Why Free Custom Stitching Matters for British-Pakistani Brides
If you've ever bought a Pakistani designer outfit from the UK and felt let down when it arrived too tight, too loose, or just somehow "off"... you're not alone. We hear this from new customers every single week.
The truth is, most fit problems with Pakistani designer wear in the UK aren't about the dress at all. They come down to two things: sizing differences between Pakistan and the UK, and confusion about how to take measurements properly.
That's why custom stitching matters so much for British-Pakistani brides — and why we don't charge for it.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about custom stitching: when you need it, when you don't, how to take your measurements correctly, and the small details that turn a good wedding outfit into a perfect one.
What is custom stitching?
Custom stitching means your outfit is made to your exact measurements rather than following standard sizes like XS, S, M, L, or XL. You provide your size details, and the outfit is sewn specifically for you.
For Pakistani designer wear, this matters more than for most other types of clothing. Pakistani fashion is built around a structured, flattering fit — especially for bridal pieces. A wedding lehenga that's even an inch too loose at the waist or too tight in the sleeves will photograph differently and feel wrong all night.
Custom stitching vs standard stitching — which one do you need?
The choice is simpler than most people think.
Right for you when you already know your size confidently. If you've worn a brand before and a Medium fits you perfectly every time, standard sizing will save you time. We dispatch standard-sized orders faster because the work is already done.
Right for you when your measurements don't match a standard size cleanly. Maybe your shoulders are a Small but your waist is a Medium. Maybe you're taller or shorter than average. Maybe you're shopping for a wedding outfit and the fit has to be exact. In any of these cases, custom is the safer choice.
We've seen too many brides settle for "it'll do" with standard sizing on their wedding outfit. Don't do this. The wedding outfit is the one piece in your wardrobe that has to fit perfectly.
Our standard tailoring size chart
Before we get into custom measurements, here's our standard size chart. If your measurements match one of these sizes cleanly, standard stitching is the faster option. If they don't, custom stitching is the right choice.
| Measurement | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Size | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Shoulders (inches) | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16 |
| Bust (inches) | 34 | 36 | 40 | 45 | 47 |
| Waist (inches) | 32 | 33 | 38 | 42 | 44 |
| Hips (inches) | 38 | 38 | 43 | 46 | 50 |
| Trouser Length (inches) | 37 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
Shirt length, sleeve length, and ankle width are stitched to match the original designer photoshoot. RTW and stitched sizes may slightly vary as per the designer's chart. For anything outside this range, choose custom stitching — it's free on every order.
Why we don't charge for custom stitching
Many UK Pakistani designer stores treat custom stitching as a paid extra anywhere from £30 to £80 on top of the dress price. We don't.
Our reasoning is simple: a perfect fit isn't a luxury, it's the whole point. If you've spent £150–£200 on a designer outfit, charging you another £50 to make it actually fit feels backwards. Free custom stitching has been part of our service from day one, and we're not changing that.
You'll see this offer across every order at Libas e Khas — from everyday pret to full bridal couture from Maria B, Suffuse, Afrozeh, Faiza Saqlain, Baroque, and the rest of our official stockist brands.
Pakistani sizing vs UK sizing — the difference no one explains
This is the single biggest source of fit problems for British-Pakistani customers, and it catches almost everyone out.
Pakistani designer brands use sizing based on subcontinental body proportions. UK high-street sizing is built around different proportions. The result: Pakistani sizes typically run smaller than UK sizes, especially around the bust, waist, and shoulder.
As a rough guide:
- A UK size 8 often matches Pakistani Small to Medium
- A UK size 10 often matches Pakistani Medium to Large
- A UK size 12 often matches Pakistani Large to Extra Large
- A UK size 14 often matches Pakistani Extra Large
But this is only a rough guide. Different brands cut differently Maria B's Medium isn't the same as Suffuse's Medium. This is exactly why custom measurements beat size labels every time.
The 5 measurement mistakes we see most often
After years of stitching outfits for customers across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe, we see the same five mistakes again and again.
Most people have never measured themselves properly. Without a guide, they end up taking measurements over loose clothing, in the wrong places, or skipping important ones entirely.
Some customers send us a bust measurement and a length, and that's it. For a proper outfit — especially bridal — we need a full set: bust, waist, hips, shoulder, sleeve length, sleeve opening, kameez length, shalwar or trouser length, and bottom width.
