Readymade Blouse Size Guide: How to Buy a Saree Blouse Online That Fits
A readymade blouse is the difference between wearing a new saree the day it arrives and waiting a fortnight for a tailor. The catch is fit: a blouse is the most fitted garment in Indian wear, so the size has to be right. Here is how to get it right online.
Readymade vs unstitched blouse piece
Most sarees – including Tjori’s cotton linen and Kota Doria sarees – come with an unstitched blouse piece: 80 cm to a metre of matching fabric to be tailored. A readymade blouse is already stitched to a standard size. Buy readymade when you want to wear the saree immediately, want a contrast (printed blouse with a plain saree), or want a style your tailor will not attempt – backless, bralette, bell sleeve.
The three measurements that matter
- Bust – around the fullest part, over the bra you will wear. This decides the size.
- Upper arm – around the widest part. Sleeves are the second most common fit problem.
- Shoulder – across the back from bone to bone. Matters for cap and puff sleeves.
Under-bust and waist matter less; blouses end above the waist and most have a small ease at the hem.
Tjori blouse sizes
| Size | Bust | Shoulder |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 86.3 cm / 34" | 35.5 cm |
| S | 91.4 cm / 36" | 36.8 cm |
| M | 96.5 cm / 38" | 38.1 cm |
| L | 101.6 cm / 40" | 39.3 cm |
| XL | 106.6 cm / 42" | 40.6 cm |
| XXL | 111.7 cm / 44" | 41.9 cm |
| XXXL | 116.8 cm / 46" | 43.1 cm |
From the Tjori size chart; individual blouses list their own measurements under Specifications. A blouse should be snug, not tight: if your bust measurement is on the line, take the larger size – cotton and silk do not stretch, and a tailor can take in but cannot add.
What a tailor can and cannot change
- Can: take in side seams by 2–3 cm each; shorten sleeves; shorten the hem; move hooks.
- Sometimes: let out side seams by 1–2 cm if there is seam allowance (most Tjori cotton blouses have some).
- Cannot: widen the shoulder; enlarge an armhole; add length to a sleeve or hem.
So err large on bust and shoulder, and never rely on letting out.
Which blouse for which saree
- Plain cotton linen or Kota saree: a printed Ajrakh or Kalamkari cotton blouse carries the pattern.
- Printed or embroidered saree: a plain cotton slub, raw silk or satin blouse in one colour from the print.
- Georgette or silk-wool festive saree: organza puff-sleeve or brocade blouse.
- Summer: sleeveless or cap-sleeve cotton; winter and festive: full or bell sleeve.
Browse the full range in Readymade Blouses. Many of the crop-top, bralette and front-open styles double as tops with skirts and palazzos.
FAQs
Do readymade blouses come with padding?
Some do (the Rabari backless styles, for example); the product page says so. Most cotton blouses are unpadded and worn over a bra.
Can I return a blouse that does not fit?
Yes, unused with tags within the return window – see the returns policy. Try it on over the bra you will wear with the saree before removing tags.
What size blouse for a 36 bust?
A 36-inch (91 cm) bust is a Tjori S; if you measure 36.5 or more, take M.
