Open a typical Pakistani almari and you will find a story. Summer lawn suits stacked three deep, winter khaddar and karandi folded underneath, dupattas stuffed into every gap, wedding outfits in plastic covers at the back, and a shelf where unstitched suits wait to go to the darzi. On busy mornings, finding a matching dupatta or trouser can take longer than getting dressed. Our clothing is beautiful but bulky, and most wardrobes were not designed for it. A thoughtful system can change that.
Declutter before you organise
Start by taking everything out. Sort clothes into piles: keep, alter, donate and discard. Be honest about suits you have not worn in two years. Many families pass clothes on to relatives, domestic staff or charities, which is a generous way to make space. Clothes that need small repairs should go to the darzi together, rather than sitting in the cupboard for months.
Keep suits together as sets
The biggest frustration with shalwar kameez is losing track of pieces. Store each three-piece suit as a set: fold the shirt, trouser and dupatta together, or hang them on the same hanger. Some people place each set in a clear zipper bag or a fabric cover. This way, you grab a complete outfit instead of searching for the matching trouser.
Folding versus hanging
- Hang formal and embroidered suits, silk and chiffon to protect the work and avoid creases
- Fold cotton lawn and khaddar, which are sturdy and take up less space folded
- Roll dupattas, or hang them on multi-loop hangers so they do not tangle
- Hang office shirts, kurtas and trousers for easy ironing
File-folding, where you fold clothes and stand them on edge in a drawer like files, lets you see every suit at a glance.
Use drawers and pull-out organisers
Many almaris have deep shelves where clothes get lost at the back. Pull-out organisers slide out like drawers, so you can see everything without dragging out the entire stack. Multi-grid foldable organisers are excellent for undergarments, socks, scarves and small items, keeping each type in its own compartment. Storage boxes with handles keep accessories and bangles together.
Seasonal rotation
Pakistan's seasons are distinct, so rotate your wardrobe twice a year. In spring, wash and pack away winter clothes, shawls and sweaters in storage boxes or vacuum bags. In autumn, swap again. This frees up prime space for the clothes you actually wear each season. Label boxes clearly by season and by family member.
Wedding and festive outfits
Heavy formal and bridal outfits need special care. Store them in breathable cotton garment covers rather than plastic, which traps moisture. Place tissue paper between folds of embroidered work to prevent snagging. Keep them on the top shelf or at one end of the rail, away from daily wear, and air them occasionally.
Shoes, bags and jewellery
Matching khussas, handbags and jewellery to each outfit is part of getting ready. Hanging bag organisers on the almari door hold clutches and purses. Store shoes in boxes or on a separate rack. Keep jewellery in a dedicated box so it does not tangle with clothes.
Daily habits that keep it tidy
- Put clothes back as soon as they are washed and ironed
- Return dupattas to their set after wearing
- Do a quick five-minute tidy every week
- Review the wardrobe each season and donate what you no longer wear
Small rooms, big wardrobes
In small bedrooms, use vertical space with stacked organisers and the inside of the almari doors for hooks. A slim clothes rack can hold the week's ironed outfits outside the almari, which saves time on busy mornings.
Storing unstitched fabric
Pakistani households often have a pile of unstitched suits bought in sales, received as gifts at weddings, or waiting for the right occasion. Keep these together in one labelled box with a note of what each is intended for. Take the whole box when you visit the darzi, so nothing is forgotten until the season has passed.
Find wardrobe storage
Pull-out organisers, multi-grid drawers and clothing storage boxes are part of Trenducts' wardrobe storage range, with delivery all over Pakistan. An organised almari makes getting ready a pleasure again.