This is the one that causes the most heartbreak. Body measurements are the actual size of your body, with no allowance for movement. Ready measurements are what the finished garment should measure once stitched, with the proper looseness already added. Always send ready measurements.
A wedding outfit needs every detail. Missing the sleeve opening means we have to guess, and guesses don't fit. We've added all required measurements to our custom tailoring form on the product page so you don't have to remember them.
Always measure twice. Take your measurements in well-fitted clothing, in front of a mirror, with someone helping if possible. Five extra minutes here saves weeks of fit problems later.
Body size vs ready size the difference that matters most
If you remember nothing else from this guide, remember this part.
Body size is your actual physical measurement. If you wrap a measuring tape around your bust at the fullest point, that number is your body size.
Ready size is what your finished outfit should measure. It includes "ease" the small amount of looseness needed for comfort, movement, and the natural drape of fabric.
The simplest way to get your ready size right is to take measurements from a well-fitting outfit you already own. Lay it flat. Measure across the bust, waist, length, and sleeve. Those numbers are your ready measurements. Send those.
If you're not sure, message our team on WhatsApp at +44 7787620370 and we'll walk you through it. We'd rather spend ten minutes helping you measure correctly than re-stitch an outfit that doesn't fit.
The measurements we need from you
Every custom-stitched order at Libas e Khas needs the measurements below. Send them through our custom tailoring form on the product page or message us on WhatsApp and we'll guide you through each one. Remember: ready size only, taken from a well-fitted outfit, not from your body directly.
Measure straight across the upper back from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other, where your sleeve seam would naturally sit.
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level all the way around. Stand naturally — don't pull tight.
Measure around the waistline of your kameez, gown or peplum at the level the garment sits not your natural body waist.
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually about 7–9 inches below the waist. Keep your feet together and the tape level.
Measure from the shoulder seam down along the outside of the arm to where you want the sleeve to end (full-length, three-quarter, or short).
Measure all the way around the armhole — over the shoulder, under the armpit, and back up. Keep your arm relaxed at your side.
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your upper arm. Keep your arm relaxed — don't flex.
Measure around your wrist where you want the sleeve cuff to end. Add a finger's width if you prefer a looser fit.
Measure from the shoulder seam straight down the front to where you want the hem of your dress, gown or maxi to fall.
Measure from your natural waist straight down to where you want the bottom hem to sit — usually at or just above the floor for lehengas.
Measure around the waistline where the lehenga will actually sit. This may be slightly higher or lower than your natural waist depending on the style.
One more thing: on every custom order, we'll also ask whether you want sleeves lining (Yes or No). If you want extra coverage on the sleeves — for modesty, comfort, or because the fabric is sheer — choose Yes.
How to take your measurements at home
We've put together a step-by-step photo guide below that walks through every measurement bust, waist, hips, shoulder, bicep, wrist, kameez length, and trouser length using nothing more than a measuring tape and a well-fitted outfit. Match the position of the tape in each photo when you take your own measurements at home.
If you prefer a written summary, here are the key principles that apply to every measurement:
- Measure over fitted clothing, not loose tops
- Stand straight and breathe normally — don't suck in
- Use a soft measuring tape, not a ruler
- For length measurements, measure from the shoulder seam down
- Take every measurement twice and write down the number you get both times
When in doubt, contact us before placing the order. Our team replies on WhatsApp within minutes during UK hours.
The add-ons that turn a good outfit into a perfect one
Custom stitching gets the basic fit right. But for bridal and formal outfits, the small add-ons make the biggest difference. These are the details that match how the dress looks in the designer's photoshoot.
Linings
Most Pakistani designer pieces come with their primary lining included, but some need additional coverage. If you want full coverage on the stomach area, sleeves, or back for modesty, comfort, or warmth adding a lining is essential. We offer this as an add-on at checkout.
Cancan (volume layers)
Cancan is the layered net underskirt used inside lehengas, maxi dresses, and frocks to give that full, flared shape you see in designer photoshoots. Without cancan, the same dress will look flat and lose its drama. Almost every designer model shoot uses cancan, even when it's not mentioned.
If you've ever wondered why a dress looked stunning on the model but didn't have the same effect when you wore it this is usually why. We strongly recommend cancan for any lehenga or full-flare maxi.
Matching potli bags
Designers often style their photoshoots with a matching potli bag, but the bag isn't actually included with the outfit. We make matching potli bags in-house for our customers worldwide, so the finished look matches what you saw on the model.
