Pakistani Clothing Size Guide — Find Your Perfect Fit
Finding the right size for Pakistani clothing can be confusing if you're used to Western sizing. Our comprehensive guide covers ready-to-wear suits, kids wear, and how to measure yourself at home. Every silhouette is cut twice — once for the hanger, once for the body. These are the exact measurements our Karachi tailors work from when creating each piece.
Ladies Ready-to-Wear Suits
Pakistani ready-to-wear sizing follows a different system than Western standard sizes. Our sizes: XS fits UK 6 (bust 32-34 inches, waist 26-28 inches, hip 36-38 inches) · S fits UK 8-10 (bust 34-36 inches, waist 28-30 inches, hip 38-40 inches) · M fits UK 12 (bust 36-38 inches, waist 30-32 inches, hip 40-42 inches) · L fits UK 14 (bust 38-40 inches, waist 32-34 inches, hip 42-44 inches) · XL fits UK 16 (bust 40-42 inches, waist 34-36 inches, hip 44-46 inches). All our kameez (shirts) run long by design — expect a standard 112cm length from shoulder to hem. This traditional proportion flatters most heights and can be hemmed shorter if needed. Shalwar and trousers are tailored to complement the kameez length. When between sizes, we recommend sizing up for Pakistani formal wear as suits tend to run fitted, and slight extra room is more comfortable than a tight fit.
How to Measure Yourself
Accurate measurements ensure the best fit. Use a soft measuring tape and wear only undergarments for accuracy. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor and comfortably snug but not tight. Waist: Find your natural waistline (the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button) and measure around, allowing the tape to sit comfortably without pulling. Hip: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, approximately 8-9 inches below your natural waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. Shoulder width: Measure from one shoulder point to the other across your back. Sleeve length: Measure from your shoulder point down to your wrist bone with your arm slightly bent. For kameez length, measure from the top of your shoulder down to where you want the hem to fall — traditionally knee-length or just below. Have someone help you for the most accurate measurements, especially for back measurements and sleeve length.
Kids Sizing by Age and Height
Children's sizing is based primarily on height, with age as a general guide. 2-3 years typically fits height 90-100cm · 3-4 years fits 100-110cm · 5-6 years fits 110-120cm · 7-8 years fits 120-132cm · 9-10 years fits 130-145cm · 11-12 years fits 145-155cm. Always measure your child's height and check our specific size charts on product pages rather than relying solely on age, as children grow at different rates. When ordering for events several months away, consider your child's growth rate — Pakistani kids wear typically has slight extra room that can accommodate growth. If between sizes, size up for kids as they grow quickly and clothes can be hemmed if too long initially. For height measurement, have your child stand against a wall without shoes, mark the top of their head, then measure from floor to mark.
Fit Troubleshooting
Common fit issues and solutions: If the bust is too tight but everything else fits, consider sizing up as Pakistani suits often run fitted in the bust area. If the kameez is too long, any local tailor can hem it to your preferred length — we intentionally make them longer to accommodate different heights. If shoulders are too wide, try a smaller size, but note that Pakistani formal wear traditionally has slightly wider shoulders than Western clothing. If sleeves are too short, some designs allow letting out the hem, or consult us about custom options for future orders. If the overall fit feels tight, Pakistani formal wear is meant to be more fitted than Western casual wear, but you should still be able to move, sit, and eat comfortably. For the best fit on special pieces, consider having a local tailor make minor adjustments after receiving your order — small tweaks can perfect the fit.
Size Conversion Chart
Pakistani XS = UK 6 = US 2 = EU 34. Pakistani S = UK 8-10 = US 4-6 = EU 36-38. Pakistani M = UK 12 = US 8 = EU 40. Pakistani L = UK 14 = US 10 = EU 42. Pakistani XL = UK 16 = US 12 = EU 44. Note that Pakistani sizing tends to run slightly smaller than Western sizing due to different cutting standards and the fitted aesthetic preferred in Pakistani formal wear. When comparing to Western brands, Pakistani formal suits are generally one size smaller than equivalent casual Western wear. This is intentional — the fitted silhouette is traditional and flattering when properly sized. Always check bust, waist, and hip measurements rather than assuming your usual Western size will translate directly.
Alterations and Custom Sizing
Most ready-to-wear pieces can be altered by any skilled tailor. Common alterations include: Hemming (shortening kameez or trouser length) — very straightforward and inexpensive. Taking in at the waist or sides — possible if there's seam allowance. Adjusting sleeve length — can usually be shortened, sometimes lengthened if fabric allows. Shoulder adjustments — more complex but possible for significant fit issues. For customers who need custom sizing beyond our standard range, we offer custom tailoring for bulk orders of 5+ pieces. Contact us with your measurements and we can provide a quote. For one-off custom pieces, we recommend purchasing our closest standard size and having a local tailor make adjustments, which is often faster and more economical than ordering fully custom from Pakistan. Turnaround for custom orders is 3-4 weeks plus shipping time.
