How to Measure for Salwar Suits Step-by-Step (Video)

While shopping for any outfit online comes with the great advantages of convenience, variety, and access to styles you might not find locally, there’s one big challenge that every online shopper dreads: the fit. 

If you’re one of us who constantly go back and forth between the size chart and reviews and do intense research on exactly which measurements fit, only to end up back at square one, then this article is for you!

One such piece you won’t want to miss is the salwar suit. Across all the beautiful salwar kameez styles, whether a sleek straight suit, a flowy anarkali, or a chic pant style, they can fall flat if it doesn’t fit right.

Unlike physical stores, where you can try on outfits before buying, online stores send you what you order based on your measurements. Even a difference of 1-2 inches can make a huge difference in how your salwar kameez looks and feels on you.

That’s why knowing how to measure yourself properly is essential. Accurate measurements mean:

• A comfortable silhouette that flatters your body
• No surprises when the outfit arrives
• A ready-to-wear garment without last-minute tailoring
• Confidence in buying ethnic wear from anywhere in the world

If you’re ordering a custom or stitched-to-fit salwar kameez, precision matters even more—especially for special occasions like weddings or festivals where you want to look and feel perfect. That’s where this step-by-step guide comes in, including a helpful video guide to measuring for salwar kameez. 

How To Measure for a Salwar Suit 

Before you start, keep a soft measuring tape and a notepad ready. Wear something close-fitting (like a tank top and leggings) so the tape can sit snugly against your body for the most accurate readings. Keep your posture natural. Stand straight but relaxed when measuring.

Now, here are the key body measurements most online stores, including Lashkaraa, will ask for:

1. Kameez Length

This is the measurement from the shoulder down to where you want the top (kameez) to end

• Stand straight.
• Place the tape at the top of your shoulder (near the neck)
• Measure straight down to your desired length (like mid-thigh, knee, or ankle).
• Make sure to pass over the largest part of the bust when taking length measurements to get an accurate sizing.

This determines how long your tunic will be and can dramatically change the style, from casual to elegant. 

2. Bottom Length

This is the length of the salwar (pants or bottoms). A salwar suit can have a kameez of many different lengths and styles. This can affect the fabrics and adornments you use and the way the final product looks on your body

• Place the tape at your waistline (where you normally tie your salwar)
• Measure straight down to where you want the bottom to end.

Tip: A key to accurately measuring bottom length is to account for your heel height. If you’re having a salwar suit made for a special occasion, it’s a good idea to wear your day-of shoes to measure for length.

3. Front Neck Depth

This measures how deep the front neckline should be according to different pattern styles:

• Place the tape at the base of your neck
• Measure down to the depth you want the front neckline to reach.

Be sure you’re comfortable with this because too deep or too shallow can change the look and your confidence entirely.

4. Back Neck Depth

This is how low the neckline goes at the back:

• Place the tape at the nape of your neck

• Measure down your back to the point you want the neckline to finish.

This ensures proportional balance for neckline styles, whether simple or embellished.

5. Bust Measurement

Probably the most important measurement for the kameez is measuring the bust.

• Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, which will also mark the widest part of your back.

• Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug, but not tight.

How your kameez sits around the bust will affect its length and how comfortable you feel when you wear it. 

6. Hip Measurement

This is critical, especially for fitted or straight styles:

• Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips

• Maintain even tension without squeezing.

Whether you’re wearing a churidar, palazzo, or pant suit, this measurement ensures the outfit fits smoothly over your hips. You don’t want it too tight or too comfortable or all you’re going to think about is that, trust us, we’ve been there. 

7. Arm Hole

The circumference around your shoulder and under your armpit, where the sleeve begins.

• Wrap the tape around your shoulder and under the armpit

• Ensure free movement by not pulling the tape too tight.

This prevents tightness around your arms and allows for comfortable arm movement. Getting this measurement right is rather underestimated but super important for comfort.

8. Sleeves Length

If your suit has sleeves:

• Measure from the shoulder seam down to your wrist or wherever you want the sleeve to end.

This is especially important if your sleeves are fitted or bell-shaped.

9. Thigh & Knee Measurement

For salwar or pant-style bottoms, measure around the fullest part of your thigh. This helps determine if the bottoms will fit comfortably and move with you.

• Stand naturally
• Wrap the tape around your thigh
• Then, wrap the tape around your knee

Even if you’re interested in a more form-fitting salwar design, you want to give yourself a little extra room for movement. By giving yourself extra fabric around the knees, you can dance, celebrate, and create with nothing holding you back.

10. Ankle Measurement

For bottoms that taper (like churidar):

• Measure around your ankle

• Keep the tape snug

This ensures that fitted bottoms aren’t too tight around the ankle and that any elastic or cuff sits comfortably. 

Final Tips for Best Fit (Before You Order)

Before you finalize your order, measure twice, order once. Getting your numbers right ensures you don’t have to make adjustments later.

Certain traditional indian fabrics sit differently on the body, and some fabrics have give, whereas others do not. With that in mind, consider the fabric's weight and whether it will sit or fall. Both can affect how long you want your kameez to be and even how form-fitting your salwar bottoms should be. 

Be sure to check the brand’s sizing chart. Lashkaraa often provides sizing guides to compare your measurements before selecting your size. If in doubt, size up slightly. Especially for intricate fits around the bust or hips.

Accurate measurements make online shopping for salwar kameez a delightful experience rather than a guessing game.

Shop Salwar Kameez Online With Lashkaraa

Now that you’re confident in measuring yourself, you can shop with ease at Lashkaraa, as we offer customised measurements so you get salwars that silhouette you perfectly. 

Here are a few must-see styles from the Lashkaraa salwar kameez range:

• Straight-cut suits: Classic elegance that pairs beautifully with minimal embroidery and crisp tailoring.

• Anarkali suits: Flowing, graceful designs with flare from knee length to floor length, these are great for weddings and festive occasions. 

• Palazzo suits: Modern and comfortable, palazzo bottoms bring a breezy, stylish edge to your ethnic look. 

• Punjabi suits: Traditional yet chic, these suits offer a relaxed silhouette perfect for day-to-day wear. 

• Pant suits: Sharp, tailored bottoms paired with elegant kameez, a great choice for semi-formal occasions. 

• Churidar suits: Timeless and flattering, these fitted bottoms create a sleek, elegant silhouette that elongates the frame.

• Sharara suits: Playful yet regal, the wide-flared bottoms add movement and drama, perfect for festive and wedding celebrations.

• Gharara suits: Rich in heritage and detail, these structured flared pants bring a touch of vintage royalty to your ethnic wardrobe.

Whatever your style, Lashkaraa’s Indian women's collection features casual pieces and richly embellished outfits ideal for special moments.