How to describe length and width for sarees, dupattas and fabric by the metre

A buyer cannot hold a saree, drape a dupatta or unroll fabric through a phone. All she has is your words and a photo. If you only write "saree" or "cotton fabric", she is guessing about length, width and what comes with it. Guessing is how disappointment and complaints begin. Exact numbers, stated plainly, remove the doubt.

Do not assume what is normal

Different makers, regions and styles produce different lengths and widths, and there is no single trade standard you can safely point to. A buyer who thinks one length is typical may receive another and feel cheated, even though you never lied. So never write "standard length". Measure the piece you are selling and write the number.

Sarees

For a saree, give these details:

• Total length of the saree, in metres
• Width of the saree, in centimetres or inches
• Whether a blouse piece is included, and if so, its length and width, and whether it is attached or separate
• Whether the blouse piece is plain, matching, contrast or printed
• Whether the border and pallu are woven, printed or stitched on
• Whether it comes with fall, pico or tassels done, or not

Measure the whole saree laid out flat on a clean floor or long table with a tape, in sections if needed. Note whether the length includes the pallu and any fringe or tassels. If the blouse piece is cut from the same length, say so, because the draped part may then be shorter. Our guide on photographing sarees and drapes properly helps you show the drape, border and pallu.

Dupattas and stoles

Give the length and width of the dupatta, and mention whether the edges are finished, with lace, tassels or a plain hem. A buyer picturing a scarf-like stole will be disappointed by a wide dupatta, and the reverse is also true. If the piece has a pattern on only one side or a different border on each end, say so. Photograph it laid flat with a ruler or a familiar object for scale.

Fabric sold by the metre

When fabric is sold by the metre, clarity matters even more because the buyer will cut and stitch it.

• State the width of the roll or piece, since two fabrics of the same length can have very different widths
• Say how the fabric is sold: per metre, in a fixed cut, or in a full piece
• Say what the minimum order is, if there is one
• Explain what happens when someone orders two metres: do they receive one continuous piece, or two pieces?
• Mention whether there may be slight shrinkage, fading or variation, and if the fabric is pre-washed
• Say if the fabric has a one-way design that affects how much a buyer needs

Do not state a shrinkage percentage unless you have tested it yourself. Instead, tell the buyer if you are not sure and suggest washing a small piece first. See describing material and fabric honestly.

Help buyers pick the right quantity

Many stitching customers do not know how much fabric to order. Do not invent an answer. You can say how much your own sample garment used, if you made one, and suggest the buyer confirm with their tailor. A neutral line such as "Please check the quantity with your tailor before ordering" avoids a wrong promise.

Show scale in your photos

Include one photo with a tape measure or a ruler laid next to the fabric, and one with the item folded or draped so the buyer sees how it looks in use. Use the same light for the whole set. Add a close-up of the weave or print to show texture, as explained in how to show fabric texture in photos.

Write the numbers in a clear block

Put all measurements together under a short heading near the top of the description. One line each is enough. Our post on how to write a product weight and dimensions section gives a layout you can reuse.