A camisole is a lightweight sleeveless top with thin straps, worn as an inner layer under sheer, fitted or light-coloured clothing. In Pakistan it is often simply called an "inner", and it is the piece that makes fine lawn, chiffon and net kurtas wearable. Here is what it is and when to wear one.
This guide is part of our complete guide to women's underwear in Pakistan.
What is a camisole?
A soft, close-fitting sleeveless top with narrow straps, cut to sit smoothly under other clothes. It usually ends at or just below the waist.
Most camisoles are cotton, modal or a stretch blend. Some have a built-in shelf of fabric for light coverage; most are worn with a bra underneath. The job is simple: add a layer so the outer fabric isn't doing all the work.
What's the difference between a camisole, a slip and a vest?
Length and purpose. They overlap, so the names get used loosely.
- Camisole (inner): waist-length, thin straps, worn under tops and kurtas
- Slip: dress-length, worn under a dress or a sheer kurta to the knee or below
- Vest: usually thicker cotton with wider straps, worn for coverage or warmth rather than smoothness
When should you wear a camisole?
Any time the outer fabric is sheer, fine, light-coloured or fitted. The best times:
- Under lawn, chiffon and net kurtas, where a single layer shows everything beneath it
- Under white and pale clothing, as a second layer that stops show-through — see what to wear under white clothes
- Under open or low necklines for extra coverage
- Under an unlined shirt or blazer, so the bra outline doesn't print through
- On its own at home, as light loungewear in the heat
For the Pakistani wardrobe specifically, see the best undergarments under a kurta or lawn suit.
What colour camisole should you buy?
A shade close to your skin is the most invisible, including under white. This surprises people who assume white under white.
White shows as a bright block under pale, fine fabric; a skin tone disappears. Keep black for dark outfits. If you buy two, make them skin tone and black.
What fabric works in Pakistan's heat?
Cotton or modal, because an extra layer in a Karachi summer has to breathe. A synthetic camisole under a synthetic kurta traps heat.
Modal is soft and drapes smoothly; cotton breathes best. See our lingerie fabric guide and the best underwear for summer in Pakistan.
Does Erblis sell camisoles?
Not currently — we would rather say so than pretend otherwise. Erblis stocks underwear, bras and loungewear.
What we do have that works alongside a camisole: seamless everyday sets like the Smooth Operator 7-pack for a smooth line below the waist, and soft wireless bras like Blossom Beauty that won't print through a fine kurta. Browse the seamless collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is a camisole used for?
As an inner layer under sheer, fine or fitted clothing, so the outer fabric doesn't show what's underneath. It also adds coverage at the neckline and a little warmth.
Is a camisole the same as an inner?
In Pakistan, yes — "inner" is the everyday word for a camisole worn under a kurta or top.
Can you wear a camisole without a bra?
Some have a built-in shelf for light coverage, but most offer little support, so a bra underneath is usual. A soft wireless bra is the most comfortable pairing.
What colour camisole is best under white?
A shade close to your skin tone. White camisoles show through pale fabric more than people expect.
Does Erblis deliver in Karachi?
Yes, with free delivery across Karachi, Cash on Delivery, discreet packaging, and a free tote bag with every order.
The short version
A camisole is the waist-length inner that makes fine kurtas and white clothing wearable. Buy skin tone and black, in cotton or modal for the heat, and pair it with a smooth bra. Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.