How to Measure Yourself for Ethnic Wear Online
Shopping ethnic wear online can feel a little confusing when it comes to size. You find a beautiful Bandhani outfit, love the colour and print, and then pause at the size chart. If you have ever wondered whether the fit will be right, this guide is for you.
With just three simple measurements and a few minutes, you can shop with much more confidence. At The Jaipur Studio, most styles are designed around three key body measurements: bust, waist, and hips.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before taking your measurements, keep these things ready:
- A soft measuring tape — a flexible tailor’s tape works best
- Fitted innerwear or light clothing — avoid bulky layers
- A mirror or someone to help — this helps keep the tape straight
- Pen and paper or your phone notes — to save your measurements
The Three Measurements That Matter Most
Most ethnic wear fits best when you know these three measurements clearly. Whether you are shopping for comfortable kurta sets or everyday ethnic styles, these are the numbers that matter most.
1. Bust Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape straight and parallel to the floor. It should feel snug but not tight. Make sure you are standing naturally and wearing a well-fitted bra or innerwear while measuring.
This is one of the most important measurements for kurta sets, tops, A-line silhouettes, anarkali fits, and tops in women’s coord sets.
2. Waist Measurement
Your waist is usually the narrowest part of your torso, slightly above the navel. Wrap the measuring tape around this area without pulling it too tightly. Stand in a relaxed posture and do not suck in your stomach while measuring.
This becomes especially important for fitted sets, structured silhouettes, and styles that have waist definition.
3. Hips Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually 7 to 9 inches below your waist. Stand with your feet together and keep the tape level all around.
This is especially important for bottoms like straight pants for women, plazo sets, afghani sets, and sharara sets.
How to Use The Jaipur Studio’s Find Your Fit Tool
Once you have your bust, waist, and hip measurements, you can use The Jaipur Studio’s Find Your Fit tool to get a quick size recommendation.
- Choose your category — Kurta, Pant, Dress, or Dupatta
- Enter your measurements — Bust, Waist, and Hip
- Select your fit preference — relaxed fit or a closer fit
- View your size recommendation instantly
This makes online shopping easier and helps you choose more confidently.
The Jaipur Studio Size Chart
The Jaipur Studio follows a chest-based size system that is commonly used in Indian ethnic wear. You can also cross-check your size through the Find Your Fit page before ordering.
| Size Label | Bust - Fits to | Waist - Fits to | Hip - Fits to |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-36 | 34 | 32 | 36 |
| M-38 | 36 | 34 | 38 |
| L-40 | 38 | 36 | 40 |
| XL-42 | 40 | 38 | 42 |
| 2XL-44 | 42 | 40 | 44 |
| 3XL-46 | 44 | 42 | 46 |
| 4XL-48 | 46 | 44 | 48 |
| 5XL-50 | 48 | 46 | 50 |
| 6XL-52 | 50 | 48 | 52 |
| 7XL-54 | 52 | 50 | 54 |
| 8XL-56 | 54 | 52 | 56 |
Tip: If your measurements fall between two sizes, it is usually better to size up for a more comfortable ethnic wear fit.
Category-by-Category Fit Guide
Different garments fit differently, so the most important measurement can change depending on what you are buying.
Kurtas and Kurta Sets
For kurtas, A-line styles, angrakha silhouettes, and everyday ethnic fits, bust measurement matters the most. Once the bust fits well, the overall fall usually looks better too.
Coord Sets and Pant Sets
For coord sets and pant sets, both bust and hip measurements matter. The top follows the bust, while the bottom follows the hips. If your top and bottom measurements fall in different size ranges, sizing up is usually safer.
Kaftans and Relaxed Fits
For kaftans and more flowy silhouettes, waist and hip measurements are more important than bust. These styles usually have more ease and a relaxed drape.
Pants and Bottoms
For bottoms like straight pants, plazo sets, afghani sets, and sharara sets, hip measurement is often the key measurement to check first.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
1. Measuring over bulky clothes
Always measure over light clothing or fitted innerwear. Thick clothes can add extra inches and affect the result.
2. Using old measurements
Body measurements can change over time, so it is always better to take fresh measurements before placing an order.
3. Pulling the tape too tight
The measuring tape should sit comfortably against your body. Too tight, and you may choose a smaller size than needed.
4. Ignoring fabric behaviour
Some fabrics are more structured, while others feel softer and more relaxed. Fabric can affect how an outfit feels when worn.
5. Not checking fit notes or reviews
Product page details and customer reviews often give helpful hints about whether a style runs true to size, fitted, or relaxed.
How Different Fabrics Fit and Feel
Fabric plays an important role in how an outfit feels and falls on the body.
Mul Cotton styles and muslin are usually breathable and feel easier on the body, especially in warmer weather. These fabrics can feel softer after wash and wear.
Chiffon outfits tend to hold shape a little more, so accurate sizing becomes even more important.
If you are shopping extended sizes, you can also explore the plus size collection for more options. This can be especially helpful when comparing fits across different silhouettes.
FAQs
How do I know which size to choose if I am between two sizes?
If your measurements fall between two sizes, it is usually safer to choose the bigger size for a more comfortable ethnic wear fit.
Which measurement matters most for kurta sets?
For most kurta sets, the bust measurement matters the most because it affects how the garment sits and falls overall.
Which measurement matters most for pants and bottom wear?
For pants, sharara sets, plazo sets, and similar bottom styles, hip measurement is usually the most important one to check first.
Should I measure over clothes?
No. It is always better to measure over light clothing or fitted innerwear, because bulky clothes can affect the result.
Can I use The Jaipur Studio’s Find Your Fit tool before ordering?
Yes. You can enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements in the Find Your Fit tool to get a quick size recommendation before placing your order.
Final Thoughts
Getting your size right while shopping ethnic wear online becomes much easier once you know your bust, waist, and hip measurements. These three numbers can help you choose better across kurta sets, coord sets, anarkali styles, and dupattas.
If you are unsure, start with your measurements, compare them with the size chart, and use The Jaipur Studio’s Find Your Fit tool for added confidence.
Once you know your size, online shopping feels much simpler, easier, and far more enjoyable.