Made-to-measure maxi dresses: length, sleeves and shape

Choosing a shape

The shape decides how the dress moves and which details it can carry.

• Tiered: horizontal tiers, each a little fuller than the one above, give a soft, swishy skirt. Our tiered maxi dress is one example, in chiffon in seven colours, offered in sizes S to XL or made to measure.
• Empire waist: the seam sits just under the bust and the skirt falls from there; comfortable, flattering and easy to wear for long days.
• Fitted waist with a flared skirt: a defined waist and a full skirt for dinners and Eid.
• Wrap style: adjustable and easy, though it needs a secure fastening if you want it to stay modest.
• Shirt-style maxi: a buttoned bodice with a long skirt, smart enough for work.

Getting the length right

For a maxi, length is everything. Measure from the shoulder or the waist to where the hem should end, wearing the shoes you plan to wear. Ankle length is practical for everyday wear and travel; floor length looks more formal but can catch on steps and pavements. Tall women especially benefit, because ready-made maxis so often stop at the shin; petite women avoid the extra metre of fabric pooling on the ground.

If you are unsure which measurements matter, our guide to body and garment measurements explains the difference.

A tiered or very full skirt also needs the right hem finish. A narrow rolled hem keeps chiffon light and floating, while a deeper hem gives a cotton skirt a little weight so it hangs straight in a breeze. If you want the hem to sit evenly all round, mention it when you order, since a full skirt can dip slightly at the sides on some fabrics.

Sleeves, neckline and coverage

Tell us how much coverage you want and we cut the dress around it.

• Long sleeves: full or wrist-length sleeves make a maxi suitable for more occasions and colder weather.
• Puff or flutter sleeves: a softer, more playful look for summer.
• Neckline: a round or square neck keeps the dress simple; a V-neck lengthens the upper body.
• Opacity: light fabrics need lining for a modest maxi dress; say whether you want a full or half lining.

Fabrics that drape

Chiffon and georgette give the floaty fall most people picture for a maxi; our georgette vs chiffon guide compares them. Both are sheer and need lining. Lawn and cotton make cool summer maxis with more body, and crepe or heavier blends hang straighter for evenings. Remember that colours can look slightly different on screen from the real fabric, so ask us about a shade if it matters.

Ordering your maxi

Choose “Western wear” on the quote form and upload a photo of the shape you want, with notes on length, sleeves and lining. If you would like us to supply the fabric, the Fabric + Stitching service for Saudi Arabia explains how it works there, and you can request a Fabric + Stitching quote directly. Customers in Riyadh and worldwide receive a written quote that includes delivery and any import charges, so there is nothing to pay on arrival.