Kashmiri Pherans

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About Kashmiri Pherans

A pheran (also spelled phiran) is the long, loose winter robe of Kashmir, worn over a kurta or a sweater from October to March. Ours are made in Kashmir and sent from Srinagar. Our guide What is a Kashmiri pheran? explains its cloth, fit, embroidery and history.

Fabric. Most pieces are cashmilon wool: warm, light and easy to look after. The Meeras, Gulposh Royal and Kongposh pieces are raffal wool, a finer and softer cloth.

Embroidery. Three kinds appear in this collection. Aari is a chain stitch, usually floral, along the neck, cuffs and hem. Sozni is fine work in small, close motifs. Tilla is worked in gold or silver metallic thread. Our finest aari grade has its own page: manual aari work. All of it is hand-assisted manual work; it is not handmade.

Size. Pherans are cut loose and sold in free size. Most of ours are 42 to 44 inches long with a 48 to 52 inch bust and fit up to XL; a few are cut differently, so check the measurements on each product page.

Care. Dry clean. Store folded, away from damp.

Questions

What is a pheran?

A pheran, also spelled phiran, is a knee-length or calf-length loose robe with wide sleeves, the everyday winter dress of Kashmir. It is worn over other clothes for warmth.

What do you wear under a pheran?

A kurta or a thin sweater, with straight trousers, a churidar or jeans.

What is the difference between aari, sozni and tilla work?

Aari is a looped chain stitch that gives bold floral lines. Sozni is fine, flat work in small, dense motifs. Tilla uses metallic gold or silver thread and is the most festive of the three.

Are your pherans handmade?

Most are hand-assisted manual work, made in Kashmir. The exception is Meeras: its sozni is hand-embroidered with a needle. Small differences in pattern or colour from one piece to the next are normal.

What size should I buy?

Pherans are free size. Most of ours are 42 to 44 inches long with a 48 to 52 inch bust and fit up to XL loosely. If you prefer a closer fit or are under 5 feet tall, check the length on the product page before ordering.

How do I wash a pheran?

Dry clean only. Embroidery, tilla in particular, should not be machine washed or wrung.

Do you deliver across India, and can I pay on delivery?

Yes. Delivery is free across India. Cash on delivery is available for most pincodes: enter yours on any product page to check. Prepaid orders usually arrive in 3 to 5 days and cash on delivery orders in 8 to 15.