Measuring guide
Body Measurements vs Garment Measurements
Quick answer
Body measurements are taken around you. Garment measurements are taken from clothes, either all the way round or laid flat across the front. Brand size charts often show finished garment sizes, which already include extra room (ease). Send us your body measurements and tell us how loose you like the fit; if a number comes from a garment, say so.
Three kinds of numbers
Most measuring mistakes come from mixing these up.
- Body measurements: taken with a soft tape around your body, snug but not tight. Bust 36 means the tape reads 36 around the fullest part of your bust.
- Finished garment measurements (round): the size of the stitched garment itself, all the way round. They are larger than your body measurements, because they include ease.
- Flat measurements (half): a garment laid flat and measured straight across the front. Many brand charts use these, so “chest 20” means about 40 all the way round, not a 20-inch bust.
What ease is
Ease is the extra room a garment needs so you can breathe, sit, lift your arms and move comfortably. How much a kameez needs depends on the cut (fitted, regular or relaxed), the fabric (crisp cambric needs more room than soft lawn to feel the same) and simply how you like to wear it.
That’s why we ask for your true body measurements and your fit preference, rather than numbers with room already added. The ease goes in when the suit is cut, and the finished fit is agreed with you in writing before cutting. Our guide to choosing a comfortable fit explains the trade-offs.
Why brand size charts confuse people
Ready-to-wear size charts describe the clothes, not the person. A chart can list a chest, hip or sleeve width that is flat, finished, or both, and brands don’t all measure the same way. So comparing your bust directly with a chart’s “chest” figure often points you to the wrong size.
If you want to copy the fit of a ready-made kameez you own, measure the garment itself and tell us that’s what the numbers are. Our guide to brand size charts has more on choosing between standard sizes and made to measure.
Converting a flat measurement
To turn a flat measurement into a round one, double it. For example, a kameez that measures 21 inches straight across the chest when laid flat is about 42 inches all the way round. That’s a garment measurement, so it already includes the ease that kameez was made with.
Which numbers to send us
- Best: your body measurements, following our step-by-step measuring guide, plus whether you like a fitted, regular or relaxed fit.
- Also fine: measurements from a kameez that fits you well, clearly marked as garment measurements, with any changes (“same but 1 inch longer”). See measuring a kameez that fits.
- Not sure? Choose “Help me measure” on the quote form and we’ll talk you through it on WhatsApp.
Common questions
Should I add extra inches to my measurements?
No. Send your true body measurements and tell us how loose you like it. Adding room yourself and then having ease added again makes the garment too big.
My bust and hips are different sizes on a size chart. Does that matter?
Not with made-to-measure stitching. Each part of the kameez is cut to your own measurements, so there’s no single size to choose.
Last reviewed 30 September 2026.
