How Much Fabric Do You Need? Metre Guide for Kurti, Suit, Lehenga and Blouse
“How many metres should I buy?” is the most common question we get. Buy too little and your tailor has to compromise on sleeves or flare; buy too much and you waste money. This guide gives practical fabric requirements for the most popular Indian outfits, so you can order with confidence.
First, check the fabric width
Fabric in India is usually sold in two widths: about 44 inches (112 cm) and about 58 inches (147 cm). Wider fabric needs fewer metres. The figures below assume a 44-inch width and an average adult size (M to L). If your fabric is 58 inches wide, you can usually reduce the quantity by around 20 to 25 percent. Always check the width in the product description.
Fabric requirement chart (44-inch width)
| Outfit | Fabric needed |
|---|---|
| Short kurti or top | 1.5 to 2 m |
| Straight kurti, knee length, full sleeves | 2.25 to 2.5 m |
| A-line or flared kurti | 2.5 to 3 m |
| Anarkali kurta | 3 to 5 m (depends on the number of kalis) |
| Salwar or straight pants | 2 to 2.5 m |
| Churidar | 2.5 to 3 m |
| Palazzo | 2.5 to 3 m |
| Dupatta | 2.25 to 2.5 m |
| Saree blouse | 0.8 to 1 m |
| Lehenga skirt, A-line | 3 to 4 m |
| Lehenga skirt, heavily flared (kalidar) | 5 to 8 m |
| Men’s kurta | 2.5 to 3 m |
| Nehru jacket | 1.25 to 1.5 m |
These are typical figures. Your tailor’s pattern, your height and design details like long sleeves, deep flare or layering can change the requirement, so check with your tailor for special designs.
Why 2.5 metres is the sweet spot for kurtis
Many of our cotton and rayon fabrics come in 2.5-metre pieces. That is enough for a knee-length kurti with full sleeves for most sizes, with a little left over for a matching mask, potli or piping. For a kurti-and-pant set, simply pair a 2.5 m printed piece with a plain bottom fabric.
Extra fabric you should plan for
- Shrinkage: pure cotton can shrink 3 to 5 percent on the first wash. Pre-wash it before stitching, or add about 10 cm per 2.5 m.
- Big prints and borders: if you want motifs centred or matched at the seams, add 0.25 to 0.5 m.
- Directional prints: fabrics with a clear up and down (like some florals) cannot be cut in both directions, so add a little extra.
- Plus sizes: add roughly 0.5 m for kurtis and 1 m for lehengas and anarkalis.
- Lining: brocade lehengas and blouses need lining. Buy the same length of a soft cotton or shantoon lining.
Quick examples
- Festive brocade blouse for a saree: 1 m of Banarasi brocade plus 1 m of lining.
- Everyday office kurti: one 2.5 m piece of printed cotton.
- Sangeet kurta set: 2.5 m of sequin rayon for the kurta and 2.5 m of a plain fabric for pants.
- A-line wedding lehenga: 3.5 to 4 m of brocade, 4 m of lining and 1 m for the blouse.
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp at +91 79878 80752 with your outfit idea and size, and we will help you work out the right quantity.
