On size to suit them all? Now, another fit India movement

Since everything is subjective in India — even sizes — can there be uniformity?

Indians already know that size is subjective, given that what is considered obese in many countries is described as ‘halthy’ in certain parts of India. It is in the fitness of things, therefore, that there is no uniformity of sizes in India, with some conforming to US, UK or EU standards with an eye to export orders, and others simply leaving it to the individual estimations of masterjis (tailors). Nevertheless, Union textiles minister Smriti Irani’s announcement that India would soon have its own clothing sizes is welcome though belated as proper standardisation of sizes began in the West almost a century ago. Just as the western move was triggered by the advent of catalogue shopping, rising online clothing sales may be behind this need to size up the average Indian.


The contours of this new Fit India exercise will not be clear until there is an anthropometric survey. So, it remains to be seen if Indian sizes will be imposed on western brands — which would mean an addition to the labels that already carry US, UK, EU and often Chinese or Japanese sizes. If it is meant only for Indian clothing and brands, there may be an element of schadenfreude: many desi shoppers are left confused by clothing sizes abroad — a natural pitfall when a Japanese XL is akin to an EU large and a US medium. Maybe it is time India returns the favour.