Finding your size

The chart

These are body measurements — what you measure on yourself — not the finished measurements of the garment, which allow room for movement on top.

How to measure

Measure over your underwear rather than over clothes, and ask someone to help if you can — measuring your own back is where most numbers go wrong.

Bust

Around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level and under your arms.

Waist

Around the narrowest part of your middle, usually just above the navel. Do not pull the tape tight.

Hips

Around the fullest part of your hips and seat, with your feet together.

Menswear

Sherwanis, bandhgalas, bundis, tuxedos and jackets are sized by chest, in inches. Choose the chest size that fits you; the jacket length shown is the regular back length for that size, as a guide to proportion.

Chest

Around the fullest part of your chest, with the tape close up under your arms and level across your back.

Waist

Around your natural waistline, where your trousers sit. Keep one finger inside the tape.

Inside leg

From the top of the inside of your leg down to where you want the trouser to finish on your shoe.

Between two sizes

Take the larger. A piece can be taken in far more easily than it can be let out. If your bust, waist and hips fall in different rows — which is common — choose the size that matches your largest measurement and tell your consultant the rest; that is exactly the sort of thing the call is for.