Kameez Size Chart in Pakistan: XS to XL in Inches, Plus How to Measure Yourself at Home

In Pakistani ready-to-wear, a women's size M kameez usually measures about 41 inches around the chest and 46 inches long, while size S is about 38 inches around and 45 inches long. Those figures come from a Pakistani brand's published size chart for its basic shirt, which we read on 4 November 2026. The chart lists the garment, not your body, so you need to leave some room. Below is the full XS to XL chart, the matching trouser sizes and how to measure yourself at home.

Buying pret online has made sizing the main worry for many women. A kameez that looks right on a model can be tight at the armhole or short in the length. A few minutes with a soft measuring tape saves an exchange, and with many brands refusing to exchange sale items, it can save the money too.

Women's kameez size chart, XS to XL in inches

The chart below is Stylo's basic shirt size chart, from its apparel size chart page. The brand lists the chest as a flat width, measured one inch below the armhole across the front. We doubled it to give the full chest, which is the number most people compare.

The number after each letter, 8 to 16, is the matching UK-style dress size. The brand allows a quarter inch either way on the chest and an eighth of an inch on most other measurements.

Trouser and shalwar sizes that go with it

For the matching trouser, the same brand lists the waist both relaxed and stretched, because most pret trousers have an elastic waist. Size M has a 30 inch relaxed waist that stretches to 43 inches, with a 45 inch hip.

The brand gives these as flat widths. We doubled the waist and hip figures to give full round numbers. Its chart notes that these are revised measurements "with 1 up size jump", so an older trouser from the same brand may be a size smaller.

Measure yourself at home in six steps

Use a soft cloth tape, stand straight, and wear thin clothes. Keep the tape snug but not tight, with one finger able to slide underneath.

1. Chest: measure around the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape level across your back.
2. Waist: measure around your natural waist, the narrowest part above the navel.
3. Hip: measure around the widest part of the hips, with your feet together.
4. Shoulder: measure across the back from the tip of one shoulder bone to the other.
5. Kameez length: measure from the top of the shoulder, near the neck, down to where you want the hem.
6. Trouser length: measure from the waist down the outside of the leg to the ankle.

Leave room: body size and garment size are different

A chart that lists the garment needs to be bigger than your body. As a simple rule, choose a kameez whose chest is about 2 to 4 inches more than your bust measurement for a regular fit, and more for a loose, flowing cut.

For example, if your bust is 36 inches, the 38 inch size S gives a close fit and the 41 inch size M gives an easy, relaxed fit. If you sit at a desk all day, the easier fit is usually more comfortable. In winter, khaddar and karandi are thicker and have less give than lawn, and you may wear a warm inner underneath, so many women go one size up for winter suits. Check the armhole too. A tight armhole is the most common complaint with pret, and a tailor cannot easily let it out.

Unstitched suits and men's kameez

If you buy unstitched fabric, the tailor takes your measurements, so the size chart does not apply. Take the same six measurements with you as a backup, and ask the tailor to note them in your name. If you also need shoes for the outfit, our sneaker buying guide explains how to read a shoe brand chart.

Men's kameez shalwar is sold by chest or by S to XXL, and the charts vary more between brands than women's pret. Measure your chest, shoulder and the length you like from an old kameez that fits well. Laying a favourite kameez flat and measuring it is the quickest way to compare with any brand's chart.

Before you order, read the brand's exchange policy. Sapphire gives 30 days on full price items, Khaadi and Alkaram give 7 days, and J. gives 3 days, but most brands do not exchange sale items. Our guide to online return and refund rights explains what to do if a store refuses a fair exchange, and Daraz's return rules apply if you buy through a marketplace.

Common questions

What is size M in a Pakistani kameez?

On the chart we read, size M (12) has a full chest of about 41 inches, a 14.5 inch shoulder and a 46 inch length. Other brands may differ by an inch or two.

What does XS/8 or M/12 mean on a kameez?

The number is the matching UK-style dress size. XS is 8, S is 10, M is 12, L is 14 and XL is 16.

Should I size up for winter khaddar suits?

Many women do. Khaddar and karandi are thicker than lawn and you may wear a warm layer underneath, so one size up is often more comfortable.

How much bigger than my bust should a kameez be?

About 2 to 4 inches more than your bust for a regular fit. A loose or A-line cut needs more.

Is the size chart for my body or for the kameez?

Most Pakistani pret charts list the garment. Compare it with a kameez you own that fits well, not with your bare body measurement.

Can I exchange a kameez bought on sale?

Usually not. Khaadi, Sapphire and Alkaram all say sale items cannot be exchanged, so buy sale pret only in a size you are sure of.

How we verified this

What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.

We read Stylo's basic shirt and basic trouser size charts on its apparel size chart page (stylo.pk) on 4 November 2026 and doubled its flat widths to give full round figures. Exchange terms come from the policy pages of Sapphire, Khaadi, Alkaram and J. read the same day. Each brand cuts differently, so always check the size guide on the product page you are buying from.