The short answer: a UK 10 typically corresponds to a bust of around 88cm, waist 70cm and hips 96cm — and in Pakistani clothing that usually maps to a Small or Medium depending on the brand, because Pakistani sizing is not standardised. The honest solution used by most diaspora shoppers is skipping conversion altogether and ordering made-to-measure.
UK dress sizes to body measurements
Use this as your starting reference — these are typical UK high-street measurements. Brands vary, so always measure yourself rather than assuming your usual size.
| UK size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Typical Pakistani label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 6 | 80 | 62 | 87 | XS |
| UK 8 | 84 | 66 | 91 | XS–S |
| UK 10 | 88 | 70 | 96 | S–M |
| UK 12 | 92 | 74 | 100 | M |
| UK 14 | 97 | 79 | 105 | M–L |
| UK 16 | 102 | 84 | 110 | L–XL |
| UK 18 | 107 | 89 | 115 | XL |
| UK 20 | 112 | 94 | 120 | XXL |
Why Pakistani sizing feels inconsistent
There is no national sizing standard in Pakistan’s fashion industry. One house’s Medium is another’s Large; ready-made pieces are often cut for the domestic market rather than UK bodies; and heavily embellished occasionwear has less stretch and forgiveness than Western daywear, so a near-miss fits worse than it would in jersey. This is why “what size am I in Pakistani clothes?” has no single answer — and why the question itself is the wrong one.
The better question: why convert at all?
Made-to-order Pakistani occasionwear is traditionally stitched to the wearer’s measurements — conversion charts exist for ready-made stock, not for the tradition itself. Every AÏNN London outfit can be made to your exact measurements at no extra charge, with a 3–5 inch margin sewn in for future alterations. You submit bust, waist, hips, shoulders, sleeve and lengths once, and “will it fit?” stops being a gamble. Our size chart and measurement video walk you through every dimension, with a separate children’s size chart for junior outfits.
Fit notes by garment type
- Kameez and maxi: measured length matters as much as girth — tall UK 10s and petite UK 10s need different garments.
- Lehenga and skirts: waist and hip drive the fit; the blouse is fitted separately. Browse lehengas.
- Gharara and sharara: thigh fit (gharara) and waist (sharara) are the critical numbers — see the silhouette guide for the difference.
Frequently asked questions
What is a UK 10 in Pakistani dress size?
Usually Small–Medium, but it varies by brand because Pakistani sizing is not standardised. Compare your measurements (approx. 88/70/96cm) against each brand’s own chart — or order made-to-measure and skip the lottery.
Do Pakistani clothes run small or large?
Ready-made pieces most often run small relative to UK expectations, particularly across the bust and arms on embellished pieces with no stretch. Made-to-measure avoids the issue entirely.
Is made-to-measure more expensive?
At AÏNN London, no — custom sizing is included on made-to-order outfits. Production takes 6–10 weeks; see the timeline.
What if my measurements change before the event?
Every outfit includes a 3–5 inch alteration margin, so a local tailor can adjust comfortably either way.
