The package has arrived. You've been waiting weeks—maybe months—for this moment. You tear open the packaging, see the beautiful fabric, the intricate embroidery, the exactly-what-you-imagined colours.

Then you try it on.

And something's wrong. The blouse won't zip. The lengha sits on your hips instead of your waist. The sleeves end mid-forearm. The whole thing feels like it was made for someone else's body.

Your heart sinks. The event is approaching. What now?

Take a breath. This happens more often than you'd think, and there are solutions. Let's work through this together.

Step 1: Assess the Situation Calmly

Before you do anything, you need to understand exactly what's wrong. Put on the outfit properly (with appropriate undergarments) and stand in front of a full-length mirror.

Check Each Component Separately

For a lengha/lehenga:

• Where does the waistband sit? (Should be at natural waist or just below)
• Can you fasten it? How much gap or overlap is there?
• How does the length fall? (Should typically brush the floor when barefoot)
• Is the flare even all around?

For the blouse/choli:

• Can you close it completely?
• How much gap at the back if it won't close?
• Where do the sleeves end?
• Is the bust area fitting correctly?
• Is the length right for your comfort?

For shalwar/trousers:

• Can you pull them up comfortably?
• How's the waist—tight, loose, or right?
• What's the length at the ankle?

For the kameez/shirt:

• Shoulder seams—do they sit on your shoulders?
• Sleeve length and width
• Bust and hip areas
• Overall length

Quantify the Problem

Use a measuring tape to understand the scale of the issue:

• "The blouse is 2 inches too small across the back"
• "The lengha waist is 4 inches too big"
• "Sleeves are 3 inches too short"

These numbers determine which solutions are realistic.

Step 2: Understand What's Fixable

Easily Fixable by a Good Tailor

• Taking in: Making things smaller is generally straightforward
• Lengha waist: Can typically be taken in by 2-4 inches
• Hemming: Shortening length is simple
• Sleeve shortening: Easy if no embroidery at the cuff
• Taking in side seams: On blouses and shirts
• Adjusting drawstrings: On shalwar and gharara

Fixable But More Complex

• Letting out: Only possible if there's seam allowance (typically 0.5-1 inch available)
• Adding panels: To increase size (fabric matching is key)
• Lengthening: Adding fabric at hem or waist
• Reconstructing necklines: Possible but alters the design
• Moving hooks/closures: Can buy 1-2 inches

Very Difficult to Fix

• Significantly too small (3+ inches): Limited seam allowance means limited options
• Shoulder width wrong: Fundamental structural issue
• Heavily embroidered areas: Can't easily alter without damaging work
• Complete style mismatch: Can't turn a short choli into a full blouse

Step 3: Solution Pathways

PATHWAY A: It's Slightly Off (1-2 inches)

This is the most common scenario and the most solvable.

Timeline needed: 1-2 weeks for alterations

What to do:

1. Find a specialist tailor (see Section 4 below)
2. Take the outfit for assessment
3. Get a quote and timeline
4. Proceed with alterations

Cost expectation: £30-150 depending on complexity

Success rate: Very high—most outfits can be adjusted within this range

PATHWAY B: It's Too Big (3+ inches)

Good news: Taking in is easier than letting out.

What's possible:

• Lengha waists can often be taken in significantly
• Blouses can be restructured
• Shirts can be slimmed through the body
• Shalwar can be completely remade if needed

Considerations:

• Heavy embroidery may need to be preserved and worked around
• Very heavily embellished pieces may look different when significantly altered
• Proportions may need adjusting (e.g., motif placement)

Cost expectation: £50-250+ for major restructuring

PATHWAY C: It's Too Small (2+ inches)

The harder scenario, but not hopeless.

Options:

1. Check seam allowance first

Ask your tailor to check inside seams. There may be 0.5-1.5 inches that can be let out.

2. Adding panels or inserts

• Side panels in matching or contrasting fabric
• Back panels (less visible)
• Gussets under arms for blouses

3. Design modifications

• Convert back closure to corset/lace-up style (adds 2-4 inches flexibility)
• Add stretch panels
• Open side seams and add decorative ties

4. Strategic underwear

• Proper bridal shapewear can gain 1-2 inches
• The right bra changes how a blouse fits

When it won't work:

If you need more than 3-4 inches and there's no seam allowance, alteration may cost more than the garment and still not look right. Consider Pathway E.

PATHWAY D: Contact the Seller

Before altering anything, contact who you bought from.

If measurements were provided:

• Compare what you sent vs. what was made
• Document discrepancies with photos and measurements
• The seller may offer remedy (partial refund, replacement, contribution to alterations)

If it's ready-to-wear:

• Check return policy
• Exchange for different size if available
• Some sellers offer alteration services

At AÏNN London:

We offer custom fitting services and work with you if something isn't right. Our made-to-measure pieces are created to your specifications, minimizing fit issues from the start.

PATHWAY E: The Backup Plan

When alteration isn't viable, you need alternatives.

Option 1: Rush order something new

• In-stock pieces that ship immediately
• Local boutiques with ready-to-wear
• Rental options

Option 2: Borrow

• Family members with similar sizes
• Friends who've recently had weddings
• Community lending (some areas have formal dress-sharing networks)

Option 3: Repurpose components

• The dupatta usually fits anyone—pair with different outfit
• Use the lengha with a different blouse
• Wear the blouse with a different bottom

Option 4: Different event

• If the misfit outfit was for baraat, wear it to a less formal event where perfect fit matters less
• Keep for future occasions when circumstances change

Step 4: Finding the Right Tailor

Not All Tailors Are Equal

Pakistani and South Asian clothing requires specific skills:

• Understanding of lengha construction
• Experience with heavy embroidery
• Knowledge of how different components work together
• Ability to handle delicate fabrics (net, organza, tissue)

A Western bridal alterations specialist may not understand how a choli should fit. A general tailor may not know how to handle dabka embroidery.

