A-line abaya: a flattering shape for every day

How the flare is built in

The flare does not come from extra fabric gathered in at the waist. It is cut into the shape itself, in one of a few ways:

• Flared side seams: the simplest method. The front and back pieces widen from the underarm or the hip down to the hem.
• Panels: the abaya is cut in several long panels, each a little wider at the bottom, which gives an even flare all the way round.
• Princess seams: seams running from the shoulder or armhole over the bust shape the top closely, then release into flare below.
• Inserted godets: triangular pieces set into seams near the hem add movement low down while keeping the top slim.

How much flare to ask for

A-line covers a wide range. A gentle A-line is only slightly wider at the hem than at the hips, and looks almost straight; it is neat for offices and travel. A medium flare swings as you walk and is the classic everyday shape. A full flare starts to look like an umbrella or flared abaya, with deep folds at the hem.

If you have an abaya or a long dress whose hem width you like, measure across the hem laid flat and tell us. That single number is often the clearest way to describe the flare you want. The same idea applies to kameez cuts; our A-line vs straight kameez article and the A-line kameez style page show how flare changes a silhouette.

Who an A-line abaya suits

The A-line is flattering on almost every frame, because it follows the shoulders and then skims everything below. It balances wider hips, it suits pregnancy, and it is a natural choice for a plus size abaya made to measure, since the flare gives room without adding bulk at the shoulders. On a slim or straight figure, a medium flare adds gentle movement and shape.

Petite women look good in a gentle to medium flare; a very full hem can overwhelm a short frame. Tall women can carry any amount of flare. Our article on choosing an abaya cut for your height and frame has more on proportion.

Details that work well with an A-line

Because the cut is neat at the top, the neckline and sleeves show clearly. A band collar or a simple round neck with a button opening suits a closed A-line; an open A-line looks good with a narrow front band. Straight or slightly tapered sleeves keep the outline clean, while bell sleeves echo the flare at the hem. Side-seam pockets sit naturally in the angled side seams and do not spoil the line.

A closed A-line abaya is also a good base for a belt or inner ties if you sometimes want more waist definition, as our belted abaya guide explains.

Ordering an A-line abaya

Choose Fabric + Stitching if you would like us to supply the fabric, or Stitching Only if you have your own, which you send to us in Pakistan once we have confirmed it is suitable. On the quote form, note “A-line”, the flare you want, the length and whether it should be open or closed. If you are ordering from Kuwait, the Kuwait page explains how quotes and delivery work there.

Your written quote includes delivery and any import duties, taxes and courier fees, so there is nothing more to pay at the door. Production takes 5 to 7 working days once the quote is approved and paid in full.