Abayas · 4 October 2026 · 4 min read
Abaya size guides vs made to measure: what to know
Why abaya size guides often leave you between sizes, how ready-made abaya sizes and lengths usually work, and when your own measurements give a better result.
InspirationWhy abaya sizes are so confusing
An abaya size guide tries to fit every body into a few sizes, so most women end up between two: the right width but too short, or the right length but loose at the shoulders. Made to measure skips the chart. You send your own bust, hips, shoulder, sleeve and full length with shoes, and the abaya is cut to those numbers. If you are often between sizes, that is the simplest fix.
We do not publish an abaya size chart, because every made-to-measure abaya is cut individually. This article explains how ready-made sizing usually works, so you can see where it falls short and what to send instead.
How ready-made abaya sizes usually work
Sellers size abayas in different ways, and you will meet several of these when shopping.
- Letter sizes: small, medium, large and so on, each covering a range of bust and hip measurements.
- Length sizes: a number that refers to the garment’s length from shoulder to hem, usually in inches. The width is often one generous size for all.
- Dress sizes: UK, EU or US numbers, which do not convert neatly between countries. Our article on UK, EU and US dress sizes explains why.
- Free size: a single, loose shape meant to suit many people. Comfortable for some, swamping or short for others.
Where size charts let you down
Charts assume your bust, hips, height and arm length all grow together. Real bodies do not. A tall woman with narrow shoulders, a petite woman with a full bust or a woman with long arms will always be compromising on something. Length sizes help with the hem but say nothing about the sleeves or shoulders. Our general comparison of brand size charts and made-to-measure goes into this for suits; the same logic applies to abayas.
Length sizes also hide a detail: some sellers measure from the shoulder, others from the back of the neck, and the two give different numbers for the same abaya. Always check where a length was measured from.
What to send instead of a size
For a made-to-measure abaya, send body measurements, not a size. The essentials are bust, waist, hips, shoulder, sleeve length, wrist, upper arm and the full length from shoulder to floor in your shoes. Our size guide shows how to take each body measurement, and the guide on how to measure for an abaya adds the abaya-specific ones.
If you already own an abaya with a length or width you like, measure it flat and send those numbers too. They tell us your preferred ease and length in one go.
Can I still use a standard size?
Yes. The quote form lets you choose a standard UK size, and we confirm the key measurements with you before anything is cut. Even then, measure your length in your shoes and your sleeve length, because those are the two places a standard size is most likely to miss. If you are unsure, the measuring help page explains how to get guidance.
Start on the quote form. We make abayas in Pakistan for customers across the world, from New York to Dubai, and the USA custom design page explains quotes in dollars, euros or pounds.
Common questions
Do you have an abaya size chart?
No. Every abaya is made to your own measurements, so we ask for your body measurements and lengths rather than a size. You can choose a standard UK size, and we then confirm the key measurements with you.
What does the number on a ready-made abaya mean?
Many sellers use a number for the garment length from shoulder to hem, usually in inches. Check with the seller where they measure from, as some use the back of the neck instead.
I am always between abaya sizes. What should I do?
Send your own measurements instead of a size. A made-to-measure abaya is cut to your bust, hips, shoulders, sleeves and length, so there is no in-between.