Where to Find Specialist Tailors

UK:

• Areas with South Asian communities (Southall, Green Street, Rusholme, Sparkbrook)
• Ask at local Asian clothing boutiques for recommendations
• Community Facebook groups often have recommendations
• Ask family and friends who've had alterations done

USA:

• Edison/Iselin NJ, Jackson Heights NY, Devon Avenue Chicago
• Indian/Pakistani grocery stores often have bulletin boards with tailor ads
• Local temple/mosque communities

Canada:

• Gerrard Street Toronto, Surrey BC
• South Asian community centers

Questions to Ask Before Committing

1. "Have you worked with heavily embroidered Pakistani bridal wear before?"
2. "Can I see examples of similar alterations you've done?"
3. "How much seam allowance is there to work with?"
4. "What's the realistic timeline?"
5. "What's included in your quote?"
6. "What if more work is needed once you start?"

Red Flags

• Unwilling to show previous work
• Promising impossible timelines
• Vague pricing ("we'll see when we start")
• Dismissive of your concerns
• No experience with Asian formalwear

Step 5: The Alteration Process

First Fitting

• Wear the undergarments you'll wear at the event
• Bring the shoes (heel height affects lengths)
• Allow 30-60 minutes
• Take photos for reference
• Get everything in writing: what will be done, cost, timeline

During Alterations

• Stay in communication
• Be available for questions
• Don't make additional changes mid-process

Final Fitting

• Try everything on completely
• Move around—sit, walk, raise arms
• Check all fastenings work
• Verify lengths are correct
• Don't leave until you're satisfied

Timeline Reality Check

• Minor adjustments: 3-7 days
• Moderate alterations: 1-2 weeks
• Major reconstruction: 2-4 weeks
• Rush service: Available but costs more (often 50-100% premium)

If your event is in less than a week, discuss rush options immediately or consider Pathway E.

Prevention: How to Avoid This Next Time

When Ordering Made-to-Measure

Get measured professionally

• By a tailor, not yourself
• Wearing similar undergarments to what you'll wear
• With someone else reading the tape

Provide all required measurements

Standard measurements for South Asian clothing typically include:

• Bust (around fullest part)
• Underbust
• Waist (natural waist)
• High hip and low hip
• Shoulder width
• Arm length
• Armhole depth
• Front and back length
• Desired lengha length

Add ease notes

Let the seller know if you prefer fitted or comfortable fit.

Ask about seam allowance

Request extra seam allowance for alteration flexibility.

When Buying Ready-to-Wear

Check size charts carefully

Don't assume UK 12 means the same everywhere. Check actual measurements.

Compare to garments you own

Measure an outfit that fits you well and compare.

Read reviews

"Runs small" or "generous sizing" warnings are valuable.

Ask before ordering

Reputable sellers will help you choose the right size.

Build in Buffer Time

Order your outfit at least 8-12 weeks before your event. This allows time for:

• Production/shipping delays
• Initial try-on and assessment
• Alterations if needed
• Final fitting

Special Situations

The Outfit Is Perfect Except for One Thing

Common single-issue fixes:

• Blouse back gap: Corset conversion or add modesty panel
• Lengha too long: Straightforward hem
• Sleeves too short: Add cuffs or convert to three-quarter length
• Dupatta too short: Generally can't fix—but styling can disguise
• Too loose overall: Comprehensive taking in

The Event Is Tomorrow

Emergency options:

• Safety pins (strategically placed)
• Fashion tape for gaps
• Binder clips hidden by dupatta
• Shapewear to fill gaps
• Strategic dupatta draping to hide problems
• Ask if any tailor offers same-day emergency service (expect to pay premium)

It's a Bridal Outfit Worth Thousands

For high-value pieces:

• Don't compromise on tailor quality—pay for the best
• Document condition before handing over
• Get insurance if valuable
• Consider having original seller/designer handle alterations

The AÏNN London Approach

We've designed our process to minimize fit issues:

• Detailed size guides: Real measurements, not vague S/M/L
• Custom fitting available: Made-to-measure options for all bridal pieces
• UK-based: If something needs adjusting, we're here—no international back-and-forth
• Responsive support: Contact us immediately if anything isn't right
• In-stock try-before-commit: Our ready-to-ship collection means you can order, try, and exchange if needed

We believe the outfit journey should be exciting, not stressful. If your AÏNN London piece doesn't fit as expected, reach out—we'll work with you to make it right.

Final Thoughts

A mis-fitting outfit feels like disaster in the moment, but it's rarely unfixable. Most situations have solutions—the key is assessing calmly, acting quickly, and finding the right help.

Remember:

• 1-2 inch adjustments are routine and inexpensive
• Too big is easier to fix than too small
• The right tailor is worth their weight in gold
• Time is your friend—the more you have, the more options you have
• The outfit doesn't need to be perfect—it needs to make you feel beautiful

You've got this. And we're here to help.

Browse our collection with confidence, knowing that our UK-based team is available to ensure your outfit fits perfectly.