Buying guides by country · 4 October 2026 · 4 min read
US sizes vs Pakistani size charts: reading them in inches
Why a US size 8 does not map to a Pakistani small or medium, how to read Pakistani size charts in inches, and which body measurements to send instead of a size.
InspirationThere is no reliable conversion
If you are trying to turn a US dress size into a Pakistani size, the honest answer is that no conversion holds reliably. US sizes are vanity-sized and vary between American brands, and Pakistani brands each publish their own charts in inches, often measured across the finished garment rather than the body. The dependable route is to measure your body in inches and compare it with the chart, or skip the chart and order made to your measurements.
This guide shows how to read the charts so you can make sense of them, and why we ask for measurements rather than a size. For the wider story of UK, EU and US numbering, see UK, EU and US dress sizes for a kameez.
What a Pakistani size chart is actually measuring
Before comparing any numbers, work out what the chart is telling you:
- Body or garment? Many charts give the finished garment measurement, which includes ease. A garment chest larger than your body chest is normal, not a mistake.
- Full or half chest? Some charts list the width measured flat across the front, which is half the full chest. A surprisingly small number is usually a half measurement.
- Shirt length: given from the shoulder to the hem. US shoppers used to petite and tall ranges will find one length per size.
- Trousers: often only a length and sometimes a hip, because shalwars and elasticated trousers are forgiving at the waist.
Body measurements vs garment measurements
The difference between your body and the finished garment is the ease: room to move, sit and breathe. A kameez that measured exactly the same as your bust would be impossible to wear. Our guide to body vs garment measurements explains the difference with examples, and the ease guide shows how much room suits different styles.
To compare yourself with a pret chart, measure your body, then look for the size whose garment chest is a few inches larger than your body chest, and check the length separately. If the chest suits one size and the hips another, that is a sign made to measure will serve you better.
Measuring in inches the US way
American tape measures are marked in inches with eighths and sixteenths, which is more precision than a kameez needs. Rounding to the nearest quarter or half inch is fine. Write decimals or fractions, whichever you prefer, but be consistent, and never mix inches and centimetres in one form. Measure over the underwear you will wear with the outfit, keep the tape level all the way round, and ask someone to help with the back and shoulder measurements if you can.
Our size guide shows where each measurement is taken, and the trouser measurements page covers waist, hip, rise and length. If you have a kameez that fits well, measuring it flat is a useful check; our article on measuring in inches or centimetres has tips on doing it accurately.
What we ask for instead of a size
Our quote form accepts inches or centimetres and asks for body measurements. You can choose a standard size, but measurements give a much closer result, especially if you are between sizes or your top and bottom halves are different sizes. For our own designs, such as the shirt dress, you can choose S to XL or made to measure.
If you are sending an unstitched suit, the same measurements decide the cut; our stitching service for the USA explains the process. Ready to try? Request a quote from the USA, and see the USA page for how ordering works.
Common questions
Should I choose a standard size or send measurements?
Send measurements if you can. A standard size is cut on a fixed block, while body measurements let the kameez and trousers be shaped for your own proportions, which matters most if you are between sizes.
What Pakistani size is a US size 8?
There is no reliable conversion, because US sizes vary between brands and each Pakistani brand uses its own chart. Measure your bust, waist and hips in inches and compare them with the chart, or order made to your measurements.
Why are the numbers on Pakistani size charts so small?
Some charts give half the chest, measured flat across the front of the garment. Double it to get the full chest, and remember it is a garment measurement that includes ease.
Can I send measurements in inches?
Yes. The quote form accepts inches or centimetres. Use one unit for every measurement and round to the nearest quarter or half inch.
