Quick answer
To take shalwar kameez measurements, measure the kameez length from the top of the shoulder to the desired hem, the shoulder (teera) across the back, the chest, waist and hip (ghera) around the fullest points, the sleeve (bazu) from shoulder to wrist, the neck (gala) around its base, and for the shalwar the length from waist to ankle and the bottom (pancha) opening.
What you need
- A soft measuring tape (inches)
- The customer standing straight, arms relaxed
- A register or the Tailorg app to note each number
The measurements, one by one
Kameez length (Lambai)
Start at the highest point of the shoulder next to the neck and run the tape straight down to where the kameez should end. Ask whether the customer wants it above or below the knee.
Shoulder (Teera)
Measure across the back from the tip of one shoulder bone to the other. Keep the tape level; a sloping tape makes the shoulder too wide.
Chest (Chhati)
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms. Keep one finger under the tape so the fit is not too tight.
Waist (Kamar)
Measure around the natural waist, usually just above the navel, with the customer breathing normally.
Hip (Ghera)
Measure around the widest part of the hips. This sets the kameez width at the bottom (daman).
Sleeve (Bazu)
From the shoulder tip down the outside of the arm to the wrist, or to where the customer wants the sleeve to end. Note cuff shape and size if the customer wants a cuff.
Neck (Gala)
Around the base of the neck. For a collar or ban, note its size in inches separately.
Shalwar length (Shalwar lambai)
From the waist down the side of the leg to the ankle. Ask if the customer wears it above or touching the shoe.
Bottom (Pancha)
The width of the leg opening at the ankle. For a pajama or trouser, note it separately because it is usually narrower.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring over a thick sweater or a heavy kameez.
- Pulling the tape tight around the chest and waist.
- Forgetting style notes such as the number of side pockets or the cuff shape.
- Writing numbers without names, then mixing them up later.
Questions tailors ask
How many measurements are needed for a shalwar kameez?
Usually nine: kameez length, shoulder, chest, waist, hip (ghera), sleeve, neck, shalwar length and bottom (pancha). Many tailors also note armhole, elbow and shalwar width.
Should measurements be taken in inches or centimetres?
Most tailors in Pakistan use inches. Tailorg lets each shop choose inches or centimetres for every field.
What is teera in tailoring?
Teera is the Urdu tailoring name for the shoulder measurement, taken across the back from one shoulder tip to the other.
What is pancha?
Pancha is the bottom opening of the shalwar or pajama at the ankle.
Save them in Tailorg instead of a register
Tailorg keeps every measurement with the customer's name and phone, remembers last time's numbers, and prints them on the karigar's slip. You can type the numbers, say them, or photograph an old register page.