Shopping for ethnic wear online becomes easier when you know your own measurements. Instead of choosing only from S, M, L or XL labels, compare your body measurements with the individual product's size chart.
This guide explains what to measure, where to place the tape and which units to record. Product-specific measurements always take priority because cuts and fits vary.
1. Keep cm and inches together
Use a flexible measuring tape and record every measurement in centimetres (cm). Keep the inch equivalent beside it when comparing international charts. 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
| Measurement | Example in cm | Example in inches | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 92 cm | 36.2 in | Kurta, blouse and top fit |
| Waist | 80 cm | 31.5 in | Fitted tops and bottoms |
| Hip | 100 cm | 39.4 in | Trousers, palazzos and skirts |
| Shoulder | 38 cm | 15.0 in | Structured shoulders |
These numbers are measurement-format examples, not recommended body sizes.
2. Bust, waist and hip
For bust, wrap the tape around the fullest part. For waist, measure around your natural waist without pulling the tape tight. For hips, measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat. Keep the tape level.
3. Shoulder and sleeve
Measure shoulder from one shoulder point to the other across the back. For sleeve length, measure from the shoulder point along the arm to your preferred sleeve end. For example, 45 cm = 17.7 in.
4. Garment length
Measure vertically from the highest shoulder point to the preferred hem. If a listing gives a kurta length of 100 cm, that is approximately 39.4 in; 110 cm is approximately 43.3 in.
5. Bottoms and inseam
- Waist: record circumference in cm and inches.
- Hip: record circumference in cm and inches.
- Inseam: measure from crotch seam to hem in cm/in.
- Full length: use the product's stated measurement where available.
6. Dupatta and fabric dimensions
Check the product listing rather than assuming a standard dupatta size. Length and width may be listed in m, cm or inches. 1 m = 100 cm = 39.37 in. Therefore 2.5 m = 250 cm = 98.4 in.
7. Unstitched dress material is not a finished size
For unstitched dress material, check the supplied fabric length and width and any included dupatta or lining. Fabric dimensions may be in m or cm. Do not treat fabric length as finished kurta length unless the listing explicitly says so.
8. Your five-minute online-shopping checklist
- Record bust, waist, hip and shoulder in cm and inches.
- Check the individual product size chart.
- Check garment, sleeve and bottom lengths if provided.
- For unstitched products, check fabric dimensions.
- Compare the product measurements—not just the letter size.
| Body area | Your cm | Your inches |
|---|---|---|
| Bust | ____ cm | ____ in |
| Waist | ____ cm | ____ in |
| Hip | ____ cm | ____ in |
| Shoulder | ____ cm | ____ in |
| Preferred garment length | ____ cm | ____ in |
Check the Couturier Design Size Guide before ordering.
Final takeaway
A reliable online fit decision is based on your measurements + the product's measurements, not the letter on the size label alone. Keeping both cm and inches recorded makes comparison much simpler.
Explore a related product: Rajasthani Bandhani Dress Material with Dupatta.