The four key measurements needed for a well-fitting kurti are bust, waist, hip, and shoulder width, each taken with a flexible measuring tape while standing naturally and wearing well-fitted undergarments similar to what you would wear under the finished garment.
What Tools Do You Need to Measure Yourself Accurately?
A flexible fabric measuring tape is essential, since a rigid tape cannot properly follow the curves of the body. It also helps to have a mirror nearby, or a second person to assist, since it can be difficult to keep a tape level around your own back when measuring alone. Standing in a relaxed, natural posture, rather than pulling in or puffing out, gives the most accurate result.
How Do You Measure Bust Size Correctly?
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level and parallel to the ground all the way around your back, without pulling it tight enough to compress the chest. This measurement determines how the kurti fits across the chest and upper body, and is typically the single most important measurement for overall fit.
How Do You Measure Waist Size Correctly?
Locate your natural waist, generally the narrowest point of your torso, usually just above the belly button, and wrap the tape around this point, keeping it snug but not tight. Many people find it helpful to bend slightly to one side to locate the natural crease that indicates the waistline, then straighten up before taking the actual measurement.
How Do You Measure Hip Size Correctly?
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, typically seven to nine inches below your natural waist, keeping the tape level around the entire circumference. This measurement is particularly important for A-line or flared kurti styles, where the garment needs enough room through the hip to allow the flare to fall correctly.
How Do You Measure Shoulder Width Correctly?
Measure across the back from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other, following the natural slope of the shoulders rather than a straight horizontal line. This measurement determines how well the shoulder seam of a kurti will sit, and an incorrect shoulder measurement is one of the most common causes of a kurti that looks correctly sized elsewhere but feels wrong across the upper body.
How Do You Measure Kurti Length?
To determine your preferred kurti length, measure from the top of your shoulder down to wherever you want the hem to fall, whether that is at the hip, mid-thigh, or knee. It helps to reference a kurti you already own and like the length of, measuring it directly rather than estimating on your own body, since this removes guesswork from the process.
What Should You Do if Your Measurements Fall Between Two Sizes?
When your measurements fall between two standard sizes, it is generally safer to size up rather than down, particularly for fitted styles, since a slightly looser kurti is more comfortable and can sometimes be tailored smaller, while a too-tight kurti often cannot be let out if the seam allowance is minimal. If you plan to wear the kurti with a specific undergarment or layering piece, take your measurements while wearing that same layer for the most accurate result.
How Often Should You Re-Measure Yourself?
Body measurements can shift over time due to lifestyle changes, so it is worth re-measuring yourself every six to twelve months, particularly before a significant purchase like a wedding outfit or a bulk order of everyday kurtis, rather than relying on measurements taken years earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important measurement for a kurti?
Bust measurement is typically the most important, since it has the greatest impact on overall fit across the chest and upper body.
Should I size up or down if I am between sizes?
Generally size up, since a slightly loose kurti is more comfortable and can sometimes be tailored smaller, unlike a too-tight kurti.
How do I measure shoulder width correctly?
Measure across the back from the edge of one shoulder to the other, following the natural slope of the shoulders.
How often should I re-measure myself?
Every six to twelve months is a reasonable interval, especially before a significant purchase.
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