If you have ever shopped for shoes to wear to a desi wedding, you will have seen three words used almost interchangeably: khussa, jutti and mojari. They all describe the same family of handmade, closed-toe flats worn across Pakistan, India and the wider South Asian diaspora. The difference is mostly about region and style.
Khussa (کھسہ)
Khussa is the word most used in Pakistan, especially in Punjab and Sindh. A traditional khussa is made from leather with a slightly pointed or curled toe, and it is often finished with embroidery, gota, mukesh, pearls or stones. At SOMA we use the word khussa for our handmade flats, crafted by artisans in Karachi since 2015.
Jutti (جوتی)
Jutti is the Punjabi word, used on both sides of the border. You will often hear "Punjabi jutti" for the classic style worn with shalwar kameez or lehenga. In everyday use, jutti and khussa mean the same thing: a flat, slip-on, handmade shoe.
Mojari
Mojari is the name more common in Rajasthan and North India. Mojaris often have a more dramatic upturned toe and are traditionally worn by grooms with a sherwani, though today they are worn by everyone.
So which one do you need?
Whatever you call it, look for three things:
- Handwork — real embroidery, gota, mukesh and hand-set pearls last longer and look richer than printed or glued decoration.
- Comfort — a padded insole makes the difference when you are on your feet from mehndi to walima.
- The occasion — heavier mukesh and pearl work for the bride and the baraat, lighter colourful pairs for mehndi, Eid and everyday.
Shop the edit
Browse our handmade embellished khussas, everyday basic khussas, or the Brides & Bridesmaids edit. Favourites include Marconi, worn by Maya Ali, and Titli, worn by Ayeza Khan and Saira Yousuf.
SOMA ships worldwide, so wherever you are celebrating, your khussa can come to you.