How to Measure for Pakistani Bridal Lehnga: Complete Guide 2025
Expert Guide | 12-minute read | Last Updated: July 2025
How to Measure for Pakistani Bridal Lehnga: Quick Answer
To measure for a Pakistani bridal lehenga, you need 6 essential measurements:
- Bust: Around fullest part of chest (wear the bra you'll use)
- Waist: At natural waistline where lehenga will sit
- Hip: Around fullest part of hips (7-9 inches below waist)
- Blouse Length: Shoulder to desired blouse hem
- Skirt Length: Waist to floor (wearing your wedding heels)
- Shoulder Width: Point to point across back
Golden Rule: Always add 1-2 inches ease for comfort and movement. Take measurements over the undergarments you'll wear on your wedding day.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter for Pakistani Bridal Wear
Pakistani bridal outfits like lehengas, farshi lehengas, and sharara sets require precise measurements because:
- ✅ Traditional cuts follow different proportions than Western garments
- ✅ Fitted bodices need exact bust and waist measurements
- ✅ Heavy embellishments affect how fabric hangs and fits
- ✅ Cultural modesty requirements demand proper coverage
- ✅ Investment pieces deserve perfect fit for lifetime memories
Shocking Fact: 78% of returns in Pakistani formal wear are due to sizing issues that could be prevented with proper measurements.
Essential Tools for Perfect Measurements
What You'll Need:
- Soft measuring tape (fabric, not metal)
- Full-length mirror for checking positioning
- Well-fitted bra you'll wear with the outfit
- Helper (measuring yourself leads to 30% more errors)
- Paper and pen to record measurements immediately
- Phone camera to photograph correct measuring positions
Pro Measurement Tips:
- Time of day matters: Measure in evening when body is naturally fuller
- Wear minimal clothing: Fitted undergarments only, no bulky items
- Stand naturally: Don't suck in or puff out
- Keep tape level: Parallel to floor, not twisted
- Breathe normally: Don't hold breath while measuring
Complete Measurement Guide by Garment Type
For Pakistani Bridal Lehengas
Our bridal collection features traditional and modern lehenga styles. Here's how to measure for each component:
1. Choli/Blouse Measurements
Bust Measurement (Most Critical)
- Position: Around fullest part of chest
- Technique: Tape under arms, across shoulder blades, over fullest bust point
- Key tip: Wear the exact bra you'll use on wedding day
- Add ease: 1-2 inches for comfortable breathing and movement
- Common mistake: Measuring too high near shoulders
Underbust Measurement
- Position: Just under bust line where bra band sits
- Purpose: Determines fit of fitted cholis and corset-style blouses
- Especially important: For heavily embellished pieces from our luxury pret collection
Waist Measurement
- Position: At natural waistline (usually 1-2 inches above belly button)
- Technique: Tie a string around natural waist first, then measure
- Lehenga tip: This determines where the skirt waistband will sit
- Note: Some prefer high-waist vs low-waist fit - specify preference
Choli Length Options
- Short choli: 12-14 inches (traditional, shows midriff)
- Medium length: 15-17 inches (modest coverage)
- Long choli: 18-20 inches (contemporary, minimal midriff)
- Measurement: From shoulder point to desired bottom hem
2. Lehenga Skirt Measurements
Hip Measurement
- Position: Around fullest part of hips (usually 7-9 inches below waist)
- Technique: Keep tape level, measure over undergarments you'll wear
- Crucial for: A-line, mermaid, and fitted lehenga styles
- Tip: Consider the fullness of the farshi lehenga you're choosing
Skirt Length
- Start point: From waist where lehenga will sit
- End point: To desired hem length
- Critical consideration: Height of heels you'll wear
-
Standard options:
- Floor length: Touches ground with heels
- Ankle length: 1-2 inches above ground
- Court train: Touches ground, slight train behind
For Sharara Sets
Sharara outfits have unique measurement requirements:
Top/Kameez Measurements
- Same as choli measurements above
- Length consideration: Shararas typically have longer tops
- Standard lengths: 28-32 inches for traditional look
Sharara Trouser Measurements
- Waist: Natural waistline measurement + 2-3 inches ease
- Hip: Fullest part of hips + 3-4 inches for comfortable flare
- Length: Waist to floor wearing shoes
- Flare consideration: Shararas are wide from waist down
For Gharara Sets
Gharara styling requires specific measurements:
Unique Gharara Measurements
- Knee circumference: Around knee where gharara starts to flare
- Calf measurement: Fullest part of calf
- Ankle circumference: For proper hemming
- Fitted length: Waist to knee (fitted portion)
- Flare length: Knee to desired hem
Key Difference: Ghararas are fitted till knee, then dramatically flared, unlike shararas which flare from waist.
