Reference chart
Shalwar Kameez Body Measurement Chart
Bust moves in 4–5 cm steps between sizes and drifts 2–3 cm between brands, so treat every row below as a starting point to check against your own tape, not a fixed label. The table covers bust by size plus the cut points — length, neckline, slit, waistband and hem — that a stitch order actually needs.
Measurement and cut-point chart
| Point | Value | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Bust – size M | 91 cm (36 in) | fullest point, across the back and front |
| Bust – size L | 96 cm (38 in) | 4–5 cm above size M |
| Bust – size XL | 101 cm (40 in) | 4–5 cm above size L |
| Bust chart drift | ±2–3 cm | variance between brand charts at the same labelled size |
| Adult kameez length | 100–115 cm | shoulder seam to hem |
| Short kurti length | 60–75 cm | shoulder seam to hem, shorter cut |
| Lined/embellished hem | +2–4 cm | added to base length at the hem |
| Round neckline drop | 7–10 cm | below the front shoulder seam |
| Side slit (chaak) start | 20–40 cm | above the hem, straight cut |
| Waistband elastic width | 25–40 mm | cut to waist measurement minus 5–10 cm of stretch |
| Poncha (ankle opening) | 18–25 cm | sewn flat width at the shalwar ankle |
Bust ease is not in this chart because it is added later, at the stitch-order stage: 5–8 cm for a fitted kameez, 10–15 cm for a loose cut. See How to Take Your Measurements for the order to apply it in.
Where each cut point sits on the garment
Questions about this chart
My waist measurement does not match any row here — is the chart wrong?
The chart only lists bust by size because that is the number brand charts publish consistently; waist and hip are not listed here on purpose since they are not standardised the same way. Take your own waist reading and use the waistband row (elastic cut to waist minus 5–10 cm of stretch) to size the band itself.
Do these numbers change between stitched and unstitched suits?
No, the cut points are the same either way. Stitched suits apply them at the factory or tailor stage; unstitched suits leave you or your tailor to mark and cut to the same neckline, chaak, waistband and poncha values.