Eid outfits in Saudi Arabia: ordering made to measure

The season changes the fabric

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, both Eids move earlier through the solar year, by around eleven days each time. That means Eid can fall in a mild Riyadh spring one year and in fierce summer heat a few years later. Choose the fabric for the season your Eid actually falls in:

• Hot months: lawn or fine cotton for the day, with chiffon kept to the dupatta. Our lawn guide explains weights.
• Mild months: cotton silk, jacquard or a crisp cambric give more richness without much warmth.
• Cool months: karandi or khaddar, with a velvet shawl for the evening. Our embroidered karandi suit is a starting point you can customise.

Morning visits and evening gatherings

Eid in the Kingdom is usually a long day of visiting: family in the morning, more relatives in the afternoon, and dinner that runs late. Some women change once; others want one outfit that works from breakfast to midnight. If that is you, choose comfort first, with a softly flared cut, sleeves you can eat in, and trousers you can sit in for hours.

If sisters or friends want coordinated outfits, our guide to coordinated outfits shows how to vary cuts and shades within one palette. Several outfits can be quoted together.

How much embroidery?

The quote form offers three levels. Delicate work sits on the neckline or sleeves; detailed work adds the hem; statement work is bolder, for Eid and parties. We confirm in writing what is possible on your fabric and design before anything is cut, so ask for the look you want rather than a named technique. Our fancy work page for Saudi Arabia explains how it is agreed.

You can also skip embroidery altogether and let the fabric carry the occasion. A jacquard or a woven self-pattern in a festive colour looks dressed up with no added work, and it is easier to wash after a day of visits. Our jacquard guide explains how woven patterns are placed when the pieces are cut.

Eid under an abaya

If you wear an abaya when you go out on Eid, think about what happens underneath. Heavily flared skirts and stiff sleeves bunch up; a long A-line or straight kameez with smooth sleeves slides under an abaya and still looks festive when the abaya comes off indoors. Our guide to what to wear under an abaya has more detail.

Ordering your Eid outfit

Send a photo of the look you love, or pick one of our designs and change the neckline, sleeves or length. Start on the design quote form, mention your Eid date, and choose your currency: US dollars, euros or pounds sterling. Our Eid occasion page has more ideas, and the Eid timeline helps you plan backwards.