Ordering made-to-measure stitching from Italy

Measuring in centimetres

Tape measures in Italy are in centimetres, which suits the stitching quote form: choose centimetres and enter each measurement as you read it. Italian and EU size labels do not line up neatly with UK sizes, and they vary between brands, so please give measurements rather than a size. The size guide shows where each one is taken, and our measuring guide walks you through them.

If measuring yourself feels awkward, our guide to measuring yourself without help has tips, or ask us how to post a kameez that already fits so we can measure it, before you send anything.

Posting fabric from Italy to Pakistan

Prefer not to post anything? Choose Fabric + Stitching and tell us the colours and feel you want: we supply the agreed fabric, and the only parcel is your finished outfit.

If you are supplying the fabric (Stitching Only), there are two separate shipping stages: your fabric goes to us in Pakistan, and the finished outfit is shipped back to you in Italy. Send daylight photos of each piece with your quote request first. Before you post anything, we confirm that the fabric is suitable, how much is needed and how and where to send it. A parcel leaving the EU needs a customs declaration. When you post it:

• Describe the contents accurately, for example “unstitched cotton suit fabric, three pieces”, and give an honest value.
• Use a tracked service and keep the tracking number.
• Put a note inside with your name and quote reference.
• If you are unsure how to describe something, ask us before you post it.
• For packing tips, see our guide to posting your fabric.

Paying in euros, with IVA included

From Italy, you choose whether your quote is written in euros (EUR), pounds sterling (GBP) or US dollars (USD); tell us which when you ask for a quote, and your quote explains how to pay. If you are paying from a euro account or card, euros are usually the simplest choice, because nothing needs converting. If you choose pounds or dollars instead, your bank or card issuer converts the amount at its own rate and may charge a fee, depending on your provider. See paying from abroad in pounds, euros or dollars.

Your finished outfit is shipped to Italy from Pakistan, which is outside the EU. For parcels like this, since 1 July 2021 all goods imported into the EU are subject to VAT, and if the seller is not registered for IOSS, the customer pays it on import (European Commission). From 1 July 2026 the EU also applies a temporary €3 customs duty for each category of goods on low-value consignments (up to €150) from outside the EU (European Commission), and the courier that clears a parcel can add a handling fee. With us, all of this is already covered: your written quote includes delivery to your address in Italy and any import VAT (IVA), customs duty and courier fees, so there is nothing extra to pay when your parcel arrives. If a courier ever asks you for payment on delivery, contact us before paying anything.

Dressing for Italian seasons

Italy’s climate varies a lot from north to south. Lawn, linen and cotton suit the long, hot summers everywhere, while the colder, damper winters of the north call for khaddar, karandi or marina, and milder southern winters suit cambric with a cardigan. Our guides to summer outfits for hot weather and winter fabrics help you choose.

If you have a date to meet, such as Eid, put it on the form. Production time and shipping costs are confirmed in your written quote, delivery dates cannot be guaranteed, and if you are supplying the fabric with Stitching Only, with post in both directions it pays to start early. For customs across the rest of Europe, see ordering from Europe, and the custom stitching service shows what we make.