South Asian Clothing Size Guide Australia: Indian & Nepali Sizes vs AU Sizing
Share
Buying South Asian clothing online in Australia can be confusing because a label such as 38, 40 or 42 does not always map neatly to an Australian dress size. The safest approach is to treat the size label as a starting point and choose from actual garment measurements.
The key rule: measure your body, then check the garment
For kurtis, blouses and fitted festive wear, the most useful measurements are bust, waist, hip, shoulder, armhole and garment length. Measure over light clothing and keep the tape comfortably close to the body without pulling it tight.
Why Indian, Nepali and Australian labels differ
South Asian brands commonly use numeric labels such as 36, 38, 40 and 42, often derived from bust measurements or a brand-specific grading system. Australian brands usually use sizes such as AU 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16. Neither system is perfectly standardised across all manufacturers, so a direct conversion should always be treated as approximate.
Approximate starting-point conversion
| South Asian label often seen | Approximate bust reference | Common AU starting point |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | around 36 in / 91 cm | AU 8–10 |
| 38 | around 38 in / 97 cm | AU 10–12 |
| 40 | around 40 in / 102 cm | AU 12–14 |
| 42 | around 42 in / 107 cm | AU 14–16 |
| 44 | around 44 in / 112 cm | AU 16–18 |
Important: this table is a shopping reference, not a universal standard. Always prioritise the individual product's size chart.
How to measure for a kurti or kurthi set
- Measure the fullest part of the bust.
- Measure the natural waist.
- Measure the fullest part of the hip.
- Check shoulder width if the garment is structured.
- Compare your measurements with the garment chart and allow ease for movement.
For straight-cut kurtis, hip measurement can be especially important. For Anarkali or umbrella silhouettes, bust and shoulder fit often matter more because the lower garment has more volume.
How to measure for a saree blouse
A blouse is much less forgiving than an open kurti. Check bust, under-bust, shoulder, armhole, sleeve opening and blouse length. If you are between two sizes, it is usually safer to choose the larger size and alter it, provided the garment construction allows alteration.
Sarees themselves are usually less size-dependent
Unstitched sarees are primarily about saree length, blouse piece availability and draping preference rather than standard dress sizing. Ready-to-wear sarees are different: waist and length measurements become important, so use the specific product chart rather than assuming one size fits all.
Fabric changes how sizing feels
- Cotton: usually has little stretch and may feel firmer.
- Silk and Banarasi-style fabrics: often need enough ease through the bust and armhole.
- Georgette and chiffon: drape softly but the lining or blouse may still be structured.
- Stretch fabrics: can tolerate smaller differences, but should not replace accurate measurement.
Useful checklist before ordering online
- Ignore the label until you have checked the measurement chart.
- Compare centimetres with centimetres or inches with inches.
- Check whether the chart lists body measurements or finished garment measurements.
- Read the product description for lining, stretch and alteration allowance.
- For event outfits, order early enough to allow alteration if required.
For retailers, stylists and community organisations
When giving sizing advice, avoid presenting a single India-to-Australia conversion as exact. A better reference gives approximate conversions, explains measurement points and directs the wearer to the garment-specific chart. That reduces returns and gives customers a more realistic expectation of fit.
Behuli Australia includes sizing information across its clothing range. You can browse sarees, Anarkali styles and other festive wear, then use the product-specific measurements as the final sizing reference.