Matching abayas for sisters, friends or a group

Why the cloth should come from one batch

Fabric is dyed in batches, often called dye lots, and two batches of the same fabric, sold under the same name and colour, can differ slightly. On its own you would never notice. Standing side by side in photographs, one abaya can look a touch bluer, browner or greener than the next. Black shows it more than people expect: a blue-black beside a brown-black is obvious in daylight.

With Fabric + Stitching, the fabric for the whole group is agreed in a single quote, and we confirm what is possible for the number of pieces. With Stitching Only, buy every length at the same time, from the same roll if the seller can manage it, and send them together after we have confirmed the fabric. Our guide to choosing fabric explains what to check before buying.

A cut that suits different heights and frames

Forgiving shapes make the best group designs. An A-line abaya, a straight open front or a kimono cut looks consistent on very different bodies, while a sharply fitted, belted shape can look like a different garment on each wearer. Our guide to choosing a cut for your height and frame helps the group agree.

Because each abaya is cut to its wearer, lengths and sleeves are individual anyway. A shorter sister gets a petite length and a taller one a longer hem, and the set still matches. If you want variety within the match, try one of these:

• Same fabric, small changes: everyone in the same cloth, with a choice of sleeve or neckline.
• Same cut, tonal colours: one design in shades of the same colour, from light to dark.
• One shared detail: a matching trim or embroidered cuff on otherwise different abayas. Describe the look or send a photo, and we confirm what is possible on the fabric.
• Practical differences: one member can have a nursing opening or pockets while the outside looks the same. See nursing-friendly abayas.

Sending one clear group enquiry

One person organising the enquiry keeps everything straight. Before you write, collect the following.

• The design: a photo, sketch or link to the style, plus the colour.
• A short name for each person and her measurements, all taken the same way, as in our guide on how to measure for an abaya.
• Each person’s length, measured in the shoes she will wear on the day.
• Any individual changes, such as sleeves, pockets or a nursing opening.
• Where the abayas should go: one address or several. We confirm the delivery arrangements in the written quote.
• The date of the event. Production is 5 to 7 working days from approval and full payment, plus shipping time, and gathering everyone’s measurements often takes longer than either, so start early.

Ready to order

Our custom abaya service covers both ways of ordering. To have us supply the fabric for the whole group, ask for a Fabric + Stitching quote and list everyone in the notes. Our Eid abaya ideas may help if the set is for Eid.