How to Measure Your Child for a Custom Kudta Chadra (Step-by-Step)

Every Pehrawa Boutique outfit is custom-stitched to your child's measurements — not picked from a stock size run. That means the fit is dialed in, but it also means we need accurate numbers from you. This guide walks you through taking the five measurements that matter for a Kids Morni Chandra Kurta Chadra, with the common mistakes to avoid.

What You'll Need Before Starting

A soft fabric measuring tape (not a metal carpenter's tape). If you don't have one, a piece of string + a ruler works.
A helper — taking measurements solo with a wiggling kid is hard.
Light, fitted clothing on the child. Loose hoodies and puffy sweaters throw measurements off by inches. A t-shirt and leggings is ideal.
Pen and paper, or a notes app on your phone.
Optional but useful: a snack or short cartoon for the child. The whole process should take 5 minutes if they're cooperative.

The Five Key Measurements

1. Chest (most important)

Wrap the tape around the widest part of the chest, just under the armpits. The tape should be snug — you should be able to slide one finger underneath, but not two. Don't pull tight. If you pull tight, the kurta will be tight when stitched. Record in inches.

2. Shoulder Width

From the bony point of one shoulder, across the back, to the bony point of the other shoulder. The child should stand straight, arms relaxed at their sides. This determines where the sleeves attach — getting it wrong means the sleeves either pinch the underarm or droop off the shoulder.

3. Kurta Length

From the base of the back of the neck (where the spine meets the shoulders) straight down to where you want the kurta to end. For boys ages 2–10, mid-thigh is traditional. For older boys and adults, mid-thigh to just-above-knee. If unsure, message us your child's height and we'll suggest based on age.

4. Sleeve Length

From the bony point of the shoulder, down the outside of the arm, to the wrist. Have the child slightly bend their arm — this gives a more accurate length than a fully straight arm.

5. Waist (for the Chadra)

Around the natural waistline — usually about an inch above the belly button. Snug, not pulled tight. The Chadra wraps and ties at this point.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring over puffy clothes. Puts the chest measurement off by 2–3 inches. Always measure over a t-shirt, never a sweater.
Pulling the tape tight. A tight tape gives a measurement smaller than the child actually is. The kurta will be uncomfortably snug.
Guessing. If you're between two numbers, write the larger one. Custom-stitched outfits are easier to take in than to let out.
Forgetting growth. If the event is more than six weeks away, add half an inch to chest and an inch to length. Kids grow.
Using last year's measurements. Children change shape every six months. Measure fresh each time.

Quick Reference: Average Measurements by Age

These are averages — every child is different, so always measure your specific child. Use the chart only as a sanity check after you take measurements.

Ages 0–1: Chest ~18", Shoulder ~8", Length ~14", Sleeve ~7"
Ages 2–3: Chest ~21", Shoulder ~9", Length ~17", Sleeve ~10"
Ages 4–5: Chest ~23", Shoulder ~10", Length ~20", Sleeve ~12"
Ages 6–8: Chest ~26", Shoulder ~11", Length ~23", Sleeve ~14"
Ages 9–11: Chest ~28", Shoulder ~12", Length ~26", Sleeve ~16"
Ages 12–15: Chest ~32", Shoulder ~14", Length ~30", Sleeve ~19"

Not Sure? Send Us a Photo

If you're hesitant about any number, message Veerpal on WhatsApp with a photo of your child standing straight in fitted clothes. We can sense-check your measurements before stitching begins. A quick reply on WhatsApp now is much cheaper than a re-stitch later.

We always confirm measurements one more time on WhatsApp before cutting fabric. No outfit gets stitched without that confirmation.

View the Full Size Guide