How to Measure Yourself for Pakistani Clothing: Complete Guide
Get accurate measurements at home for a perfect fit
The difference between an outfit that fits beautifully and one that needs extensive alterations often comes down to accurate measurements. This guide walks you through every measurement you might need for Pakistani formal wear, with tips to avoid common mistakes.
Before You Start: Setup
What You'll Need
- Soft measuring tape — Not a metal construction tape; a flexible fabric or plastic tape measure
- A mirror — Full-length if possible, to check tape placement
- A helper — Strongly recommended for back measurements and accuracy
- Paper and pen — Write measurements down immediately
- Your undergarments — Wear the bra you'll actually wear with the outfit
Best Time to Measure
- Morning — Body measurements are most consistent in the morning
- Not immediately after eating — Waist measurement will be temporarily larger
- Mid-menstrual cycle — If applicable, avoid measuring during bloating
- Well before the event — Allow time for re-measuring if needed
What to Wear
Measure in thin, fitted clothing or just undergarments. Thick jumpers, baggy t-shirts, or multiple layers will add inches and result in an oversized garment.
Critical: Wear the bra you plan to wear with the outfit. Different bras can change your bust measurement by 1-2 inches. If ordering bridal wear, measure in your bridal undergarments.
Essential Measurements
1. Bust
Where: Around the fullest part of your chest
How: Stand naturally with arms at your sides. Wrap the tape around your back and across the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level—it should be the same height all the way around. Don't pull tight; the tape should sit comfortably without compressing.
Common mistake: Measuring too high (across the armpits instead of bust) or pulling the tape too tight.
Pro tip: Take a breath in and out, then measure at your natural resting position.
2. Waist
Where: At your natural waistline (the narrowest part of your torso)
How: Stand straight and bend slightly to one side—where your body creases is your natural waist. This is usually about 1-2 inches above your belly button. Wrap the tape around, keeping it level. Don't suck in.
Common mistake: Measuring at the belly button (that's typically your low waist/hip area) or holding your breath.
Pro tip: Tie a string around your waist and let it naturally settle. Where it sits is your natural waistline.
3. Hip
Where: Around the widest part of your hips and bottom
How: Stand with feet together. Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Common mistake: Measuring too high (at the hip bones) instead of the widest point.
Pro tip: Move the tape up and down slightly to find the widest point—this varies by body type.
4. Shoulder Width
Where: From edge of one shoulder to edge of the other
How: Measure across the back from where the arm meets the shoulder on one side to the same point on the other side. The measuring points are where a seam would naturally sit.
Common mistake: Measuring too wide (into the arm) or too narrow (not reaching the shoulder edge).
Pro tip: This measurement is easiest with a helper. If measuring alone, use a well-fitting blouse as reference.
5. Arm Length
Where: From shoulder point to wrist
How: Bend your arm slightly at the elbow (not straight, not at 90 degrees—naturally relaxed). Measure from the shoulder point (where your shoulder meets your arm) down along the outside of your arm to your wrist bone.
Common mistake: Measuring with arm completely straight, which gives a shorter measurement.
Pro tip: For 3/4 sleeves, measure to your desired endpoint instead of wrist.
6. Blouse/Kameez Length
Where: From shoulder to desired hem
How: Measure from the top of your shoulder (where a seam would sit) straight down to where you want the garment to end.
Reference points:
- Crop blouse (lehenga): Usually ends just below the bustline, around 12-15 inches
- Standard blouse: Ends at natural waist, around 15-18 inches
- Long kameez: Ends mid-thigh to knee, around 28-36 inches
- Ankle-length: Measure to ankle bone
7. Full Height
Where: From top of head to floor
How: Stand straight against a wall without shoes. Mark your height and measure from floor to mark.
Why it matters: Helps tailor adjust lengha and trouser lengths appropriately. A 5'2" woman in a standard-length lengha will have very different requirements than a 5'8" woman.
Additional Measurements (For Custom Orders)
8. Upper Bust
Where: Above the bust, under the armpits
How: Measure around your torso directly under your armpits and above your bust.
Why it matters: Combined with bust measurement, helps determine cup size and blouse fit.
9. Armhole/Arm Circumference
Where: Around the fullest part of your upper arm
How: Measure around your arm at the widest point, usually at the bicep.
Why it matters: Ensures sleeves aren't too tight, especially for fitted styles.
10. Front Length (Shoulder to Waist)
Where: From shoulder, over bust, to waist
How: Measure from the top of your shoulder, over the fullest point of your bust, down to your natural waistline.
Why it matters: Different bust sizes affect where the waist of a garment sits. This measurement helps position the waistline correctly.
11. Back Length (Neck to Waist)
Where: From base of neck to waist
How: Measure from where your neck meets your shoulders (the bone you can feel) straight down your spine to your natural waistline.
12. Torso Length
Where: From shoulder to crotch (for jumpsuits, full-body fits)
How: Measure from shoulder, down through the body, to the crotch point.
Why it matters: Critical for any one-piece garment or ensuring lengha sits at the right height.
Common Measurement Mistakes
Mistakes That Make Garments Too Big
- Measuring over thick clothing
- Adding "just in case" inches yourself (the tailor adds ease—you shouldn't)
- Measuring after a large meal
- Wearing a padded bra when measuring bust
Mistakes That Make Garments Too Small
- Pulling the tape too tight
- Sucking in your stomach
- Measuring in the morning if you typically retain water later
- Not accounting for weight fluctuations before the event
Mistakes That Cause Fit Problems
- Measuring at wrong points (belly button instead of natural waist)
- Letting the tape sag or angle instead of keeping it level
- Not wearing appropriate undergarments
- Having someone inexperienced take measurements without guidance
The Golden Rules
- Measure twice, order once — Take each measurement at least twice. If they differ, measure a third time.
- Write it down immediately — Don't trust your memory. Note each measurement as you take it.
- Be honest — Vanity sizing yourself helps no one. The outfit needs to fit your actual body.
- When in doubt, go larger — A good tailor can take in 3-5 inches. Letting out is much harder.
- Include your height and event heel height — Especially important for floor-length garments.
Measurement Timeline for Brides
If your wedding is months away:
- 4-6 months before: Take initial measurements for ordering
- 6-8 weeks before: Re-measure. If anything has changed significantly, contact the seller
- 2-3 weeks before: Final check. If minor changes, schedule alterations with local tailor
Weight changes expected? If you're actively trying to lose weight, be cautious. Order for your current measurements or discuss timeline with customer service. Rushing last-minute alterations is stressful.
Quick Reference Checklist
Print this and check off as you go:
- ☐ Wearing thin clothing or undergarments
- ☐ Wearing the bra I'll wear with the outfit
- ☐ Have soft measuring tape
- ☐ Have paper and pen ready
- ☐ Helper available (recommended)
- ☐ Bust measurement: ___ inches
- ☐ Waist measurement: ___ inches
- ☐ Hip measurement: ___ inches
- ☐ Shoulder width: ___ inches
- ☐ Arm length: ___ inches
- ☐ Blouse/kameez length: ___ inches
- ☐ Full height: ___ feet ___ inches
- ☐ Heel height for event: ___ inches
- ☐ Double-checked each measurement
Need Help?
If you're unsure about any measurement, book a video consultation with our team. We can guide you through the process and ensure everything is correct before you order.
View our size chart and video tutorial for a visual guide to taking measurements.
