Design your own abaya from a photo or sketch

Choosing the right reference photos

One good photo beats ten blurry ones. Look for images that show the garment clearly, ideally from more than one angle.

• Front view: the neckline, fastenings and how the fronts meet or hang open.
• Back view: many abayas have pleats, a yoke or a shaped back that you cannot see from the front.
• Side view or movement: shows the drape and how full the hem is.
• Close-ups: cuffs, embroidery placement, trims or pockets.
• Your own photos: if you own an abaya you like, photograph it on a hanger in daylight, front and back.

Sketching when no photo exists

If the abaya you imagine does not exist anywhere, sketch it. It does not need to be pretty. A simple outline with arrows and labels works well: “sleeve wide from elbow”, “hidden buttons to the waist”, “pockets in side seams”, “hem just above the floor”. Draw front and back. Photograph the sketch in good light, or draw it on a phone. Our article on briefing a tailor with screenshots has more tips that apply here.

What to write in your notes

Photos show the look; your notes turn it into instructions. Cover these points:

• Keep and change: “like photo 1, but with the sleeves from photo 2 and no belt”.
• Length and clearance: your shoulder to floor measurement in your shoes, and how far above the floor the hem should sit.
• Front: open, closed, or a wrap, and how it fastens.
• Sleeves: length, width at the cuff, and any cuff detail. See our guide to abaya sleeve length.
• Practical extras: pockets, a nursing opening or a matching inner dress.
• Embellishment: none, delicate, detailed or statement, the levels on the quote form. We confirm what is possible on your fabric.

Inspiration, not a copy

We make an abaya in the style shown in your photo, to your measurements. A brand’s photo is a fine reference, but we do not reproduce logos or claim any connection with the original maker. Fabric, colour and details may differ from a photo, especially if the original fabric is not available; the written quote states what we can match and what we propose instead. Colours can also look slightly different on screen than in daylight.

Our designs page shows our own pieces, such as the tiered maxi dress, which you can also customise. For abayas, though, most customers start from their own reference.

From brief to approval

Upload your images and notes on the Send Your Design form. We reply with a written quote describing the design as we understand it; check every line, because the design approval is your chance to correct anything before cutting. Customers in Riyadh can see how this works locally on the Saudi Arabia custom design page. After approval and full payment, we make the abaya in 5 to 7 working days and ship it to you.