The 15 Measurements Every Indian Wedding Outfit Needs (And How to Take Them at Home)

The most common reason an Indian wedding outfit doesn't fit perfectly isn't the tailor. It's the measurements.

NRI families often send incomplete measurements, measurements taken over clothing, or measurements taken without knowing the Indian tailoring conventions. The result: a lehenga blouse that won't close, a sherwani that's perfect in the chest but too short in the sleeve.

Here are the 15 measurements you need — and exactly how to take each one.

For the Bride (Lehenga/Saree Blouse)

1. Bust — measured around the fullest part of the chest, over your bra but not a padded one
2. Under bust — directly under the chest
3. Waist — the narrowest part, usually 1–2 inches above the navel
4. Hips — the fullest part, usually 7–9 inches below the waist
5. Shoulder width — across the back, from shoulder point to shoulder point
6. Shoulder to bust — from the shoulder seam to the center of the bust
7. Shoulder to waist — from the shoulder to the natural waist
8. Sleeve length — from the shoulder point to where you want the sleeve to end
9. Armhole — around the arm at the armpit

For the Lehenga Skirt

10. Waist — same as above
11. Hip — same as above
12. Length — from the waist to the floor, wearing the heels you'll wear on the day

For the Groom (Sherwani)

13. Chest — around the fullest part
14. Shoulder width — across the back
15. Height — for full-length sherwani proportions

The Mistakes to Avoid

• Never take measurements over thick clothing. Use a thin fitted top or no top.
• Don't pull the tape too tight. It should rest snugly, not compress.
• Measure twice before sending. A 1-inch error in a blouse measurement can mean the difference between a perfect fit and one that won't close.
• Height matters. Always provide your height, even for tops. Tailors use it for proportion.

Getting It Right the First Time