Ordering pret wear online without trying it on first can feel like a gamble. Will the shoulders sit right? Will the length work with your height? The good news is that getting the perfect fit doesn't require guesswork, it requires the right measurements and a little know-how. This guide walks you through exactly how to measure yourself, read a size chart properly, and avoid the mistakes that lead to returns and exchanges.
How to Measure Yourself at Home in 5 Minutes
You only need a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and five minutes. Here's how to do it right:
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Bust/Chest: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the ground. Don't pull it tight, it should sit snug but comfortable.
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Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, usually just above your belly button, where your torso bends when you lean sideways.
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Hips: Stand with your feet together and measure around the widest part of your hips and bottom.
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Shoulder Width: Measure straight across your back from the edge of one shoulder to the other.
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Length (for kurtas/shirts): Measure from the shoulder point straight down to where you want the garment to end , knee, mid-calf, or ankle.
Write these five numbers down before you start browsing. Having them ready means you can check any product's size chart in seconds instead of guessing based on your "usual" size, which can vary significantly between brands.
Pro tip: Measure over lightweight clothing similar to what you'd wear under the pret piece, not over bulky layers. This keeps your numbers accurate.
Reading Amna Khadija Pret's Size Chart Correctly
Every pret collection at Amna Khadija comes with a detailed size chart listed on the product page. Here's how to use it properly instead of just glancing at the size labels:
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Match numbers, not labels. Don't assume "Medium" means the same thing across brands or even across different pret lines. Always match your actual bust, waist, and hip measurements (in inches or cm) to the numbers in the chart , not the letter size.
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Check garment-specific measurements. A fitted shirt and an A-line kurta will have different size charts even in the same size label, because the cut affects how the fabric sits. Always check the chart for the exact product you're ordering, not a general brand chart.
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Look at the length column separately. Many buyers get the bust and waist right but forget to check the finished length, especially for maxi styles or trousers. If you're petite or tall, this is the number that matters most for how the outfit will actually look on you.
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Note the fabric type. Stretchable fabrics (like lawn blends with lycra) have a little more give, while stiffer fabrics (like cambric or khaddar) hold your true measurements more strictly. If the product description mentions stretch, you may be able to size down slightly.
What to Do If You're Between Two Sizes
It's common to find that your bust matches one size while your waist matches another. Here's how to decide:
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Size up for structured pieces. For fitted shirts, waistcoats, or anything with a defined silhouette, always go with the larger size. It's easier to get a stitched-in adjustment (taken in at the waist) than to add fabric that isn't there.
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Size down for flowy silhouettes. A-line, flared, or oversized cuts are more forgiving, so if the difference is minor, the smaller size usually still works comfortably.
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Check the return/exchange policy first. If you're genuinely unsure, order the size you're leaning toward and confirm the exchange window before checkout, so you have a safety net.
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Consider your priority body area. If tops usually fit you well but bottoms run tight, size based on hips and adjust the waist with a tailor if needed , it's a small, affordable fix compared to buying a whole new outfit.
Common Online Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Even careful shoppers fall into these traps. Watch out for:
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Relying on memory instead of a tape measure. Body measurements shift over time, so don't assume last year's size still applies.
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Ignoring the size chart because "I always wear Medium." Sizing is not standardized across brands, especially between Western and pret wear.
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Skipping the length measurement. This is the number most likely to cause disappointment, especially with maxis, shararas, and trousers.
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Measuring over thick clothing. This adds inches that aren't really part of your body, leading you to size up unnecessarily.
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Not accounting for fabric behavior. Unstitched or semi-stitched pret pieces can shrink slightly after the first wash if not pre-treated, so always check the fabric care label before altering.
FAQs
Q: Do Amna Khadija pret sizes run true to standard Pakistani sizing?
Yes, sizes are based on standard Pakistani measurements, but always check the specific product's size chart, since cuts vary by style.
Q: What if my measurements fall between two sizes on the chart?
Size up for fitted styles and size down for flowy or A-line cuts, and check the exchange policy as a backup.
Q: Can pret pieces be altered after purchase?
Yes, most pret pieces can be taken in at the waist or hemmed for length by a local tailor, though it's best to buy the closest matching size to minimize alteration needs.
Q: How often should I re-measure myself?
It's a good habit to re-measure every few months or before any big shopping cycle, since weight and body shape can shift gradually.
