How to Measure Yourself for Indian Clothes: A Complete Guide

Ordering Indian clothes online — especially made-to-order pieces — requires accurate measurements. Get them wrong, and you're facing alterations or disappointment. Get them right, and your kurta drapes perfectly, your blouse fits like it was made for you (because it was), and your lehenga sits exactly where it should. Here's how to measure properly.

What You'll Need

• A soft measuring tape (not a metal one)
• A well-fitting garment of the same type you're ordering (helpful for reference)
• Someone to help (especially for back and arm measurements)
• A pen and paper to record measurements

General Tips Before You Start

• Wear fitted clothes or undergarments while measuring — loose clothes add inches
• Stand straight and relaxed, don't hold your breath or suck in
• Keep the measuring tape snug but not tight
• Measure twice to confirm accuracy
• Take measurements at the same time of day (we're slightly different sizes morning vs evening)

The Core Measurements

Bust

Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. The tape should pass over the shoulder blades at the back.

Common mistake: Measuring too high (under the arms) or too low (below the bust).

Waist

Measure at your natural waistline — the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button. Bend sideways to find it: where your body creases is your natural waist.

Common mistake: Measuring at the hips or where you wear jeans.

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

Common mistake: Measuring too high, missing the widest point.

Shoulder

Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other, across the back. The "edge" is where the shoulder meets the arm — feel for the bone.

Common mistake: Including too much arm in the measurement.

Blouse-Specific Measurements

Blouses require more detailed measurements because fit is critical:

Upper Bust

Measure around the chest, just under the arms and above the bust. This helps with armhole placement.

Under Bust

Measure directly under the bust line. This determines where the blouse can end or where boning should sit.

Front Neck Depth

From the point where your neck meets your shoulder, measure down to where you want the neckline to fall.

Back Neck Depth

Same measurement, but for the back of the blouse.

Armhole

Measure around the arm where it meets the shoulder, like drawing a circle around the arm joint.

Sleeve Length

From the shoulder point (where shoulder meets arm), measure to where you want the sleeve to end.

Bicep

Measure around the fullest part of your upper arm, with arm relaxed.

Blouse Length

From the shoulder point, down the front, to where you want the blouse to end.

Kurta Measurements

Kurtas are more forgiving than blouses but still benefit from accurate measurements:

Kurta Length

From the shoulder point (or highest point of shoulder seam), down the front, to where you want the kurta to end. Stand straight.

Sleeve Length

From shoulder point to desired end point. For full sleeves, measure to the wrist bone.

For pieces like the Ameera & Hoorain, accurate length measurements ensure the kurta falls exactly where it should.

Lehenga/Sharara Measurements

Lehenga Length

From your waist (where you'll wear the lehenga) to the floor. Decide if you want it to touch the floor, hover above, or puddle slightly.

Important: Measure while wearing the heel height you plan to wear with it.

Waist

Measure where you'll actually wear the lehenga. Some prefer high-waisted, some prefer lower. Be specific.

Hip

The fullest part of your hips — lehenga flare starts from here.

The Nyassa & Elina lehenga and Zehan & Aabha sharara both need accurate waist and length measurements for a perfect fit.

Saree Blouse vs Regular Blouse

Saree blouses are typically shorter than standalone blouses and may have different back designs. When ordering:

• Specify that it's for a saree
• Note your preferred blouse length (cropped, standard, longer)
• Describe or reference the back design you want

Size Charts: When to Trust Them

Standard size charts (S, M, L, XL) work for ready-to-wear pieces with relaxed fits. For:

• Fitted blouses: Always provide custom measurements
• Kurta sets: Size charts usually work, but length customisation may be needed
• Lehengas: Waist and length should always be specified
• Made-to-order pieces: Full measurements recommended

How to Communicate Measurements

When sending measurements to a seller or designer:

• List all measurements clearly with labels
• Specify inches or centimeters
• Include photos of fit references if possible
• Note any specific preferences (loose fit, fitted, etc.)
• Mention if you're between sizes and which way you'd like to err

Sample Measurement Format

Bust: 36"
Waist: 30"
Hips: 40"
Shoulder: 15"
Kurta Length: 42"
Sleeve Length: 22" (full sleeve)
Preferred fit: Relaxed through body, fitted sleeves

When In Doubt

If you're unsure about any measurement, communicate with the seller. Good made-to-order brands will ask clarifying questions. It's better to over-communicate than to receive a garment that doesn't fit.

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