UK Size Conversion Chart for Pakistani Wear
UK Size | Pakistani Size | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hip (inches) |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 | XS | 32-33 | 24-25 | 34-35 |
8 | S | 34-35 | 26-27 | 36-37 |
10 | M | 36-37 | 28-29 | 38-39 |
12 | L | 38-39 | 30-31 | 40-41 |
14 | XL | 40-41 | 32-33 | 42-43 |
16 | XXL | 42-43 | 34-35 | 44-45 |
18 | XXXL | 44-45 | 36-37 | 46-47 |
Important Note: These are general guidelines. Always prioritize your actual measurements over size labels, especially for our bridal pieces.
Body Type Considerations for Pakistani Bridal Wear
Pear Shape (Hip > Bust)
Best choices: A-line lehengas, empire waist anarkalis
Focus measurements: Accurate hip measurement crucial
Style tip: Choose detailed cholis to balance proportions
Recommended: Browse our party collection for flattering styles
Apple Shape (Bust > Hip)
Best choices: Straight-cut lehengas, flowing farshi styles
Focus measurements: Precise bust and underbust measurements
Style tip: Empire waist anarkalis create beautiful silhouette
Avoid: Too-tight cholis that create bulging
Hourglass (Bust ≈ Hip, Defined Waist)
Best choices: Fitted cholis with defined waist lehengas
Focus measurements: Accurate waist measurement to show silhouette
Style tip: Traditional fitted silhouettes work beautifully
Perfect for: Classic bridal lehengas
Rectangle (Similar Bust, Waist, Hip)
Best choices: Peplum cholis, flared anarkalis, voluminous lehengas
Focus measurements: All measurements equally important
Style tip: Create curves with draping and strategic fit
Great options: Explore luxury pret for modern cuts
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Measurement Errors That Cause Problems:
Mistake 1: Measuring Over Bulky Clothing
- Problem: Adds 2-4 inches to measurements
- Solution: Wear only fitted undergarments
Mistake 2: Pulling Tape Too Tight
- Problem: Leaves marks, creates unrealistic measurements
- Solution: Tape should be snug but not tight
Mistake 3: Measuring When Bloated
- Problem: Temporary size increase affects fit
- Solution: Measure at consistent time, avoid after meals
✅ Best Practices for Accurate Measurements:
- Consistent timing: Same time of day for all measurements
- Proper undergarments: Wear what you'll use with the outfit
- Double-check: Measure twice, record both for accuracy
- Professional help: Have someone else measure you
- Document everything: Write down immediately, don't rely on memory
Special Considerations for Different Occasions
For Nikah Ceremonies
Style focus: Modest, elegant coverage
Color preferences: Often white, pastels, or light colors
Measurement priority: Comfort for long ceremony
Shop: Nikah collection
For Baraat Events
Style focus: Dramatic, formal elegance
Color preferences: Traditional red, gold, rich jewel tones
Measurement priority: Perfect fit for photos
Shop: Baraat collection
For Walima Reception
Style focus: Sophisticated, celebratory
Color preferences: Pastels, pink, light green
Measurement priority: Comfort for mingling and dining
Shop: Walima collection
For Mehndi Celebrations
Style focus: Comfortable, vibrant, movement-friendly
Color preferences: Yellow, orange, bright green
Measurement priority: Ease for dancing and activities
Shop: Mehndi collection
Your Next Steps: Getting the Perfect Fit
Ready to Shop?
Now that you understand proper measuring techniques, you're ready to find your perfect Pakistani formal wear:
- Take your measurements using this guide
- Save measurements in your phone for easy reference
- Browse our collections with confidence in your sizing knowledge
- Use size charts to match your measurements to our pieces
- Read customer reviews for additional fit insights
Shop by Your Perfect Measurements
Ready-to-Wear Collections:
Bridal Collection - Traditional and contemporary bridal lehengas
Lengha Collection - Classic lehenga styles for all occasions
Farshi Lengha - Dramatic trailing lehengas
Party Collection - Modern party wear and fusion styles
Occasion-Specific Collections:
Nikah Collection - Elegant ceremony wear
Baraat Collection - Formal wedding celebration outfits
Walima Collection - Reception and celebration wear
Mehndi Collection - Vibrant pre-wedding celebration outfits
Alternative Styles:
Sharara Collection - Wide-legged elegant sets
Gharara Collection - Traditional fitted-to-flared styles
Jora Set Collection - Coordinated outfit sets
Questions about measuring for a specific style? Our measurement experts are here to help you achieve the perfect fit for your special occasion.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Start shopping with confidence →