Most women wear the wrong blazer size — not because sizes are confusing, but because nobody ever shows you how to measure properly. Since a made-to-fit garment can't be guessed, here is the exact method our tailoring team uses, and how to read a size chart like a professional.
The four measurements that matter
You need a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and three minutes. Measure over the innerwear you'd wear to work, not over thick clothing.
1. Bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it parallel to the floor. Don't pull tight — the tape should sit flat with one finger's slack. This is the number that decides your blazer size.
2. Waist
Measure at your natural waist — the narrowest point, usually just above the navel. Bend sideways; where you crease is your natural waist. This decides your trouser size for high-waisted styles.
3. Hips
Stand with feet together and measure the fullest part of your hips and seat. Critical for pencil skirts, sheath dresses and slim trousers.
4. Shoulders
Ask someone to measure across your back, from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other. Blazer shoulders should end exactly where yours do — this is the one measurement tailoring can't easily fix later, which is why we cut it to your number on custom orders.
How a blazer should actually fit
Shoulder seams sit at the bone edge — no overhang, no pulling. The button closes without an X-shaped crease. Sleeves end at the wrist bone, showing a hint of shirt cuff. You should be able to hug yourself without the back seam straining. If a blazer passes those four tests, it fits — whatever the label says.
How trousers should fit
High-waisted trousers sit at the natural waist without a gap at the back. Wide-leg styles should fall in a clean line from the hip, with the hem grazing the top of your shoe — tell us if you wear flats or heels and we'll match the length. If the waist fits but thighs pull (or vice versa), that's exactly the case for custom sizing rather than sizing up everywhere.
Between sizes? Here's the rule
For blazers, size to your bust and let the waist be adjusted. For trousers, size to the largest of waist/hip and taper the rest. Or skip the compromise: our custom-fit option lets you enter bust, waist and hip measurements at checkout on most products, and we cut the piece to you. (Note: customised pieces are made to order and can't be exchanged, so measure twice.)
Why we size from XS to 4XL — and beyond
Standard Indian ready-to-wear stops where many real bodies begin. Every Beyond Formals design runs XS through 4XL in the same silhouette — not a reworked "plus" version — and custom measurements cover everything else. Structured tailoring is the most flattering thing a wardrobe can hold at any size, because structure creates shape instead of hiding it.
FAQs
What if my blazer size and trouser size are different?
Normal — most women are one apart. Our suit sets let you pick blazer size and trouser size independently, so a S blazer with M trousers isn't a compromise, it's the default.
Should a blazer be loose or fitted?
For formal wear, fitted through the shoulder and bust with room to move; oversized silhouettes are a style choice, not a fit fix. If you want relaxed, buy a designed-oversized cut — don't size up a fitted one.
How do I measure without help?
Everything except shoulders is easy solo. For shoulders, measure a well-fitting jacket you own: lay it flat and measure seam to seam across the back.
Full charts with cm and inches for every category are on our size guide. Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp and our fit team will size you from three numbers.