How to Measure Yourself for a Custom Pakistani Suit

Quick answer: to order a custom Pakistani suit you need eight measurements: bust, waist, hips, shoulder, sleeve length, armhole, shirt length and trouser or lehenga length, plus your height. Use a soft tape measure, wear light clothing and ask someone to help if you can. At Raz Ruya every outfit is made to order, and custom sizing costs nothing extra.

What you need

• A soft (cloth) measuring tape in inches
• A close-fitting top or the bra you plan to wear with the outfit
• A mirror, or better, a friend to hold the tape
• A note of your height in feet and inches

The measurements, step by step

1. Bust: measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level under your arms and across your back.
2. Waist: measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist, usually just above the belly button.
3. Hips: stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips.
4. Shoulder: measure across your back from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other.
5. Sleeve length: from the shoulder edge down to where you want the sleeve to end (wrist for full sleeves, elbow for half sleeves).
6. Armhole: measure around the top of your arm where it meets the shoulder, passing under the armpit.
7. Shirt length: from the highest point of your shoulder, next to the neck, down to where you want the shirt to finish.
8. Trouser, sharara or lehenga length: from your waist down to your ankle, or to the floor with the shoes you will wear.

Why shirt length depends on your height

Pakistani formal shirts range from short kurtis to floor-length gowns, and the same design looks different on someone who is 5'0" and someone who is 5'9". Because every Raz Ruya outfit is made for one customer, we set the shirt length for you. Tell us your height and, if you have a preference, the shirt length you want. If you are unsure, we will follow the proportions of the design shown in the photos.

Our size chart: half (flat) measurements

Our size chart lists bust, waist, hip and armhole as half measurements, taken flat across the garment. To compare with your body, double the chart figure, then allow 1 to 2 inches of ease for comfort. For example, a bust of 18.5 inches on the chart is a 37-inch garment, which suits a body bust of about 35 to 36 inches.

Standard size or custom size?

Our standard sizes run from XS to XL (UK 8 to 20) and are a convenient starting point. Choose Custom Size on the product page if you fall between sizes, are petite or tall, or want a particular fit. Details such as modesty lining, neckline depth and sleeve style can also be adjusted.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Pulling the tape too tight. It should sit flat without pressing into the skin.
• Measuring over a thick jumper or jeans.
• Guessing your height or shirt length instead of measuring.
• Giving body measurements and garment measurements in the same order without saying which is which.

Need help?

WhatsApp us on +44 7424 561863 or email info@razruya.com and we will help you measure before you order. Please double-check your numbers: because each outfit is made to the measurements you give us, size and fit changes are handled as paid alterations rather than returns (see our refund policy).

Frequently asked questions

How many measurements do I need for a custom Pakistani suit?

Eight: bust, waist, hips, shoulder, sleeve length, armhole, shirt length and trouser or lehenga length, plus your height.

Does custom sizing cost extra at Raz Ruya?

No. Choose Custom Size on the product page and enter your measurements. Custom sizing is free.

Are the size chart figures body or garment measurements?

Bust, waist, hip and armhole on our size chart are half (flat) garment measurements. Double them and allow 1 to 2 inches of ease to compare with your body.