Description : A tightly fitted, short blouse that ends just below the bust worn under a sari. It is either long sleeved, short sleeved or sleeveless. Common to India and other parts of Asia.
Subtypes :
Parts :
Preferred fabrics : cotton, silk, rayon, satin, etc.
Construction : The choli is cut to fit tightly to the body and has short sleeves and a low neck. The choli is usually cropped, allowing exposure of the navel. The fabric is darted around the bust to ensure a close fit (such as under the arms and downwards).Saris are often woven with an extra length of material meant to be cut off and fashioned into a matching choli. The choli may be sewn so that the elaborately woven borders of the sari material form the bottom edges of the choli sleeves. However, cholis need not match the sari. Cholis are often heavily embroidered or beaded.
Sewing problem areas :
Example creations : lehenga choli,
Example patterns : size range of choli patterns, choli-like top, choli patterns for belly dancing, choli pattern (free), black swan choli (free), 16th century choli (free), easy choli (free), modified choli pattern (free), annabella's choli (free),
Uses worldwide : The cropped design is particularly well-suited for wear in the sultry South Asian summers. Cut-out backs and front-opening buttons are some of the features of contemporary designs. When wearing a semi-transparent kameez, women usually wear a sleeveless choli as an undergarment. Some Western women have started wearing the choli as part of their belly dance costume. They typically wear backless cholis (held together with strings) so that the audience can see a dancer's bare back as she sways.
Origins and history : The choli evolved as a form of clothing in 10th century AD and the first cholis were only front covering; the back was always bare.
Alternate names :
Related or similar garments : Blouse,
Wikipedia reference


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