Abayas · 8 October 2026 · 4 min read
Abaya too long or too short: what can be changed?
How to shorten an abaya, when one can be lengthened and what to do if it is too short: hems, allowances, bands and sleeves, plus a deeper hem on a new order.
InspirationShortening is easy; lengthening depends
An abaya that is too long can almost always be shortened by taking up the hem, and the sleeves can be shortened too. One that is too short can be lengthened only if there is spare fabric folded inside the hem, or by adding a band, facing or lace at the bottom to gain length.
To be clear: we do not alter existing clothes, including abayas we have not made. The advice here is general, for you or a tailor near you. If an abaya we made does not match the measurements agreed in your quote, that is covered by our fault terms, explained below.
Taking up a hem
Put the abaya on with the shoes you wear most and mark the new length all the way round; floor height changes when you look down, so a helper is useful. Our guide on abaya length to the floor with shoes shows where the hem usually sits.
- Straight hem: the simplest. Cut, keep a hem allowance of 2 to 4 cm (about 1 to 1.5 inches) and stitch.
- Flared or curved hem: the edge is wider than the place it folds up to, so it needs easing or a narrow rolled hem rather than a deep fold.
- Side slits: shortening also shortens the slits. If you want them the same length, they need to be opened higher.
- Embroidered or lace border: the border can be unpicked, the abaya shortened and the border sewn back on, much as our article on shortening a kameez without losing the border explains for a kameez.
Letting down a hem
Turn the abaya inside out and look at the hem. If the fold is deep, there may be several centimetres to let down. Unpick it, press out the old crease and sew a narrower hem, or face the edge with a strip of matching fabric to keep almost all of the length.
Check the old fold line before you start. On dark or faded fabrics it can leave a visible line that pressing will not fully remove, and it may sit slightly above the new hem.
Adding length when there is no allowance
When the hem is narrow, length has to come from new fabric. A band of the same or a contrasting fabric, a deep lace trim or a ruffle at the hem can each add several centimetres and can look deliberate if repeated at the cuffs. Matching an exact black or a faded colour is harder than it sounds, so a clear contrast often looks better than a near-match.
Sleeves follow the same rules: easy to shorten, and lengthened only by a cuff or band.
Planning for it on a new order
If you expect your preferred length or shoes to change, ask for a deeper hem allowance on a new abaya. It costs a little extra fabric and makes letting down possible later. We make abayas to measure, and our guide on how to measure for an abaya helps you get the length right first time. Note it in the quote form, and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design in the written quote.
If an abaya we made does not match the agreed measurements, report it no later than 7 days after delivery. We correct or remake it without charge for the work, and you pay the postage both ways, as set out in our payment and cancellation terms.
Common questions
Can I shorten an abaya without a sewing machine?
Yes, a simple hem can be stitched by hand with a blind or slip stitch, which is nearly invisible from the outside. It takes longer but works well on most fabrics. Hemming tape is a quicker temporary fix.
How much should I leave for the hem when shortening?
On a straight hem, 2 to 4 cm (about 1 to 1.5 inches) is typical. On a flared or curved hem, a narrow hem of around 1 cm lies flatter.
Will a shortened abaya hang differently?
Slightly. A deep hem adds a little weight at the bottom, and a narrower one makes the abaya feel lighter and move more freely.
