The three pairs of tassels on the front of this dress may or may not be intended as actual fastenings. A separate single pair of ties at the waist keeps it closed at that point, and a rectangular panel behind the tassels ensures that modesty is maintained whether or not they are tied. The tassels are carefully made of pieces of cotton cloth rolled into tubes and finished with embroidered red silk ends. White clothing is quite unusual in north-west Pakistan, where this dress comes from. Dark blue or black cotton is more frequently used for dresses and shirts, whether plain or embroidered. Costume, white cotton silk, embroidered, Panjab; Textile