Based on the cholis of India, our cholis are made for ease of movement, esthetic lines and supportive fit. The open back not only helps to keep us cool, but, has the added benefit of showing off the large amount of muscle movement used when executing much of our upper body work. The choli's lineage can be traced back to the tribal communities of northern India. Although, the region of Rajasthan, in Northern India, is geographically diverse, most associate it's name with the barren north-western section, the Thar Desert. This region, with its long history of colorful and ornate textiles, and skilled artisans, has had a particularly strong influence on much of the costuming you will find in ATS today. Here, the traditional choli (also called Kanchli or Kunchuki) is mirrored, with intricate details and rich colors on the front and plain fabrics on the back, as this part would be covered by a long drape, called a Sari or Odhani. The Odhani would be tucked into a skirt at the front and draped over the head. This not only allowed a level of modesty for the wearer, but provided some protection from the sun and comfort from the heat as it would catch breezes nicely. These traditional clothes are still worn by villagers in Rajasthan, India today.
Choosing the Right Size
Our Premium Black Cholis and the Dyeable Cholis come in 3 sizes; small, medium and large. They are very stretchy and most people fit in two sizes. If you prefer a snug fit and more open back to your choli choose a smaller size. For a slightly more covered look and feel choose a larger size. To select the right choli size use both bra cup and dress size as a guide: Small fits A cup dress size 6-12 and B-cup dress size 4-8.
Medium fits A cup dress size 14-16 and B cup dress size 10-14 and a C cup size 6-12.
Large fits B cup dress size 16-20 and C cup 14-20. and a D-cup size 12-16
The Basic Velvet Cholis come in 2 sizes; small/medium and large/XL.
Small/Medium generally fits U.S. dress sizes 4-10
Large/XL generally fits U.S. dress sizes 10-16
The Rajasthani Cholis come in 2 sizes; Large and XXL.
Large generally fits ribcages 36"- 42"
XXL generally fits ribcages 44"- 54"
Note: In many cases, the long sleeve lengths are closer to a 3/4 sleeve. This leaves room for all our beautiful bracelets!
Customizing Your Choli
The white cotton-lycra cholis are ideal for custom color work. The material is specially prepared ready-to dye cotton lycra, and is assembled with dyeable cotton thread. Whether you want to create your own custom color to complement your skin tone and other costuming or stand out with a one of a kind pattern or design, these cholis are a perfect canvas. Experiment with color blends, fades, tie dye, batik, or henna designs.
Washing
Cholis can be machine washed and dried using delicate settings. To keep colors deep and vibrant longer, hand wash with minimal soaking and lay flat to dry.
Adjusting the Fit
The choli fabrics are flexible and often require no adjustment for a comfortable, supportive fit. If however you have a particularly long or short torso, you can play with moving the top set of ties, either a little higher up or slightly lower down to get the most ideal fit.
Adding Even More Support
Although, in most cases it is not necessary, some dancers prefer to install a bra into their choli. To do this you will first need a bra that does not stick out of the choli either in front or back (except at the hook and eye portion). Attach the bra to the choli at the front center and the shoulder seams. Fold back or cut the hook and eye straps at the point where they stick out of the choli in the back. Attach straps securely to the choli edge.
If you have only one choli and will sometimes be wearing it under a coin bra, you may want to choose a more easily removable option, such as a bra pad. These padded inserts can often be found in fabric stores or lingerie departments and are simply placed inside the choli, just under the breast. This option provides less support but more lift and is generally better suited to a medium to small breast size.
