Clothing Definitions — definitions of garments and clothing terms from Apparel Search
A choli is the midriff-baring blouse worn under a sari. The pallu of the sari is often made with extra length that is meant to be cut off and made into the choli, and blouses may be of contrasting colors as well. The sari is draped over the blouse, covering the front and one sleeve completely, while the other sleeve is exposed and shows enough of the blouse's color and design to create a pleasing effect in combination with the sari, whether matching or contrasting. This page explains how the choli is tailored, the styles in use today — halter, open backed and closed backed among them — and the embroidery and beadwork used to embellish it.
| The above article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/choli). Definition Modified by Apparel Search 1/2/06 |
Because the choli is short and close-fitting, its tailoring concentrates on the bust and the armhole. A well-made choli supports and shapes without digging at the sleeve or gaping at the neckline, and it is usually made to measure by a tailor from the sari's blouse piece or from a chosen contrast fabric. Small details do much of the work: darts or princess seams shape the front, hooks or a zip close the back or front, and a drawstring at the back neckline on many traditional styles lets the fit be adjusted and gives the open back its finished edge.
The choli's role in the outfit is larger than its size suggests. The sari's drape deliberately displays one sleeve and part of the blouse, so its color, embroidery and beadwork are chosen as part of the ensemble — matching for a unified formal look, or in a deliberate contrast, such as a brocade blouse with a plain sari, for a bolder one. The same blouse form, adapted in length and coverage, is also worn with the lehenga skirt for festive dress.
A choli is a midriff-baring blouse worn with a sari, the name used in North India. It is a short, fitted blouse that ends above the waist, over which the sari is draped.
Traditionally the choli is cut from the sari itself: the pallu, the decorated end of the sari, is often made with extra length meant to be cut off and made into the blouse, so the blouse matches the sari exactly. Contrasting blouse fabrics are also commonly chosen on purpose.
Many styles are used today, including halter, open backed and closed backed designs. Cholis can be embellished with embroidery and beadwork to suit personal taste or traditional style, and the exposed sleeve and back make the blouse a visible part of the whole outfit's effect.