit together.
Style & details
What we settle at your consultation
Every option below is a decision made with you before anything is cut — nothing is assumed at the counter.
Length
Where the koti or waistcoat ends is settled at consultation — it changes the whole line.
Neckline
The neckline and collar treatment are agreed to suit the wearer and the garment beneath.
Closures
How the front fastens is settled before cutting, in keeping with the style of the garment.
Back and fit
Cut to sit closely over the kurta or shirt without pulling across the shoulders.
Fabric pairing
The fabric is chosen to complement the kurta or shirt it is worn with.
Fabrics
Suitable fabric categories
The fabric is chosen to suit the garment — and what is on the rack changes with the season, so the final choice is confirmed at your consultation.
Silk
For a koti with a festive finish over a kurta.
Cotton
A lighter, everyday-friendly koti or waistcoat.
Suiting fabrics
A structured waistcoat for formal Western wear.
Your own cloth
Bring the fabric you have in mind and we will advise how it works as a koti or waistcoat.
The fitting
How this garment is fitted
The same measured sequence as every order — adjusted for the garment, with the fit checked on you before finishing.
Step 01
Consultation
What the koti or waistcoat will be worn over, and its length, neckline and closures.
Step 02
Measurements
Measurements are taken over the kurta or shirt it will sit on, where possible.
Step 03
Cutting & stitching
The koti or waistcoat is cut and stitched to fit the garment beneath.
Step 04
Fitting & finishing
It is tried on over the base garment, adjusted, and finished before collection.
Pairs well with
Services that go with this one
These garments are often ordered together — each is made to measure and fitted before finishing.
Gallery
This garment in the gallery
Photographs will be added as they are approved. Until then, each frame notes what it will show.
- Photo coming soon
Questions
Common questions about this garment
Straight answers about what is stitched, how the fit works and what to bring.
What is a koti?
A koti is a short traditional jacket or waistcoat worn over a kurta, common at weddings and festivals. We also stitch Western-style waistcoats to wear over shirts.
Can a koti be made to match my kurta?
Yes — a koti can be stitched with a kurta-pyjama set so the pair works together.
What is a waistcoat worn with?
A waistcoat is worn over a shirt — under a blazer, or on its own as part of a formal outfit.
How is a koti fitted?
A koti is tried on over the kurta it will be worn with, so the fit over the base garment is right before finishing.
Next step
Arrange a consultation for your koti or waistcoat
Tell us what it will be worn over — a kurta or a shirt — and we will discuss length, neckline and fabric, then measure you over the garment beneath.