European sizing,
Indian craftsmanship.
How IndiaNiva sizes sarees and blouse pieces for buyers in Germany and Europe — plus a quick conversion to Indian standards for your tailor.
IndiaNiva uses standard European sizing (XS / S / M / L / XL) for blouse pieces, with a conversion chart for your Indian tailor. The saree itself is one universal length that adjusts to your body through the drape.
How saree sizing works
A saree has three parts: the saree itself, the blouse, and the petticoat. Each is sized differently.
The saree itself
The saree fabric is universal. It is one long piece (typically 5.5 to 6 yards / 5–5.5 metres long, around 1.1 metres wide) that adjusts to your body through how you drape it. You do not order a saree in a specific size — it fits everyone.
The blouse piece
The matching blouse fabric (around 80cm to 1 metre, attached to or sold with the saree) is what needs sizing. We use European sizing (XS–XL) to indicate which size the blouse piece is best suited to once stitched by your tailor.
The petticoat (underskirt)
A separate fitted underskirt with a drawstring waist. We do not sell petticoats. Your tailor will stitch one to your waist measurement, or you can buy a generic petticoat from any Indian shop.
European to Indian size conversion
When you buy a saree from IndiaNiva, the blouse piece will be sized in European sizing. When you visit your tailor, you may need the Indian/inches measurement. Here is the conversion:
| IndiaNiva size | EU clothing size | Bust (cm) | Bust (inches) | UK size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | EU 32 / 34 | 78–82 cm | 30–32″ | UK 4–6 |
| S | EU 36 | 83–87 cm | 33–34″ | UK 8 |
| M | EU 38 | 88–92 cm | 35–36″ | UK 10 |
| L | EU 40 | 93–98 cm | 37–38″ | UK 12 |
| XL | EU 42 / 44 | 99–106 cm | 39–42″ | UK 14–16 |
When you take the unstitched blouse piece to your tailor, ask them to measure your bust, waist, and shoulder — Indian tailors usually have their own measurement sheet. The European size is just a guide.
Saree length and “height fit”
The standard IndiaNiva saree length is 5.5 metres (6 yards). This fits most women up to about 175cm (5’9″) comfortably with a standard drape.
If you are taller than 175cm, you may want to either:
— Choose a saree from our “9-yard” category once available (longer, allows more pleat depth)
— Ask your tailor to add a hem extension if available
— Use a longer petticoat to reduce floor-pooling
If you are below 155cm (5’1″), the standard saree will likely have extra fabric — your tailor can adjust the petticoat height to compensate.
How to measure yourself
If you’re unsure which size to order, take these measurements at home with a fabric tape measure:
1. Bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level and not too tight. Wear a normal bra. Note the measurement in cm or inches.
2. Waist
Wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your navel. Do not pull tight.
3. Shoulder
Measure across the back of your shoulders, from one shoulder bone to the other.
Compare your bust measurement to the table above to find your IndiaNiva size. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one — a blouse can always be taken in by your tailor but is harder to let out.
Important notes
— Sizing varies slightly by saree style and fabric weight. Heavy silks may feel structured; lightweight georgettes drape more closely to the body.
— These size charts are approximate guides, not exact measurements. Indian and European bodies, and individual differences, mean that a good tailor’s measurement is always the best fit.
— Once the shop is live, every saree product page will include a size note specific to that piece.
— If you have questions before ordering, email info@indianiva.com — we are happy to help even before launch.
Need a trusted tailor in Europe?
The IndiaNiva Tailor Directory launches in late 2027 with verified Indian tailors in cities across Germany and the EU. Join the launch list to be notified when your city is covered.
Join the 2027 launch list