Salwar kameez measurements

The measurements, and how to take them

Use a soft tape over thin clothing. Give body measurements only; the tailor adds ease for the style you choose.

• Kameez: bust, waist, hips: Taken exactly as for a kurta: fullest chest, natural waist, fullest seat, tape level.
• Kameez: shoulder, armhole, sleeve: Seam to seam across the back; around the shoulder joint; shoulder to desired sleeve end.
• Kameez length: Shoulder to hem, commonly 95 to 110 cm depending on how long you like the kameez over the salwar.
• Salwar length: From the waist, where you tie the drawstring, down to the ankle bone. Usually 95 to 100 cm.
• Thigh: Around the fullest part of the upper leg. Gives a comfortable seat and stride in fitted bottoms.
• Mohri (bottom opening): The circumference of the opening at the ankle. Wide for patiala and classic salwar, snug around the ankle bone for churidar.

Mistakes that ruin the fit

• Giving churidar length ankle-to-ankle exact: a churidar is cut longer than the leg on purpose so it gathers at the ankle.
• Confusing mohri with thigh; one is the ankle opening, one is the leg.
• Ordering a patiala with a fitted mohri; the pleats need a wide opening to fall properly.

Or skip the tape entirely

Scan yourself with your phone camera on Silai: about 2 minutes, free, no tape and no second person. You get every measurement on this page, saved as your naap for any tailor on the platform, in any city or country.

How the scan works Try it on the Pre-Loved rack

Common questions

What is mohri?

The opening at the bottom of the salwar or churidar, measured around. Churidar mohri hugs the ankle, about 18 to 22 cm around; patiala mohri is wide and relaxed.

How is a churidar measured differently?

Same waist, hip and thigh, but the length is cut longer than the leg so the extra fabric stacks in folds at the ankle; the tailor handles the extra, you just give ankle length.

More guides

Saree blouse measurements · Kurta and kurti measurements · Lehenga measurements · Gown and anarkali measurements · What measurements does a tailor need?