How to measure shoulder width (female) for ethnic wear

To measure your shoulder width, find the bony point at the outer edge of each shoulder and measure straight across your upper back from one point to the other, letting the tape follow the gentle curve of your back. Most women need a second pair of hands for this one. At House of Daisy on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, it is the measurement that decides where every sleeve begins, so a small error shows up quickly in how a blouse or kurta sits.

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How do I find the shoulder point?

Run your fingers along the top of your shoulder, from your neck outwards. Just before the shoulder curves down into your arm, you will feel a small bony ridge. That is the shoulder point. A simple check: lift your arm slightly, and the point stays still while the muscle below it moves.

Mark it on both sides with a small piece of tape or a sticker on a fitted top. It makes the measurement far easier to repeat.

Step by step

1. Wear a thin, close-fitting top, or measure over a slip.
2. Stand straight with your arms relaxed, looking ahead. Do not pull your shoulders back.
3. Ask your helper to place the tape on one shoulder point.
4. Take it across the back, just below the base of the neck, to the other shoulder point.
5. Let the tape follow the curve of the back rather than pulling it straight through the air.
6. Read the number, then measure once more. Use the average if the two readings differ slightly.

What goes wrong when the number is off?

The shoulder seam of a blouse, kurta or gown should land right on your shoulder point. When it does not:

• Too narrow: the sleeve starts on top of your shoulder, the armhole cuts in and the sleeve pulls across the upper arm whenever you reach forward.
• Too wide: the seam drops onto your arm, the sleeve hangs loose and the neckline can slide towards one side through the evening.
• Uneven shoulders: many people have one shoulder slightly lower than the other. A made-to-measure piece can allow for it; a ready piece cannot.

Broad or narrow, there is no right shoulder width. The goal is only that the garment matches yours.

Does it matter for every style?

It matters most for fitted blouses, anarkalis, gowns and kurtas with set-in sleeves. It matters less for a kaftan or a dropped-shoulder cut, which is designed to fall below the shoulder anyway. For off-shoulder and boat-neck styles, your designer will also take the width across the front, because the neckline rests on your arms rather than your shoulders.

Ready or made to measure?

Our ready suits, anarkalis, gowns and blouses come in sizes up to 5XL and beyond, and on most ready suits the neckline or sleeves can be changed, usually within about a week. Ready gowns can be altered in length, waist and sleeves too. Have a look at our anarkalis, where a correct shoulder makes the bodice sit flat.

For a made-to-order piece, every measurement is your own, and your designer shares a sketch for your approval before anything is made. Order a festive or party outfit 3 to 4 weeks ahead; if your date is closer than 3 weeks, choose a ready piece.

Can your team measure me?

Yes. Our team measures you at the showroom, and measurements can be guided on a video call if you are far away. We ship worldwide. Our only showroom is Shop 226A, 2nd Floor, DT Mega Mall, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 1, Sector 28, Gurugram, open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM, and walk-ins are welcome to see pieces. Our guide to visiting House of Daisy has the details.

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Common questions

Can I measure my shoulder width alone?

It is hard to do accurately. Use a helper, or measure across the back of a well-fitting blouse laid flat as a rough check.

Should the tape go over the back or the front?

Across the back, just below the neck, following its curve.

Why does my sleeve pull when I reach forward?

Often the shoulder is cut too narrow or the armhole too tight. A fitting shows which one.

Do I need shoulder width for a saree blouse?

Yes. It places the sleeves and decides how wide the neckline can safely go.

Shoulder ka naap kis point se kis point tak lete hain?

Ek kandhe ki haddi ke kone se doosre kandhe ke kone tak, peeth ke upar se.

Kya showroom mein naap le sakte hain?

Haan, hamari team showroom mein naap leti hai, aur video call par bhi madad karti hai.