How to Find Your Perfect Fit at Ananya

BRAND SIZING GUIDE · ELLA BLAKE

By Ella Blake  |  Tellar Fashion Hub  |  Updated 2026

Ananya is one of the UK's most beautiful South Asian fashion brands — but the sizing follows a completely different logic to your usual high street, and if you order without doing your homework, you'll be sending things back. Here's everything you need to know.

A few years ago I was invited to a friend's Diwali celebration — the brief was "dress to impress, festive, glamorous." I discovered Ananya, immediately fell head over heels for an embroidered anarkali suit in the most spectacular deep teal, and ordered my usual western size. Reader, it did not fit. The kameez was tight across the shoulders, too long in the body, and the dupatta instructions might as well have been written in an ancient language I hadn't studied. I sent it back feeling thoroughly defeated.

Fast forward to now — I know exactly how to shop Ananya, and it's one of the most genuinely joyful fashion experiences you can have. The embroidery, the fabrics, the colours — nothing on the British high street comes close for occasion dressing with this level of artistry. You just need to approach sizing completely differently to how you'd shop for a dress at Whistles.

Understanding Ananya's Sizing System

Ananya creates South Asian occasionwear — think lehengas, salwar kameez, anarkali suits, sarees with pre-stitched blouses, sharara sets, and fusion Indo-Western pieces. Because these are traditional silhouettes adapted for modern wear, the sizing conventions are rooted in South Asian fashion rather than European or American sizing standards. That means a few key things to know upfront:

• Ananya sizes in inches for measurements, not in the UK 8–20 scale. A size label of "38" refers to a bust measurement in inches, not a UK dress size.

• The fit is designed to be more relaxed and draped on many styles — particularly anarkali suits and kaftans — so don't panic if the measurements look generous. That's intentional.

• Blouses and cholis (crop tops for lehengas) are the trickiest fit. These are fitted and structured, and getting the bust and back measurement right is everything.

• Many pieces come with customisation options or are made-to-order, which is honestly the smartest way to shop if you're between sizes.

• Length is a separate consideration. If you're petite (under 5'4") or tall (over 5'8"), flag this when ordering — many styles can be adjusted.

The Ananya Size Guide: Breaking Down the Numbers

The key is to work from your actual measurements rather than any size label. Here's a general conversion guide — but always cross-reference with the individual product measurements on site, as specific cuts vary:

UK Dress SizeAnanya Size LabelBust (inches)Waist (inches)Hip (inches)UK 83434"28"36"UK 103636"30"38"UK 123838"32"40"UK 144040"34"42"UK 164242"36"44"UK 184444"38"46"

If you're between sizes — say, a 38" bust but a 32" waist and 42" hips — always size to your largest measurement for the garment type. For a lehenga skirt, that's your hips. For a choli or fitted blouse, that's your bust. You can always have a waistband taken in; you cannot add fabric to a blouse that won't close.

My Practical Rules for Shopping Ananya

• Measure everything — properly. Bust (fullest point, bra on), natural waist (narrowest), hips (fullest, usually 8 inches below waist). Don't guess. Don't use an old measurement. Do it fresh each time.

• For lehenga sets, measure bust and hips separately. The skirt and choli are often sold together but sized independently — match each to the right measurement.

• For sarees with blouses, the blouse is everything. Ananya's saree blouses are fitted and structured — be precise. A blouse that's tight across the back will ruin the entire look and your evening.

• Go made-to-order if it's available and you have time. Seriously, it's a game-changer. You provide your measurements, they make it to you. No compromises, no returns.

• Factor in how you'll be wearing it. A fitted choli will feel different over a strapless bra versus a regular one. A churidar (fitted trouser) needs to be measured at both waist and hip.

• Check the fabric. Georgette and crepe drape beautifully and are forgiving; raw silk and brocade are less so. For stiffer fabrics, be especially precise with your measurements.

Ananya vs. Other South Asian and Occasion Brands

If you've shopped other occasionwear or South Asian brands, here's where Ananya sits in comparison — and where your favourite high street names offer complementary pieces for building a full look:

• Monsoon — Brilliant for occasion dressing with global textile influences, and often stocks embroidered and printed occasion pieces with a South Asian-inspired aesthetic. Runs true to UK sizing and is a great gateway brand if you're new to this aesthetic. Their sequin and embellished occasion range is a consistent favourite with stylists.

