A sherwani looks royal only when it fits well. Even an expensive fabric looks ordinary if the shoulders droop or the length is wrong. Here is what to check.
Signs of a good fit
- Shoulders: the seams sit exactly at the edge of the shoulders, without wrinkles.
- Chest: buttons close smoothly without pulling or gaps.
- Length: usually around the knee; taller grooms can go slightly longer.
- Sleeves: end at the wrist bone, showing a little of the kurta cuff if worn.
- Collar: sits close to the neck without pressing, so the groom can turn his head.
Measurements that matter
Ask the tailor to take shoulder width, chest, waist, sleeve length, neck, overall length and the churidar or pant length. Wear a thin kurta or vest while being measured, as you would on the day.
Bottoms
- Churidar: fitted with gathers at the ankle; check that you can sit cross-legged comfortably at the mandap.
- Straight pants or dhoti pants: easier for dancing and long hours.
- Dhoti: traditional for many Maharashtrian ceremonies; practise tying or ask for a ready-to-wear dhoti.
Plan the fittings
- First fitting: about four to six weeks before the wedding.
- Second fitting: two to three weeks before, with the safa, mojaris and stole.
- Final check: a week before, to account for any weight change.
Comfort checks
Sit down, raise your arms as if for the varmala, bend as if touching elders' feet and walk briskly. The sherwani should allow all of these without tightness.
Care before the day
Hang the sherwani in a breathable cover, away from sunlight, and steam it, rather than iron it, on the wedding morning.
Find verified tailors on Wedding Events who stitch and alter sherwanis.