Premium stitching (with laces and embellishments)
Here's something most customers don't know: around 90% of Pakistani designers launch their collections as unstitched meaning you receive the fabric and main embroidery, but the laces, finishing details, and embellishments shown in the photoshoot are not included. The designer only provides them in the model's outfit.
Our basic custom stitching is free. Premium stitching covers the additional cost of laces and embellishments needed to finish the outfit to match the photoshoot look. Think of it this way: free stitching gets you the dress; premium stitching gets you the dress as it looked in the campaign.
Matching hijab
Most of our customers are Muslim Pakistani women, and modesty is part of how they dress. We produce our own chiffon hijabs in colours matched to your outfit so you don't have to hunt for the right shade separately. This is one of the most-requested services we offer, and it's available on every order.
What makes a perfect wedding outfit
A wedding outfit isn't just about the dress. It's the combination of five things working together:
- Accurate custom size — measured properly, sent completely, in ready format
- The right colour for your skin tone and event lighting (bright daylight reads colours differently to evening hall lighting)
- The right designer — Maria B for elegant minimalism, Suffuse and Faiza Saqlain for heavily embellished bridal, Afrozeh for romantic floral, Baroque for opulent formal
- The right outfit type for the event — a Nikkah outfit shouldn't look like a Walima outfit; a Mehndi outfit shouldn't look like a Barat outfit. Each event has its own visual language
- The right add-ons — lining, cancan, matching potli, hijab chosen to match the look you're going for
Get all five right and the outfit will fit, photograph beautifully, and feel right on the day. Miss one and something will feel off even if you can't put your finger on what.
How long does custom stitching take?
For pret and ready-to-ship orders with custom stitching, we typically dispatch within two weeks. For bridal and heavily embellished pieces, custom stitching can take three to four weeks because of the detail involved.
If you're shopping for a wedding, work backwards from your event date and order at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This gives time for stitching, shipping, and any small adjustments if needed.
For brides on a tight timeline, our Ready to Ship section has pieces already stitched in standard sizes. Message us on WhatsApp if you need something urgently we'll help you find the fastest option.
What if my outfit doesn't fit when it arrives?
It happens occasionally, even with careful measurements. If your custom-stitched outfit needs a small adjustment, contact us within a few days of receiving it. We'll work with you to sort it out whether that's a local alteration, an exchange, or a remake, depending on the issue.
Our Trustpilot reviews tell the same story: customers who are looked after even when something goes wrong, not just when it goes right. That matters more than getting it perfect every single time.
Frequently asked questions
Is custom stitching really free?
Yes. Free custom stitching is included with every outfit at Libas e Khas. There's no hidden fee, no minimum order, no exception for bridal pieces.
What's the difference between free custom stitching and premium stitching?
Free custom stitching covers the basic tailoring of the outfit to your measurements. Premium stitching is an optional upgrade that covers the cost of laces, embellishments, and finishing details that the designer doesn't include in the unstitched collection but used in the photoshoot.
How do I send my measurements?
On every product page where custom stitching is selected, you'll see a measurement form with all the required fields. Fill it in, or message us on WhatsApp at +44 7787620370 and we'll guide you through it.
Can you stitch for plus-size or petite customers?
Yes. Custom stitching exists exactly for this. Whatever your measurements are, we'll stitch the outfit to fit you properly. Send full measurements and we'll handle the rest.
Do you ship internationally with custom stitching?
Yes. We ship custom-stitched orders to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and across Europe. Delivery times vary by destination.
Can I add cancan or lining after I've placed the order?
If your order hasn't gone into stitching yet, yes. Message us on WhatsApp as soon as possible after ordering and we'll add it on.
Will Pakistani sizes always be smaller than UK sizes?
Generally yes, but the difference varies by brand and by piece. This is the main reason we recommend custom stitching for any wedding or formal outfit — it removes the guesswork entirely.
The takeaway
Free custom stitching isn't a marketing line. It's the difference between a wedding outfit that fits properly and one that doesn't. Pakistani sizing doesn't match UK sizing, ready sizes don't match body sizes, and the difference between a flat lehenga and a full one is a few layers of cancan.
The brides who get this right end up with photos they love and outfits they want to keep forever. The ones who don't end up with a beautiful dress that doesn't quite work and there's no fixing that after the wedding.
Have questions? We're here.
Message us on WhatsApp for quick replies during UK hours, follow us on Instagram for the latest arrivals, or drop us an email — whichever works best for you.
