Choosing an abaya cut for your height and frame

Petite frames

If you are petite, the aim is to keep the abaya in scale with you, so it looks like your clothes rather than someone else’s.

• Keep volume moderate: a straight or gentle A-line abaya is easier to carry than a full umbrella or a wide butterfly.
• Watch the shoulder line: a shoulder seam that sits exactly on your shoulder makes everything below hang correctly; dropped shoulders can swamp you.
• Long vertical lines: an open front, a narrow front band or a column of buttons draws the eye up and down.
• Hem just clear of the ground: extra length pools at the feet and makes you look shorter.
• Narrower sleeves: wide bells and long wings add width at a point where you have little height to balance it.

Tall frames

Tall women often have the hardest time with ready-made abayas, which can end at the ankle instead of the floor and have sleeves that stop short of the wrist. A custom length abaya fixes both, and a tall frame can carry almost any cut: full butterfly wings, deep umbrella flares, bisht widths and long coat shapes all look graceful.

If you want to break the length a little, a belt, a yoke or a two-layer hem adds a horizontal line. The Toronto page and others in our locations list explain ordering from abroad, and our article on kameez length for your height explains how length and proportion work together.

Curvy and plus-size figures

A plus size abaya made to measure should give room without adding bulk. The A-line is a strong choice, because it follows the shoulders and skims everything below. An open front worn over a matching inner dress creates a long central line. A high waist tie or back ties give shape without clinging, and a soft V or shawl collar opens up the neckline.

What to be careful with: very stiff fabrics that stand away from the body, gathers at the waist, and wide horizontal details at the hip. Ask for side-seam pockets that lie flat, and enough ease through the bust and upper arm that the abaya moves when you do; our article on ease explains how much makes a difference.

Shoulders, bust and hips

• Broad shoulders: set-in sleeves with a precise shoulder line, a V-neck and flare towards the hem balance the top. Avoid large collars and dropped shoulders that add width.
• Narrow shoulders: kimono and cut-on sleeves, a band collar or a pleated back yoke add a little width up top.
• Fuller bust: princess seams or a front yoke with soft pleats give room without pulling across the front.
• Fuller hips: an A-line or umbrella from a high waist skims the hips; a straight cut that is too narrow at the hem will cling.
• Long torso, shorter legs: a high waist belt lengthens the leg line. The reverse suits a dropped waist.

Putting it into your quote

Tell us your height and the shoes you usually wear, the cut you are drawn to and anything you would like to play down or show off. The size guide explains the measurements we ask for. Start on the quote form, and if you would like a suggestion, say so: we can recommend a cut and confirm it in writing.

You can order as Fabric + Stitching or as Stitching Only with your own fabric. Every written quote includes delivery and any import duties and fees, and production takes 5 to 7 working days once the quote is approved and paid.