• Anthropologie — Stocks a beautiful edit of occasion and boho-luxe dresses with strong print and embroidery influences. Sizing is generally generous and consistent; a good benchmark if you're unsure how embroidered fabrications fit your frame.

• Phase Eight — One of the best high street options for structured occasion dressing. If Ananya's silhouettes feel daunting as a starting point, Phase Eight's occasion collection bridges the gap beautifully with flattering cuts and considered occasion fabrics.

• Ted Baker — Known for its bold prints and occasion-ready aesthetic. Ted Baker's sizing tends to run on the smaller side (similar to Ananya's fitted blouse pieces), so if you size up at Ted Baker, apply the same logic to Ananya's more structured cuts.

• Hobbs — The go-to for elegant, occasion-appropriate pieces in quality fabrications. Runs true to UK size and is consistently reliable — a useful reference point when you're assessing how fitted or relaxed you like your occasion dressing.

• Reiss — Sleek, sophisticated occasion pieces, slightly small in sizing (particularly through the chest). If Ananya is your main event, a Reiss midi or strappy sandal is a stunning way to complete a fusion look.

• Oliver Bonas — Wonderful for jewellery and accessories that complement South Asian occasionwear beautifully — think bold beaded earrings, stacked bangles, jewelled hair pieces. Not a direct sizing comparison, but an essential part of the Ananya styling equation.

Two Independent Brands Worth Knowing

Alongside Ananya, two smaller names that deserve a spot in your radar for South Asian and occasion fashion:

• Kalki Fashion — An Indian brand with a strong UK following, offering stunning lehengas and sarees at a wider range of price points than some designer labels. Their fit guide is detailed and their customer service for international orders is excellent. Sizing is similar to Ananya — always measure first.

• Pree — A London-based South Asian fashion boutique curating a thoughtful edit of contemporary and traditional pieces from independent South Asian designers. Smaller scale, personal service, and sizing support is genuinely bespoke. Well worth a browse if Ananya's main collections don't have quite what you're looking for.

Take the Guesswork Out — Use Tellar

If you've read this far, you'll know that getting your size right at Ananya takes a bit of effort — and the stakes are higher than ordering a pair of jeans that don't quite fit. These are special-occasion pieces, often worn for weddings, Diwali, Eid, and other events that matter. Getting the size wrong isn't just inconvenient, it's genuinely stressful.

That's exactly why Tellar.co.uk exists. It's the UK's leading free clothing sizing tool — you measure once and it matches your body to over 1,500 brands instantly. No downloads, no subscription, no faff.

• Measure once — bust, waist, hips, or plug in an existing brand size you trust.

• Use the Store Size Lookup tool to find your precise recommended size across a huge range of brands, so you order with confidence rather than hope.

• Always free — works in-browser, no account needed.

And once you're in the Tellar universe, don't miss the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of honest, unsponsored style guides written by real stylists. No ads, no paid placements. Just genuinely useful advice, including:

• The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide — the most thorough breakdown of how sizing works across different brands and sizing systems.

• Jeans Trends 2026 — what's worth investing in right now.

• The Ultimate Guide to Dresses — styles, body shapes, and where to shop.

• The Ultimate Guide to Jackets — everything you need to find your best fit.

The Bottom Line

Shopping Ananya is a completely different experience to your usual Saturday morning scroll through the high street — and that's the whole point. When you get it right, the result is extraordinary. The embroidery, the craftsmanship, the sheer drama of a beautifully fitted lehenga or an anarkali that moves properly — it's in a different league to anything you'll find on a standard rails. Measure carefully, size to your largest measurement, consider made-to-order where you can, and use Tellar to cross-reference your size with confidence. The teal anarkali I mentioned at the start? I went back for it. Second time around, perfect fit. Worth every bit of the effort.

This post is editorially independent. Tellar does not accept sponsorship or payment for brand mentions. All opinions are our own.