ready-to-wear

What counts as ready-to-wear?

Ready-to-wear, often called pret in Pakistan, is clothing that is already stitched and sized. You choose a size, place the order on the brand's site and wear it when it arrives, with no tailor involved. This page covers complete 2-piece and 3-piece suits, single kurtas, shirts and tops, and matching co-ord sets.

The category has two layers. Everyday ready-to-wear is simpler and priced for regular use. Luxury pret is the premium end, with finer fabrics, heavier embellishment and higher prices. Products tagged as luxury pret are grouped under luxury pret so you can compare like with like.

Single-piece dresses, maxis and western wear are not listed here, because they have their own page under Dresses & Western. Standalone dupattas and trousers are under Dupattas & Bottoms. Open the sub-category for the item you want before you search all brands.

Why ready-to-wear prices vary so much

The price of a ready to wear suit depends on fabric, embroidery, piece count, brand and the level of finishing. A plain printed 2-piece costs less than a 3-piece with a matching dupatta, and a suit with embroidered neck, sleeves and hem costs more than a printed one. Luxury pret sits at the top, with premium fabric and detailed work.

Because the garment is finished, you are also paying for stitching, lining and quality control. Compare these details as well as the headline price: whether the suit is lined, whether the dupatta is included, and what the fabric is.

To compare fairly:

• Check the piece count first.
• Compare fabric and embroidery, not only the colour.
• Check which sizes are listed.
• Sort by price, then open two or three suits side by side.

The sale page lists discounted suits.

Which ready-to-wear type should you choose?

Each sub-category suits a different need.

• Kurtas: single stitched kurtas that you pair with your own trousers or dupatta. Check length and fabric.
• Shirts & tops: shorter, more western-leaning pieces that work with jeans, trousers or shalwars.
• Co-ords: matching tops and bottoms sold as a set, which is the easiest way to look put together.
• Luxury pret: premium suits with heavier work, for events and gifting.

If you want a full outfit, filter by piece count and choose a 2-piece or 3-piece. If you are building a mix-and-match wardrobe, single kurtas and tops give you more combinations for the money.

For events, pair your pick with our guides to Eid and formal wear to see what shoppers usually choose. Think about how often you will wear the piece. A versatile kurta in a neutral colour will see more wear than a heavily embellished suit. Compare lengths and fabrics before you choose, since they decide how often you will reach for it.

Sizing and fit: how to avoid ordering the wrong size

Fit is the biggest risk with ready-to-wear, because sizes are not standard across brands. A medium from one brand can fit like a small or large from another, so always check the brand's own size chart on its product page.

Measure yourself rather than relying on your usual size. Bust, waist, hip, shoulder width and shirt length are the numbers that matter most. Compare them with the chart, and compare with a favourite garment that already fits well. Our size guide is a good place to start.

Pay attention to cut as well. A straight kurta needs more room at the hip than a fitted one, and a flared shirt hides measurement gaps better than a slim one. Read the product description for fit notes such as relaxed or tailored.

Fabric also affects fit. Cotton can shrink slightly after the first wash, while stretch blends give more room. If you are between sizes, the larger size is usually easier to alter than the smaller one.

Ready-to-wear vs unstitched: when stitched wins

Ready-to-wear wins on speed and convenience. There is no tailor to find, no waiting for stitching and no risk of a bad cut. It is also easier to judge how an outfit will look, because the model photos show the finished garment.

Unstitched suits win on fit and control. If you want a particular neckline, a custom size or a special fabric, fabric you tailor yourself gives more options. Many shoppers use ready-to-wear for daily wear and unstitched for events.

Before you decide, check how each brand handles exchanges and returns for sizing, since policies differ and the Buy button takes you to the brand's own site. Check delivery times too if you need an outfit by a certain date.

If you cannot decide, compare a similar ready-to-wear suit and an unstitched one from the same brand. Add the stitching cost to the unstitched price to see the real difference.

Styling and occasions: what to wear when

Ready-to-wear is easy to style because the outfit arrives complete. For daily wear, choose a printed or plain 2-piece or a simple kurta in cotton, cambric or linen. For university and office, mid-tone shades and straight cuts look neat and hide marks.

For events, look at embroidered 3-piece suits and luxury pret. Our guides to Eid, shadi and formal wear explain what suits each event and how formal it should look.

Co-ords are a good way to look dressed with little effort, and shirts and tops can be worn with trousers you already own.

If the dupatta in a set does not suit you, you can swap it. Browse dupattas to find a plain or contrasting piece, and check the fabric and size before you buy. A neutral dupatta also lets you restyle one suit in several ways.

Ready to wear for different shoppers and budgets

Fit risk changes with the shopper. If you are tall or petite, read the listed shirt length first, because it decides whether a kurta works for you before the size label does. If you wear a larger size, check the largest size a brand lists and its measurements before anything else, since some designs stop at a smaller size.

For modest dressing, look for long shirt lengths and full sleeves in the description, and a dupatta large enough to wear as you like. Students and office wearers usually do best with straight cuts in cotton or cambric.

To stay within a budget, start from the under Rs 2,000, under Rs 5,000 or under Rs 10,000 pages, then narrow to ready to wear with the filters. A suit's price is for the stitched piece, so there is no tailor's fee to add.