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Real photo comingThe cap from the front, showing the archThe real thing
Hyderabad, Sindh

To wear · Gifts

Sindhi topi

Embroidered mirror-work cap

سندھی ٹوپیHow it is said in Urdu

A round cap covered in mirrors, with an arch cut out at the front.

Made in
Hyderabad, Hala and across Sindh
Made from
Cotton or velvet, thread, small mirrors
Shape
Round, with a front arch cut-out
Worn with
Ajrak
Typical price, before shippingCommission link

$10–35

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The story

What it is

The Sindhi topi is a round cap embroidered in bright thread and set with dozens of tiny mirrors. Its most recognisable feature is the arch cut out at the front.

Worn with an ajrak over the shoulders, it is the symbol of Sindhi identity.

In pictures

The real thing

Photos coming soon. Each frame below says what it will show.

History

Where it comes from

Embroidered caps have long been part of dress across Sindh and Balochistan. The Sindhi topi became especially prominent after 2009, when Sindhi Culture Day began to be celebrated each December with the cap and the ajrak.

How it’s made

From start to finished

  1. Cut and stiffen

    Fabric is cut and backed to hold the round shape.

  2. Embroider

    Geometric and floral patterns are stitched by hand or machine.

  3. Set mirrors

    Small mirrors are held in place with stitched frames.

  4. Assemble

    The crown and band are stitched together, with the arch cut at the front.

Kinds

What you will find

Hand-embroidered

Slower, richer, more expensive.

Machine-embroidered

Cheaper everyday caps.

Velvet caps

Darker, formal versions for events.

In Pakistan

How people live with it

Worn at weddings, festivals and political rallies in Sindh, and by everyone on Sindhi Culture Day.

Caring for it

  • Spot clean only.
  • Store on a round object to keep its shape.

Buy it well

How to spot the real thing

  • Hand embroidery has slightly irregular stitches and a neat inside lining.
  • Check the head size in centimetres.
  • Mirrors should be firmly framed by stitches, not glued.
GenuineLikely a copy
Mirrors framed by stitchingGlued mirrors or plastic sequins

Where to buy

Sellers who ship abroad

Commission link

Etsy

We may earn a small commission. Your price is the same.

Find Sindhi caps on Etsy ↗

Typical price: $10–35, before shipping. Read the “Buy it well” checks above before you order, and ask the seller for photos of the exact piece.

Questions

People also ask

Why the cut-out at the front?

It is simply the traditional shape of the cap and its most recognisable feature.

Can anyone wear it?

Yes. Visitors wearing a Sindhi topi and ajrak are usually met with delight.

Sindhi topi

$10–35 · Etsy

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