Pakistani Clothing Size Guide: How to Measure for Kurtis, Shalwar Kameez and Lawn Suits
XS to XXL means different things at different boutiques. Measure once with a tape and order stitched clothes online without the guesswork.
By Ali Hamza · · Updated
Most returns in online fashion are about size, not quality. Pakistani brands and boutiques do not share one size chart, so the safest approach is to know your own measurements and compare them with each product's chart.
What you need
A soft measuring tape, a mirror or a helper, and the clothes you normally wear (not tight, not loose). Measure in inches — most Pakistani size charts use inches.
Women: five measurements
- Bust / chest: around the fullest part, tape parallel to the floor.
- Waist: around the narrowest part, usually just above the navel.
- Hips: around the fullest part of the hips.
- Shirt length: from the top of the shoulder (near the neck) down to where you want the kameez to end.
- Sleeve length: from the shoulder edge to the wrist (or to the elbow for half sleeves).
Ease: a kameez should be 3–4 inches wider than your bust for a regular fit, 1–2 inches for a fitted kurti. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one: a tailor can take a shirt in, but rarely let it out.
Men: shalwar kameez and kurta
- Chest: around the fullest part, under the arms.
- Shoulder: from one shoulder seam to the other across the back.
- Kameez length: usually 38–42 inches; taller men 43–44.
- Collar: around the base of the neck plus a finger's width.
A shalwar is usually free size with a drawstring; check the length (from waist to ankle).
Unstitched vs stitched
Unstitched suits come as fabric (for example "3 metres shirt, 2.5 metres dupatta, 2.5 metres trouser") and your tailor cuts to your measurements — the safest choice if your size varies. Stitched suits save time; just compare the chart. Shop unstitched or stitched kurtas.
Kids
Children's sizes are by age, but age is a rough guide — measure chest and length and pick the next size up for growing room. See kids.
If it does not fit
On Stylica you can request a size exchange or refund within 7 days of delivery for unused items with tags. Use "Return" in My Orders, and keep the packaging.
Not sure which size to pick? Ask Amina, our AI stylist — she can explain any product's chart.