The Sizing Problem Every Pakistani Canadian Has Experienced
You order what looks like your size from a Pakistani brand. It arrives two weeks later and it's either too tight in the chest or so large it looks like a tent. Pakistani sizing is not standardised and varies significantly between brands — and between Pakistani sizing conventions and Canadian ones.
Here's what you actually need to know to get it right.
Pakistani vs Canadian Sizing: The Rough Conversion
Pakistani brands typically size 1–2 sizes smaller than Canadian equivalents for women's wear:
- Pakistani S = Canadian XS / US 0–2
- Pakistani M = Canadian S / US 4–6
- Pakistani L = Canadian M / US 8–10
- Pakistani XL = Canadian L / US 12–14
- Pakistani XXL = Canadian XL / US 16–18
This is a rough guide. Individual brands vary significantly — Maria B runs larger than Khaadi, for example. Always check the brand's specific size chart.
The Measurements That Matter
Pakistani kameez sizing is primarily based on three measurements:
Chest (Seena): Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Add 4–6 inches to your actual chest measurement for a comfortable fit (not a tight fit).
Length (Lambai): Measure from the top of your shoulder to where you want the kameez to end. Most Pakistani kameez run 38–42 inches for women. If you're taller than 5'6", look for brands that specify a longer length or order custom-stitched.
Shalwar/Trouser waist: Measure your natural waist. Pakistani shalwars come with a drawstring (naala) and can be adjusted 4–6 inches up or down, so waist measurement is less critical than the kameez.
Ready-to-Wear vs Unstitched
Ready-to-wear has fixed sizing. Unstitched (also called "fabric" or "2-piece/3-piece") is cut and sewn locally and can be tailored to your exact measurements.
For Pakistani Canadians who struggle with ready-to-wear sizing, unstitched fabric is often the better option. Take it to a local desi tailor in Toronto, Mississauga, or Vancouver with your measurements. The stitching cost is usually $25–$60 CAD and the result fits perfectly.
Tips for Buying Ready-to-Wear Without Trying It On
- Always read the brand's size chart, not the general Pakistani sizing conversion
- When between sizes, size up — kameez can be taken in, but letting out a seam is harder
- Check the fabric — stretchy fabrics (jersey, cotton blend) are more forgiving; woven fabrics (pure cotton, silk) are not
- Heavily embroidered kameez have less give — be conservative with sizing
Men's Shalwar Kameez Sizing
Men's sizing in Pakistan is simpler — typically based on chest and shirt length. Pakistani men's sizing generally aligns more closely with Canadian sizing than women's wear does. A Canadian size M man usually fits Pakistani size M comfortably. When in doubt, size up — a slightly larger kameez looks intentional; a tight one does not.
Browse Verified Pakistani Brands on Ruyte
All brands on Ruyte include their size charts and many offer unstitched fabric options for custom tailoring. Filter by "ready-to-wear" or "unstitched" to find what you need.