Do Sarees Have Sizes?

Do you shop for sarees according to their sizes? I’m sure that it’s a no! Sarees appear to be a “one-size, fits all” garment. But is it true? Like you, I also used to wonder about saree sizes until having a striking realization. So, do sarees have sizes? You will find the best answer right below!

Sarees do have sizes. They have different sizes in the main part. A regular saree measures 5.5 meters. You can also find different sizes depending upon saree types. For example, the size of a Sambalpuri saree is 6 meters and that of a Kanjivaram is 6.9 meters, whereas a Nauvari saree measures around 9 meters.

What is the Standard Length of a Saree?

Do you know why you do not ask for a saree’s length when purchasing? It’s because most sarees have a standard length and you do not require worrying about the measurements. However, you should know the standard saree sizes, being a saree lover. 

Usually, the standard saree size is approximately 5.5 meters, that is, 6 yards. Most sarees, if not all, have the same measurement. Now that you know the regular saree measurement, you can detect whether the saree is defective or correct piece effortlessly. 

Now, it’s time to dive deeper and surface some other aspects about saree sizes. Let’s get started!

Different Aspects of Saree Sizes

Are you thinking of what influences saree sizes? Well, many factors alter the measurement of a saree and create different sizes of the garment. Let’s look at the different factors that affect saree measurements.

1. Blouse Piece in Saree Makes it Longer

Many sarees come with readymade blouse pieces. You can buy such a saree to save your efforts of finding matching blouse fabric after purchase. However, do you know that these sarees are longer? Yes, that’s right! Your saree will have an additional 80 centimeter or 1-meter fabric for the blouse. So, the length of the saree increases when you initially purchase them.

2. Main Part Size Varies Too

Some sarees have longer main parts. So, you will get a lengthier garment depending upon the type of saree you are purchasing. Sarees like a Nauvari one require a longer main part for efficient draping in the traditional manner. When it comes to going for such sarees, encountering a measurement of around 6.9 meters is not uncommon.

3. Stitched Saree Has Strict Measurements

Most of you have heard about stitched sarees. Yes, it’s the one that is ideal for novice saree lovers. Being a stitched garment, the drape tightness or looseness varies from one size to the other. So, you require measuring your sizes carefully and choose a saree that fits your body perfectly. 

4. Custom Sarees with Long Pallu

Have you seen women wearing long sarees in ancient photos? They are custom-made garments, designed for photoshoots. Such sarees usually have an overwhelming pallu to add drama to your garment. Consequently, they are longer with overflowing pallu.

Now, you already know the factors influencing saree sizes. However, we missed out on an essential parameter. Follow along with the article to find more!

Saree Sizes Based on Type of Sarees

Do you wonder how a Maharashtrian girl makes so many folds with a regular saree of 5.5 meters? They have different sarees. Woah! What’s different in their sarees? The Nauvari saree is way longer than you think! Like Nauvari, many other sarees have different sizes. Let’s look at some of the saree types and their lengths.

1. Kanjivaram Saree is Longer

Kanjivaram sarees are longer than regular sarees. Mostly, the Kanjivaram sarees measure around 6 meters. But they can reach a length of 9 meters. In earlier days, a Kanchipuram saree measured around 11 meters. So, you can consider such a saree to be one of the longest sarees.

2. Nauvari – One of the Longest Sarees

You must have appreciated the beauty of a Maharashtrian girl wearing a Nauvari saree? Like you, I am a die-hard fan of such a saree. But do you know that a Nauvari saree is one of the longest sarees? Yes, that’s right! A Nauvari saree measures around 6.9 meters. 

3. The Stretched Tant Saree

Although Tant sarees look no different, they are longer than regular sarees. You can easily get a Tant saree having a length of around 6 meters in the market. Congrats to know such an uncommon fact about Tant sarees!

4. Sambalpuri Sarees are Longer than Usual

The traditional Sambalpuri sarees are longer than usual. They usually measure around 6 meters. Although the latest versions are smaller and have a lesser fabric in them.

5. Kasavu Sarees Measure Around 7 Meters

The gorgeous Kasavu sarees are another name among longer sarees. They measure around 5-7 meters. However, the modern Kasavu sarees are smaller to 5.5 meters for convenient draping and management for a longer span.

How do you measure for a saree?

It is not at all a herculean task to find the right measure for your saree. Just follow some simple tips and tricks, and there you are with the proper fitting of the saree. Let’s have a look at the points listed below which you can consider before buying a saree.

1. Blouse measurement

For the right fitting of the bust, you need to have a measuring tape in your hand to measure the lower bust, upper bust, armhole, around arm, neck front, neck back, blouse length, shoulder, and sleeve length.

• Bust

For measuring the bust-line, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust by keeping it of exact size; neither too tight nor too loose. 

• Lower-bust

Measure around your chest, just under your breast area to get the right size of the lower bust. Again, the measuring tape should be neither too tight nor too loose. 

• Arm – Hole

To get the right size of the area between your shoulder and arm top, keep the tape on the shoulder tip, and take a look around your under-arm area. Hole the measuring tape comfortably and you will get the size of your armhole.

• Sleeve-length

Wherever you want to end your sleeves, just mark that point with the help 

of measuring tape by starting from your shoulder tip.

• Around – Arm

This is the area where your sleeve ends like a half sleeve, 3/4th sleeve, or full sleeve. Wrap the tape around the circumference of your arm where you want your sleeve ends and that is your around arm measurement.

• Neck

To take the dimensions of the front and back neck, simply measure the length of your neckline on the back as well as the front side. Keep the measuring tape near the starting point on the right or left side of your collar bone and take it diagonally to the point where you want your neck to end. 

• Shoulder

For measuring shoulder width, take the measurement tape from one shoulder tip to the other in a straight line on the backside of your body. For this, you might need someone who can measure your shoulders from the back. 

• Blouse length

It is very simple to measure the blouse length. Just place the tape on the top of the shoulder and drop it to the length where you need to end your A blouse like just below the bust area or till the navel.

2. Silhouette measurement

For the exact measurement of silhouette, do consider the right measurement of waist, hips, and length.

• Waist

To get the perfect waist size for your saree silhouette, take the measurement around your belly area. Your waist size should be comfortable to you otherwise you would never feel confident about wearing a saree.

• Hips

To measure the hip size, get the measurement of the fullest or the widest part of your hip area. For ladies with different body shapes like an apple-shaped body, a heavier lower stomach, or have a longer than usual torso, you must take a separate measurement for your lower stomach.

• Waist to toe length

For the length of your silhouette, you need to stand straight and take measurements from the belly point where you generally tie your bottoms (petticoats, lehenga, etc.) till or below the ankle level, considering the high-heels as well. It depends on what length you want of your saree. You can take the help of someone to get the right measurement of the length.

That’s all about saree and their sizes. Now that you know everything about saree sizes, it’s time to be more careful when you buy a new one. I hope all this information is sufficient enough to get that perfect hourglass fitting for a saree.