How to Take Measurements for Men's Kurta Pajama at Home

This page is for any man ordering a stitched or ready-made kurta pajama online or from a shop who wants to avoid size errors. It does not cover fabric choice, colour, or price. It also does not replace a shop's own size chart. Your first check is to find a kurta that already fits you well and lay it flat on the floor.

How to measure for kurta

• Chest: Lay the kurta flat, front side up. Pull the side seams straight. Measure straight across from one armpit to the other, just below the sleeve seam. What it means: This is the garment chest, not your body chest. If the seller's chart lists 'chest 50 inches', your flat measurement should be close to 50, not your body measurement of 40.
• Length: Measure from the centre of the collar band straight down to the bottom hem, keeping the tape vertical. What it means: A chart that says 'length 32 inches' means the garment is 32 inches long. If your old kurta measures 30, ask for the 32 only if you want it longer.
• Sleeve: Measure from the centre of the shoulder seam at the collar down to the cuff edge, along the outside of the sleeve. What it means: This is full sleeve length. For half or quarter sleeves, measure from the shoulder seam to the cut edge and match that number.
• Shoulder: Measure straight across from one shoulder seam to the other, following the curve of the shoulder line. What it means: A wide shoulder measurement means the sleeve sits far from the neck. If your old kurta measures 18 inches and the new one's chart says 20, the arms will hang looser.
• Waist: If the kurta has darts or a side seam taper, measure straight across at the narrowest part of the garment. What it means: Most kurtas are straight cut, so waist equals chest. Only use this if the chart lists waist separately.
• Bottom: Measure straight across the bottom hem from one side seam to the other. What it means: This tells you how wide the flare is. A chart that says 'bottom 24 inches' means the hem is 24 inches wide flat.

Kurta size by measuring a kurta you already own

These checks prove the garment size, not the fabric shrinkage or the tailor's cut. The stronger proof is the seller's printed size chart, which you must read before ordering. If the chart is missing, ask the shop to send a photo of the garment laid flat with a tape measure across the chest and length. For stitched orders, ask for the 'allowance' in cm added to body measurements.

Questions to ask at the counter or send to the seller

• What is your flat chest measurement for this size, from armpit to armpit?
• What is the total length from collar band to hem?
• Is the sleeve measurement full length or half?
• Do you add ease to the chest, and how much?
• Can you send a photo of the garment laid flat with a tape measure?

When the answer changes

First-time buyers should measure twice on two different kurtas and average the numbers. Gifting without knowing the recipient's size means you must ask the seller for the flat garment measurements, not the body size. Online orders with no returns need an extra 2 cm ease. In humid climates, cotton may shrink 2 to 3 cm after the first wash, so add that if the chart does not mention pre-shrunk fabric.

Safety and fairness note

When a seller insists on a no-return policy, ask for the flat garment measurements in writing before paying. If the numbers do not match your old kurta within 2 cm, walk away. Never pay extra for 'custom tailoring' without seeing the chart.