Men's Ethnic Wear Size Guide: How to Measure and Order the Right Fit

The single most common frustration with buying ethnic wear online is fit. A beautifully embroidered kurta set that does not fit correctly will never look the way it should, no matter how fine the craft. Here is everything you need to know to order the right size from Paarshin — and what to do if you need something custom.

Understanding Indian Ethnic Wear Sizing

Indian ethnic wear uses a chest-based sizing system. Paarshin sizes run from 34 to 44, representing the chest measurement in inches. Unlike Western clothing, where 'medium' or 'large' can mean very different things from brand to brand, the numeric sizing system is specific and consistent: size 38 means the garment is designed for a chest circumference of 38 inches.

How to Measure Yourself

Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground and passing it under your arms. Do not pull tight — keep the tape comfortably snug. This is your chest measurement and your primary size indicator.

Shoulder: Measure from the outer edge of one shoulder to the outer edge of the other, across the back. This is particularly important for Nehru jackets and Achkans, where the shoulder fit defines the entire silhouette of the garment.

Length: For a kurta, measure from the top of your shoulder (where it meets the neck) down to where you want the hemline to fall — typically mid-thigh for a standard kurta, longer for a drape or asymmetric style. For a Nehru jacket or Achkan, this should typically fall at the hip or below.

Waist: Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest point of your torso. For fitted Achkans and sherwanis, this measurement matters significantly.

The Paarshin Size Chart

Size 34: Chest 34–35 inches | Size 36: Chest 36–37 inches | Size 38: Chest 38–39 inches | Size 40: Chest 40–41 inches | Size 42: Chest 42–43 inches | Size 44: Chest 44–45 inches.

When in doubt between two sizes, go with the larger — an ethnic garment that is slightly loose is far more comfortable and manageable than one that is tight. It is also easier to have a garment taken in (at a local tailor) than let out.

What About Custom Sizes?

Paarshin customises colours and sizes for every outfit available online. If your chest measurement falls outside the 34–44 range, or if you have specific proportions (unusually long torso, broad shoulders, etc.) that standard sizing does not accommodate well, contact the team directly at orders@paarsh.in or call +91 9874386633. Custom pieces typically follow the same 15–18 business day production timeline.

Fitting Tips by Garment Type

Kurta set: The shoulders of the kurta should align with your actual shoulders — not drop over them or pull back from them. The chest should have 1–2 inches of ease. The hem should fall to mid-thigh.

Nehru jacket: The Mandarin collar should sit flat and close against the neck without gaping or squeezing. The jacket should close comfortably across the chest with 1 inch of ease. The length should fall at the hip.

Achkan: The most structured of Paarshin's silhouettes. The shoulder line must be exact — an Achkan worn with incorrect shoulder placement looks immediately wrong. Measure shoulders carefully and mention the measurement when ordering.

Sherwani: Fit should allow comfortable movement across the upper back and chest — you may be wearing this for 8–12 hours during a wedding day. Do not order tight. 2 inches of chest ease is the minimum.

If you have any questions about sizing before ordering, the Paarshin team is available at orders@paarsh.in and ships worldwide with tracking provided on dispatch.