Most of the cotton short kurtis at CartAdda have one detail that changes how they fit: shoulder strings that tie in a bow, a tie-up at the back, tie-up belts at the sides, or a lace-up back that criss-crosses down the spine. All four let you adjust the fit, but each one sits, looks and feels different. This guide explains what each detail does, what to wear under it, and how to tie and wash it so it lasts.
The Four Details At A Glance
| Detail | What it adjusts | Coverage | Easy to tie alone? | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder strings | How high the neckline sits | Sleeveless, open shoulders | Yes | Summer, college, brunch |
| Back tie-up | Waist shaping from behind | Usually thin straps | Easier with a mirror | Day outings, casual evenings |
| Side tie-up belts | Waist shaping from the sides | Sleeveless | Yes | Everyday wear, between sizes |
| Lace-up back | Fit through the back and waist | Full sleeves | Set it once, then pull on | Office days, cooler weather |
Shoulder Strings: Adjust The Neckline, Not Just The Look
On a kurti like the Pichwai print short kurti or the orange floral one, the straps tie into bows on each shoulder. Tying them shorter lifts the square neckline; tying them longer drops it. That makes strings useful if you have narrow or sloping shoulders, where fixed straps tend to slide, or if you simply want a higher neckline on a particular day.
What to wear underneath: a strapless or multiway bra keeps the shoulders clean. For college or a more covered look, a fitted half-sleeve tee or camisole under the kurti also works and turns it into a layered outfit.
Tying tip: tie a double knot first and the bow on top, so it doesn't loosen as you move. Keep both loops roughly the same length so the neckline sits straight.
The olive floral and orange tiger print kurtis use the same shoulder tie-up on a straight cut that falls just past the hip.
Back Tie-Up: Waist Shape Without A Tight Fit
A back tie-up, as on the red tropical print kurti, the green floral one and the pastel orange version, pulls the fabric in at the back of the waist. Pull it snug and the kurti nips in before its gentle flare; leave it loose and it hangs straighter. If your shape is fairly straight through the waist, the tie gives some definition without needing a fitted cut.
Because the bow sits at the back, it is part of the look, so wearing your hair up or to one side keeps it visible. A neat bow behind you is easier in front of a mirror. Alternatively, tie it loosely first, slip the kurti on, then tighten.
Side Tie-Up Belts: The Easiest To Adjust
The black floral buti, lime checked and maroon Bagru kurtis tie at each side of the waist instead of the back. You can see and reach both ties, so this is the simplest detail to adjust through the day. It is also forgiving if you are between two sizes: choose the size that fits your bust and let the side ties take in the waist.
Lace-Up Back: The Most Covered Option
The lace-up styles, such as the blue forest print, maroon Bagru floral, pastel print and red ikat kurtis, have full sleeves and a square neckline, with lacing that runs down the back. Of the four, they are the best pick for office days, travel and cooler months.
Lace it so the cord crosses evenly and the gaps stay small. You usually only need to set the lacing once; after that the kurti slips on over the head, so you are not re-lacing it every morning.
Choosing Your Size When There Are Ties
The ties adjust the waist and, with strings, the neckline. They do not change the bust or shoulder measurement. Pick your size by bust first, using our sizing guide, and treat the ties as fine-tuning. These kurtis are listed from XS to 6XL; each product page shows the sizes available for that design.
Washing And Care For Tie Details
- Tie before you wash. Knot the strings or lacing loosely so they don't tangle around other clothes or pull out of their loops.
- Wash cold, inside out. These are printed cottons; cold water and turning them inside out help the print keep its colour.
- Dry in the shade. Strong sun fades bright prints such as red and orange faster.
- Iron the strings flat. A quick press on the ties makes the bows look much neater.
What To Pair Them With
Short kurtis with these details look best with simple bottoms that let the print and the tie be the focus: straight pants, jeans or a palazzo. Pairings are covered in detail in How To Style A Kurti: 5 Ways. For bottoms, see our women's pants.
Common Questions
Can I wear a kurti with shoulder strings to the office?
On its own it reads as casual. With a light shrug or open jacket on top, or a fitted tee underneath, it works for a relaxed office. If you want something office-ready without layering, choose a full-sleeve lace-up style.
Will the lacing on a lace-up back show my bra?
It depends on how tightly you lace it. Laced evenly and snugly, the gaps are small, and a bra close to your skin tone is the least noticeable choice.
Which detail is easiest if I'm getting dressed alone?
Side tie-up belts and shoulder strings, because you can see and reach both ties. A back tie-up is easier in front of a mirror, and a lace-up back only needs setting once.
Are these kurtis cotton?
Yes. The short kurtis in this guide are listed as cotton, in prints such as Pichwai, Bagru, ikat, florals and checks. Each product page lists the details for that design.
Browse all Kurtis, or use the form below to ask about a specific design or your size.