Measuring guide
Trouser and Shalwar Measurements for Women
Also called shalwar ka naap
Quick answer
For most shalwars and trousers you need three numbers: trouser length from your natural waist, the bottom (paincha) opening, and your hips. Fitted styles such as cigarette pants and churidar also need your thigh. Measure over light clothing with the shoes you usually wear, and use the same unit, inches or centimetres, for everything.
The measurements, step by step
- Trouser length: from your natural waist, down the side of your leg to where you want the hem, standing straight in the shoes you’ll wear. For a shalwar, say whether you like it to sit on the foot or just above the ankle.
- Trouser bottom (paincha): the width around the hem opening. The easiest way is to lay a pair you like flat, measure straight across the bottom edge and double it. Tell us it’s a garment measurement.
- Hips (koolha): around the fullest part of your hips and seat, feet together. The same number as for your kameez.
- Waist (kamar): around your natural waist. With an elastic or drawstring waistband it matters less than for a fitted waistband, but it helps us plan the rise.
- Thigh: around the fullest part of one thigh, standing with weight on both feet. Needed for cigarette pants, churidar and other slim styles.
Shalwar vs fitted trousers
A traditional shalwar is full and gathered, so it’s forgiving: the length and the paincha matter most. Straight trousers need your hips so they sit smoothly. Cigarette pants and churidar follow the leg closely, so the thigh (and sometimes calf and ankle) measurements make the difference between comfortable and tight.
Waistband choices
Tell us which waistband you prefer: full elastic (easiest), a drawstring (nala) for an adjustable fit, or elastic at the back with a flat front, which sits smoother under a fitted kameez. If you choose a fitted waistband with a zip, your waist measurement becomes essential.
Common mistakes
- Measuring length without shoes: heels or flat sandals change where the hem falls.
- Measuring from the hip instead of the waist: start the length at your natural waist so the rise is right.
- Guessing the paincha: measure a pair you like; it’s quicker and more accurate.
- Mixing units: use inches or centimetres, not both.
How to send them
Enter your measurements on the stitching quote form and choose your trouser style there, or pick “advise me”. The full body measuring guide, including the kameez, is in how to measure yourself for a Pakistani suit. Everything is confirmed in writing before cutting.
Common questions
Do I need a waist measurement for an elastic shalwar?
It helps, but it matters less than for a fitted waistband. Send it anyway so we can plan the rise and the elastic comfortably.
Can I send measurements from trousers I already own?
Yes. Lay them flat, measure the length and the bottom opening (then double the width), and tell us they are garment measurements.
Last reviewed 30 September 2026.
