Getting the right size is essential for ethnic wear especially for structured pieces like blouses, lehengas, and salwar sets. This is the complete guide to taking your measurements accurately and converting them to standard Indian ethnic wear sizes.
Tools You Need
- A flexible measuring tape (fabric tape, not metal)
- A friend to help (self-measurements are often inaccurate)
- Form-fitting undergarments (wear the bra you would wear with the garment)
- A notepad to record measurements in inches
How to Take Your Measurements
- Bust — Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the floor. Snug but not tight.
- Waist — Wrap the tape around your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, usually 2–3 inches above your navel.
- Hip — Stand with feet together. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, usually 7–9 inches below your natural waist.
- Shoulder — Measure from one shoulder tip to the other across the back for blouse/kurta sizing.
- Back Length — Measure from the nape of your neck to where you want the blouse to end.
Indian Ethnic Wear Size Chart
Size | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hip (inches) | Indian Label |
XS | 32 | 26 | 36 | Size 36 |
S | 34 | 28 | 38 | Size 38 |
M | 36 | 30 | 40 | Size 40 |
L | 38 | 32 | 42 | Size 42 |
XL | 40 | 34 | 44 | Size 44 |
XXL | 42 | 36 | 46 | Size 46 |
3XL | 44 | 38 | 48 | Size 48 |
Blouse Size Chart
Indian blouse sizes use the bust measurement directly in inches:
- Size 32 — 32 inch bust
- Size 34 — 34 inch bust
- Size 36 — 36 inch bust
- Size 38 — 38 inch bust
- Size 40 — 40 inch bust
- Size 42 — 42 inch bust
Important: Always add 1 inch to your bust measurement for comfort ease. If you have a fuller bust, go up one blouse size and have the waist taken in by a tailor.
Lehenga Size Guide
- Most designer lehengas come in waist sizes with strings/hooks for ±2–3 inch adjustment
- Standard lehenga length is 40–44 inches from waist to hem; specify your height for custom orders
- The choli (blouse) follows the standard blouse size chart above
Saree Petticoat Size Guide
- Petticoat waist should match your waist exactly (adjustable drawstring)
- Petticoat hip should be at least your hip measurement + 4 inches for ease
- Length: 38–40 inches for women 5'2"–5'6"; 40–42 inches for women above 5'6"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find my blouse size in India?
A: Your blouse size in India corresponds to your bust measurement in inches. If your bust measures 36 inches, your blouse size is 36. For a comfortable fit, some women prefer to go up one size and have the waist adjusted by a tailor.
Q: What is the standard lehenga size chart in India?
A: Lehengas in India are typically sized by waist measurement. Standard sizes range from 26 inches (XS) to 38 inches (XXL). Most lehenga skirts have a drawstring or hook adjustment of ±2 to 3 inches. The choli is sized separately by bust measurement.
Q: What measurements do I need to order a salwar kameez online?
A: You need: bust, waist, hip, shoulder width, and kameez length. The bust measurement determines the kameez fit; waist and hip determine the salwar fit. Always check the brand's specific size chart as sizing varies between labels.
Q: How do I measure for a saree blouse?
A: You need: bust (fullest chest measurement), waist (narrowest torso point), shoulder width, and back length (nape of neck to blouse hem). Give all four measurements to a tailor for a perfectly fitted blouse.
Q: Why do Indian ethnic wear sizes differ from Western sizes?
A: Indian ethnic wear sizing is based on actual measurements in inches rather than standardised Western S/M/L sizing. This is why a 'size M' from one Indian brand may differ from another. Always compare your actual measurements to the brand's specific size chart.
