Ready-made blouses have become common, in shops and online. They are quick and often good value, but sizes are averages and fit varies. This lesson shows how to read size charts, convert sizes, read the label, choose a blouse that can be altered, and buy online without disappointment.

What you’ll learn

  • How Indian ready-made blouses are sized.
  • How to convert between Indian, UK, US and EU sizes.
  • What to look for on the label and inside the blouse.
  • How to buy online and handle returns.

How Indian blouses are sized

Most Indian ready-made blouses are sold by bust size in inches: 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and up. Some use S, M, L, XL. The number is the body bust the blouse is meant for, not the blouse’s own measurement. Ease is already added.

Don’t confuse it with your bra size. A 34B bra means a 34 in band (under the bust) with a B cup. Your blouse size depends on your full bust, which is usually larger.

Approximate size conversion

Indian blouse (bust in) UK US EU
32 (81 cm) 8 4 36
34 (86 cm) 10 6 38
36 (91 cm) 12 8 40
38 (97 cm) 14 10 42
40 (102 cm) 16 12 44
42 (107 cm) 18 14 46

Conversions are rough. Every brand has its own chart. Always check the brand’s chart against your own measurements.

Ready-made or made to measure?

A ready-made blouse is quick and you can try it before you buy. A made-to-measure blouse fits your body exactly, uses your saree’s own blouse piece and lets you choose every detail. Many people use both: ready-mades for everyday and quick needs, made-to-measure for silk, weddings and favourite sarees.

Before you buy

  1. Measure your bust, under-bust and shoulder (see Measure Yourself Right).
  2. Read the brand’s size chart, not just the size label.
  3. If between sizes, buy the larger: it can be taken in; a small blouse often can’t be let out.
  4. Check the margin: look inside for side seams at least 1 in (2.5 cm) wide.
  5. Check the stretch: stretch blouses are more forgiving.
Trying it on: what to check
  • Bust: no pull lines towards the armholes; hooks or zip close without strain.
  • Shoulders: the seam ends at your shoulder point; straps don’t slip.
  • Armholes: lift your arms; nothing cuts.
  • Length: it ends where you want with the saree or lehenga.
  • Neck and back: no gaping; the bra is covered as you want.
  • Cups (if padded): they sit at your apex, without gaps.
Quick fixes for ready-mades
  • Loose at the sides: take in the side seams (Module 8, Altering a blouse).
  • Straps slip: narrow the shoulders or add strap holders.
  • Sleeves too long: shorten and re-finish.
  • Neck gapes: a small dart at the edge.
  • Plain: add piping, a border or latkans to make it yours.
Reading labels and checking quality
  • Fibre content: cotton, silk, polyester, Lycra blend. Stretch fibres (elastane, spandex, Lycra) change the fit.
  • Care label: hand-wash, dry clean, machine-wash. Follow it.
  • Lining: is it lined? With what?
  • Seams: finished (overlocked, piped) or raw?
  • Hooks and zips: firmly sewn, smooth?
  • Embroidery: lined behind, threads secure?
  • Country of origin and the maker’s name are usually required on labels; in India, the Legal Metrology rules set what packaged goods must show.
Kinds of ready-made blouse
  • Fully stitched: ready to wear, in standard sizes.
  • Semi-stitched: partly sewn, with open side seams to finish to your size.
  • Stretch blouses: knit or Lycra; fit a range of sizes.
  • Padded ready-mades: with built-in cups; check the cup size suits you.
  • Designer ready-mades: often with deep margins for alteration.
Buying online and returns
  • Read the size chart and the reviews; reviewers often say whether it runs small.
  • Check the product photo against the description: colour can differ on screens.
  • Read the return policy before buying: many sellers don’t accept returns on altered or worn items.
  • Try it on as soon as it arrives, with tags on.
  • Keep the packaging until you’re sure.
  • For disputes, contact the seller first; in India, the National Consumer Helpline can advise. For legal questions, ask a lawyer.
Tips for learners and teachers
  • Know your three numbers: bust, under-bust, shoulder.
  • Buy one blouse first from a new brand before ordering more.
  • Look for “margin” or “can be altered” in the description.
  • Alter for the last inch: a ready-made plus a small alteration can fit like custom.
  • Teachers: compare a ready-made and a custom blouse inside out.
Common misunderstandings

“Size 34 means my bra size.”

It means a 34 in full bust, which is different from a 34 bra band.

“Ready-mades can’t be altered.”

Most can be taken in; many can be let out a little if there is margin.

“Same size, same fit, any brand.”

Sizes vary widely between brands.

For earning and teaching

For earning: altering ready-made blouses is steady, quick work for a studio. See Module 8, Altering a blouse.

For teaching: size charts make a good maths and measuring exercise.

Sources and uncertain points
  • Size conversions are approximate and vary between brands; UK–US–EU relationships follow the usual women’s clothing conversion.
  • Labelling and consumer rules differ by country and change; check current rules. In India, labelling for packaged goods is covered by the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules; ask a lawyer for specific questions.
Check yourself
  • Do you know your Indian blouse size?
  • Can you convert it to UK and US?
  • Do you check the margin before buying?
  • Do you read the return policy online?
Key terms
  • Size chart: a brand’s table of body measurements for each size.
  • Semi-stitched: partly sewn, finished to size later.
  • Elastane / spandex / Lycra: stretch fibres.
  • Care label: washing instructions.
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