Abayas · 8 October 2026 · 4 min read
Abayas for wheelchair users: a seated fit
Planning an abaya for wheelchair users: measuring while seated, a hem that clears the footplates and wheels, a shorter back, sleeves off the rims and easy openings.
InspirationWhy a standard abaya falls short when you sit
Most abayas are patterned for a standing body. Seated, the front hem rises, extra fabric bunches under the hips and behind the back, the hem can trail into the wheels or catch on the footplates, and wide sleeves brush the push rims. An abaya made to measure from seated measurements avoids most of this, which is where made to measure helps most.
Every chair and every body is different, so treat the points below as a starting list to adapt rather than a set pattern.
Measuring while seated
Sit in your chair, in the position you spend most of the day, with your usual shoes on. A helper makes this much easier; our guide on measuring with a helper explains how to direct them.
- Front length: from the base of the neck at the front, over the bust and lap, down to where you want the hem, usually just above the footplates.
- Back length: from the nape of the neck down to the seat of the chair. This tells the tailor how much to shorten the back.
- Seated hip: around the widest part of the hips and thighs while sitting, which is usually wider than standing.
- Upper arm and wrist: with the arm in the position you push from, to keep sleeves out of the way.
- A photo: a side view of you seated in your current clothes shows where fabric collects better than any number.
Hem, back and sleeves
The front of a seated abaya often needs extra length to cover the knees and shins while seated, finishing just clear of the footplates. The back can be cut much shorter, or tapered, so you are not sitting on folds of fabric that pull at the neckline and create pressure points. Side seams then curve between the two lengths.
Keep the width at the hem moderate. A wide or flared hem drapes over the wheels, while a straight cut stays on your lap. Sleeves are usually easier fitted or gently tapered, ending just above the wrist bone, so they stay off the push rims and do not pick up dirt from the wheels.
Openings that are easy to manage
An abaya that opens fully down the front is usually far easier to put on seated than one that goes over the head. Our comparison of open-front and closed abayas explains the options. Large snaps, a zip with a pull loop, or a wrap with a single tie can all be managed with less grip than small buttons, so choose what suits your hands.
Side-seam pockets are awkward when seated; a patch pocket on the front, at thigh height, is easier to reach. Fabrics with a little drape and no stiffness feel more comfortable over long periods of sitting, and a smooth surface slides into the chair rather than sticking to it.
Ordering a seated abaya
We make abayas to measure, and there is no in-person appointment, so your measurements and photos do the work. Send the seated measurements, a photo and a note about your chair through the quote form, and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design in the written quote. Our general guide on how to measure for an abaya covers the standing measurements if you also need those.
Common questions
Will a seated abaya look odd when I stand?
If you stand or walk for parts of the day, the shorter back will show. Tell us how you use your chair, and the difference between front and back lengths can be kept small.
Which fabrics work well for long periods of sitting?
Soft, medium-weight fabrics that crease little, such as a smooth crepe or a polyester blend, stay neat after hours in a chair. Stiff fabrics crease and press into the body.
Can an abaya be designed around a catheter bag or other equipment?
Describe what you need room or access for in your enquiry, and we look at whether an opening, pocket or extra room can be placed for it. We confirm what is possible before anything is made.
