When you shop for Pakistani clothing, you will see two formats: ready-to-wear, often called pret, and unstitched. They look similar in photos, but they work very differently once the parcel arrives. This guide explains each one, compares them side by side and helps you choose.
What Ready-to-Wear (Pret) Means
Ready-to-wear clothing is made up in standard sizes, usually Small to XL, so you can wear it as soon as it arrives. A typical 3-piece set includes a kameez (the long shirt), trousers and a dupatta. Shanzay B suits are sold in sizes Small, Medium, Large and XL, and each product page links to a size guide.
What Unstitched Means
Unstitched clothing is sold as lengths of fabric: one for the shirt, one for the trousers and one for the dupatta. You take it to a tailor who cuts and stitches it to your measurements. It gives you control over the cut, sleeve length and neckline, but it adds a step, a cost and a wait.
Ready-to-Wear vs Unstitched
| Factor | Ready-to-wear | Unstitched |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Standard sizes, with alterations if needed | Made to your measurements |
| Time | Wear it when it arrives | Wait for tailoring |
| Extra cost | Alterations only, if any | Tailoring fee on top of the fabric price |
| Style choice | Fixed design shown in the photos | You choose the cut, sleeve and neckline |
| Best for | First-time online buyers and events with a deadline | People with a trusted tailor and specific fit needs |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose ready-to-wear if you are new to ordering Pakistani clothing online, if you have an event coming up, or if you do not have a tailor who works with shalwar kameez. You can see exactly what the finished outfit looks like, which removes much of the guesswork. Choose unstitched if you already have a tailor you trust, if you want a custom neckline or length, or if your measurements fall between standard sizes.
How to Order Ready-to-Wear With Confidence
- Measure your bust, waist and hips and compare them with the size chart. Our advice on getting the right size when shopping Pakistani clothing online explains how to decide between sizes.
- Compare the listed kameez length with a shirt you already own.
- Check which pieces come in the set, especially the dupatta.
- Read the return terms before you pay. See what a fair return policy looks like.
A Note on Alterations
Even ready-to-wear sometimes needs a small adjustment, such as shortening trousers or taking in a sleeve. A local tailor can usually do this for a modest fee, which is far less work than stitching a whole suit from fabric. If you plan to alter, check that the seams and hems have enough allowance before you order.
Where to Start
For ideas by occasion, see our guides to Pakistani party wear dresses and the difference between co-ord sets and 3-piece suits. You can compare labels in our guide to Pakistani clothing brands in the USA, or browse the clothing collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pret mean in Pakistani clothing?
Pret is short for prêt-à-porter, the French term for ready-to-wear. In Pakistani fashion it means clothing sold stitched in standard sizes.
Is unstitched cheaper than ready-to-wear?
The fabric alone can cost less, but tailoring is an added cost, so the total can end up similar. Compare the price of the fabric plus a tailor’s fee with the ready-to-wear price.
Can I alter a ready-to-wear Pakistani suit?
Yes. Simple changes such as hem length, sleeve length or taking in the sides are usually possible with a local tailor.
Which is better for a first online purchase?
Ready-to-wear is usually easier, because you can see the finished outfit, check the size chart and wear it without a tailoring step.