Indian Size to US Size: The Complete Conversion Chart 

Indian clothing sizes generally run 2 to 4 sizes larger in number than US sizes. For example, an Indian size 38 typically matches a US medium, while an Indian size 40 lines up with a US large. Because sizing varies by brand and garment type, always check the specific size chart for the piece you're buying. Aza Fashions lists a size guide on every product page, so you can confirm your fit before ordering. 

Shopping for Indian clothing while living in the US comes with one recurring headache: the sizes don't match up the way you'd expect. An Indian size 40 isn't a US size 40. It's closer to a US large. That gap trips up a lot of shoppers, especially when they're ordering lehengas, sarees, or kurta sets online without trying them on first. 

Here's what's actually going on, plus the conversion charts you need for both women's and men's Indian clothing. 

Why don't Indian and US clothing sizes match? 

Indian sizing traditionally uses a numbered system based on bust or chest measurements in inches, similar to how US sizing used to work before brands shifted to letter sizes (S, M, L, XL) and vanity sizing crept in. So when you see an Indian size 38, that number often refers to a 38-inch bust or chest measurement, not a direct match to a US numbered or lettered size. 

This is why an Indian size 38 doesn't mean the same thing as a US size 38. It's a completely different measurement system. 

What is the Indian to US size conversion chart for women? 

Here's how Indian women's clothing sizes generally convert to US sizes: 

This chart works as a general guide for tops, kurtas, and blouses. Lehenga blouses and fitted cholis can run smaller than this chart suggests, so it's worth double-checking garment-specific measurements before you buy. 

What is the Indian to US size conversion chart for men? 

Men's kurta sets and sherwanis follow a similar numbered system based on chest measurements: 

Kurta sets tend to fit closer to this chart than sherwanis, which often include layered fabric that adds bulk around the shoulders and chest. 

Why does Indian clothing sizing vary so much between brands? 

Unlike US retailers, which mostly follow standardized sizing (with some exceptions), Indian clothing brands don't all use the same measurements for the same size label. A size 38 kurta from one designer might fit like a size 40 from another. This comes down to differences in fabric, cut, and regional tailoring traditions. 

Aza Fashions addresses this by using international sizing standards and listing a size chart on every individual product page. Since some garments, like structured lehengas or fitted blouses, run larger than standard sizing, checking the specific chart for the piece you want is the most reliable way to get an accurate fit. That's a smarter approach than relying on one generic conversion chart across an entire wardrobe. 

Get the fit right before you order 

Converting Indian sizes to US sizes gets you in the right range, but it won't replace checking the actual measurements listed for the garment you're buying. Bust, waist, and length can shift depending on the cut, so a quick look at the product-specific size guide saves you from a return. 

If you're outfitting yourself for a wedding, festival, or any Indian occasion wear, browse Aza Fashions' women's collection or men's collection and check each item's size chart before checkout. It's the easiest way to make sure what arrives at your door actually fits. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Indian size 38 the same as US medium? 
Yes, in most women's clothing charts, Indian size 38 corresponds to a US medium, based on a 38-inch bust measurement. 

How much bigger are Indian sizes compared to US sizes? 
Indian sizes typically run 2 to 4 numbers higher than the equivalent US size, since Indian sizing is based on direct chest or bust measurements rather than standardized letter sizes. 

Do all Indian clothing brands use the same size chart? 
No. Sizing varies by brand, fabric, and garment type, which is why checking the specific size guide on each product page matters more than relying on a single conversion chart. 

Should I size up when ordering Indian clothing from the US? 
Not necessarily. Some Indian garments run larger than standard sizing, so sizing up isn't always the right move. Checking the actual measurements for that specific piece is more reliable than guessing.