The Complete Ethnic Wear Size Guide — How to Measure Yourself for the Perfect Fit
You've found the perfect outfit online. The colour is right. The price is right. But you hesitate — will it fit?
This is the single biggest fear customers have when shopping for ethnic wear online. And honestly, the fear is justified — Indian sizing is different from Western sizing, and every brand has its own size chart.
At SAROJ JAIN, we want you to buy with confidence. I've created this complete size guide based on years of fitting thousands of women at our JP Nagar boutique. Follow these steps, and the outfit you order will fit like it was made for you.
💡 Quick Answer
Take 4 measurements: bust (fullest part), waist (narrowest part), hips (widest part), and kurta length (shoulder to desired hem). Use a soft measuring tape, wear fitted clothing, and stand straight. Compare to our size chart below. If between sizes, size up for a relaxed fit. Co-ord sets are more forgiving than anarkalis. When in doubt, WhatsApp us your measurements — we'll guide you to the right size.
What You'll Need
- A soft fabric measuring tape (not a metal construction tape)
- Fitted clothing (or just your innerwear — the fewer layers, the more accurate)
- A full-length mirror
- A friend to help with back measurements (or do it yourself in front of a mirror)
The 4 Essential Measurements
1. Bust — Measure at the Fullest Part
How to measure: Stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust — typically at nipple level. The tape should be parallel to the floor, snug but not tight. You should be able to slip one finger under the tape. Breathe normally.
Why it matters: The bust measurement determines the fit of the kurta or co-ord top. Too tight = pulling at the buttons or seams. Too loose = gaping at the neckline or armholes.
Pro tip: Measure wearing the bra you'll wear with the outfit. A padded bra vs a non-padded bra can change your bust measurement by 2-5 cm.
2. Waist — Measure at the Narrowest Part
How to measure: Find your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, usually about 2-3 cm above your belly button. Bend sideways — the crease that forms is your natural waist. Wrap the tape around this point, parallel to the floor. Breathe normally. Don't suck in.
Why it matters: The waist measurement determines how fitted or relaxed the kurta will sit around your midsection. Co-ord sets have waistbands that need to fit comfortably.
Pro tip: For co-ord sets, measure your waist where you want the bottom piece to sit. If you prefer high-waisted, measure higher. If you prefer mid-rise, measure at your natural waist.
3. Hips — Measure at the Widest Part
How to measure: Stand with your feet together. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks — usually about 18-23 cm below your waist. The tape should be parallel to the floor. Make sure it's not dipping at the back.
Why it matters: The hip measurement determines how the kurta or co-ord bottom fits over your hips. Too tight = uncomfortable and unflattering. Too loose = fabric bunches at the waist.
Pro tip: Most Indian ethnic wear is designed with some ease (extra room) at the hips. A-line and straight-cut silhouettes are more forgiving than fitted cuts.
4. Kurta Length — Measure from Shoulder to Desired Hem
How to measure: Start at the highest point of your shoulder (where the shoulder seam would sit). Measure straight down to your desired hem length. Common lengths: mid-thigh (90-95 cm), knee-length (100-105 cm), mid-calf (110-115 cm), ankle-length (120-130 cm).
Why it matters: Length is the most personal measurement. Different heights and preferences mean different ideal lengths. Our size chart gives standard lengths, but we can customise for you.
Pro tip: Stand in front of a mirror and mark where you want the hem to fall with a pin or sticker. Then measure from your shoulder to that point. This is more accurate than guessing "knee-length" or "mid-calf."
SAROJ JAIN Size Chart
| Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Kurta Length (cm) | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 81-84 | 61-64 | 86-89 | 95 | 6 | 2 |
| S | 84-89 | 64-69 | 89-94 | 97 | 8 | 4 |
| M | 89-94 | 69-74 | 94-99 | 100 | 10 | 6 |
| L | 94-99 | 74-81 | 99-104 | 102 | 12 | 8 |
| XL | 99-107 | 81-89 | 104-112 | 104 | 14 | 10 |
| XXL | 107-114 | 89-97 | 112-119 | 107 | 16 | 12 |
| 3XL | 114-122 | 97-107 | 119-127 | 107 | 18 | 14 |
| 4XL | 122-130 | 107-117 | 127-137 | 107 | 20 | 16 |
Sizing by Silhouette
Co-Ord Sets — Room to Move
Co-ord sets are the most forgiving silhouette when it comes to sizing. The separates allow you to mix sizes — wear an M top with an L bottom, or vice versa.
Sizing tip: Co-ord tops are designed to be slightly relaxed. If you're between sizes, go up. A slightly looser co-ord looks more intentional than one that's too tight.
Length: Co-ord tops typically hit at the hip or just below. If you prefer more coverage, size up for extra length.
Shop Yellow Chikankari Co-Ord →
A-Line Kurta Sets — Universally Flattering
A-line kurtas flare from the bust or waist, making them one of the most forgiving silhouettes for different body types. The flare means hip and thigh room is rarely an issue.
