Ethnic Wear Size Guide India — How to Find Your Size for Kurtas and Ethnic Sets

Sizing for ethnic wear in India has almost no standardisation. An XL from one brand fits like a medium from another. This is the most common complaint from online ethnic wear buyers — and the reason people are hesitant to buy ethnic wear online. Here is how to figure out your actual size before you order.

Why Indian Ethnic Wear Sizing Is Confusing

Most Indian ethnic wear brands use their own size charts with no industry standard. S, M, L, XL, and XXL can mean very different measurements across brands. On top of that, different garment types in ethnic wear have different fit expectations — a fitted anarkali has different sizing logic than a straight kurta or a sharara.

The solution is to always measure yourself, compare to the brand’s chart, and size up when between sizes.

How to Measure Yourself for Ethnic Wear

Key Measurements You Need

• Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the chest. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and not too tight.
• Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually an inch or two above the navel.
• Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hips, usually about 8–10 inches below the waist.
• Shoulder width: Measure across the back from the edge of one shoulder to the other. This matters for kurtas and kurtis.
• Length: For kurtas, measure from the shoulder point to wherever you want the hem to fall — hip, knee, or below knee.

General Size Reference for Indian Ethnic Wear

This is a general reference. Always check the specific brand’s size chart before ordering.

Sizing for Different Ethnic Wear Types

Kurtas and Kurtis

For straight and A-line kurtas, the bust measurement is most important. The waist of a straight kurta is usually not fitted, so if your bust fits, the rest will generally be fine. For fitted anarkalis and princess-cut kurtas, both bust and shoulder width matter. Check if the brand uses “regular fit” (roomier) or “slim fit” and adjust accordingly.

Salwar and Pants

For salwar, palazzo, and pant sets, the waist measurement is key — but check if the waistband has an elastic or drawstring, which gives more flexibility. Hips measurement matters for fitted churidar styles. Wide-leg palazzo and sharara are more forgiving of hip size variation.

Co-ord Sets and Sets with Top and Bottom

If you are between sizes on top and bottom, order the size that fits your larger measurement. Loose fabric on the smaller measurement looks better than a tight fit on the larger one.

Lehenga (Skirt)

Lehenga skirts are almost always stitched with a drawstring or adjustable waistband and significant flare, so they tend to fit a wider range of waist sizes. The blouse (choli) is the piece where sizing matters most.

Tips for Buying Ethnic Wear Online

• Always compare your measurements to the brand’s size chart, not just your usual size label
• When in doubt, size up — a slightly larger kurta can be taken in by a tailor; a too-small one cannot be let out if there is no extra fabric in the seams
• Look for brands that specify fabric composition — cotton has minimal stretch, while blended fabrics may have some give
• Check if the brand offers free exchanges or returns — some handmade brands have limited exchange windows

Haus of Handmade provides detailed measurements for each style in the product listing. If you are unsure between two sizes, reach out before ordering.

Related Guides

• Anarkali vs Sharara vs Gharara — What’s the Difference?
• Ethnic Wear for Working Women India
• How to Care for Handmade Cotton Ethnic Wear