Sizing tip: Focus on bust measurement. If the bust fits, the rest will follow. A-line kurtas have enough ease at the hips to accommodate most figures.
Length: Standard A-line kurtas hit at the knee. If you're taller than 5'6" or prefer more coverage, size up or request a custom length.
Shop Marine Blue A-Line Kurta →
Anarkalis — Fitted Bust, Flowing Skirt
Anarkalis have a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. The bodice should fit well — too loose and it gapes, too tight and it pulls at the buttons. The skirt is designed to be full and flowing.
Sizing tip: The bust measurement is critical for anarkalis. The waist measurement matters less because the skirt flares from below the bust. If you're between sizes, choose the larger size and have the bodice taken in — it's an easy alteration.
Length: Floor-length anarkalis come in standard lengths. If you're under 5'2" or over 5'8", you may need custom length. WhatsApp us for custom sizing.
Straight-Cut Kurta Sets — Clean & Vertical
Straight-cut kurtas fall straight from the shoulders without shaping at the waist. The fit should be relaxed — not tight, but not swimming in fabric.
Sizing tip: Straight-cut kurtas are the most size-forgiving silhouette. As long as the bust and shoulders fit, the rest of the kurta will hang correctly. If between sizes, size down for a cleaner look — straight cuts look best when they're not too oversized.
Plus Size Sizing — Up to 4XL
At SAROJ JAIN, we stock sizes from XS to 4XL. Our plus-size pieces are designed with extra room in the bust, waist, and hips while maintaining the same elegant silhouette.
Sizing tip for plus-size women:
- Measure your fullest parts — don't size down hoping for a "slimming" effect. The right size is the one that fits comfortably.
- A-line and straight-cut silhouettes are the most flattering for plus-size figures.
- Avoid very stiff fabrics — chanderi, georgette, and cotton chikankari drape beautifully over curves.
- If your bust and hips are in different size columns, choose the larger size and have the waist taken in.
Petite Sizing — Under 5'3"
- Standard kurta lengths may be too long. We offer custom hemming free of charge — just mention your desired length in the order notes.
- Co-ord sets are the best choice for petite women — the cropped top and streamlined bottom don't overwhelm a smaller frame.
- Avoid floor-length anarkalis unless you're willing to get them hemmed. Mid-calf length is more proportionate for petite frames.
International Size Conversion
| SAROJ JAIN | UK | US | EU | AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 6 | 2 | 32 | 6 |
| S | 8 | 4 | 34 | 8 |
| M | 10 | 6 | 36 | 10 |
| L | 12 | 8 | 38 | 12 |
| XL | 14 | 10 | 40 | 14 |
| XXL | 16 | 12 | 42 | 16 |
| 3XL | 18 | 14 | 44 | 18 |
| 4XL | 20 | 16 | 46 | 20 |
When Between Sizes — The Golden Rule
Size up for comfort, size down for fit. Here's when to do each:
- Size up if: You prefer a relaxed fit. You're between two sizes. The fabric has no stretch (brocade, chanderi, silk). You're ordering a fitted silhouette (anarkali, fitted kurta).
- Size down if: You prefer a clean, tailored look. The fabric has stretch. You're ordering a straight-cut or A-line silhouette (which have built-in ease). You can get minor alterations done locally.
- Mix sizes for co-ords: Order a larger top and smaller bottom, or vice versa. This is the biggest advantage of co-ord sets — you get a custom fit.
Free Alterations
Every SAROJ JAIN outfit includes free basic alterations — hemming, sleeve shortening, and waist suppression. Just send us your measurements via WhatsApp when you order, and we'll alter the outfit before shipping. This is the closest thing to custom tailoring without the custom price.
Still Unsure About Your Size?
WhatsApp us your measurements and a photo of yourself (face not needed — just the measuring tape position). Our team will confirm the right size within a few hours. We've done this thousands of times — we can tell you the right size from your measurements alone.
FAQs About Sizing
What if my bust and hips are in different size columns?
Order the larger size. It's easier to take in a kurta at the waist than to let it out at the bust or hips. We offer free waist alterations.
Do co-ord sets run true to size?
Yes — our co-ord sets are designed to fit true to size with a relaxed silhouette. If you prefer a more fitted look, size down. If you prefer a looser, more relaxed look, size up.
How do I measure for a co-ord set bottom?
Measure your waist at the point where you want the bottom to sit (natural waist for high-waisted, hip level for mid-rise). Then measure your hips at the widest point. The waistband should sit comfortably without pinching or sliding down.
What if I receive my order and it doesn't fit?
We accept returns and exchanges within 7 days of delivery. We also offer free alterations on most pieces — WhatsApp us your measurements and we'll coordinate the alteration.
Shop Confidently
Updated: June 2026
Written by: Saroj Jain Styling Team
Reviewed by: Saroj Jain Boutique Team
