Modest maxi dress made to measure: what to ask for

Sleeves and neckline

Many maxi dresses sold in shops are sleeveless or short-sleeved, which leaves you layering a cardigan over the top all summer. Made to measure lets the sleeve be part of the design. A straight full sleeve looks neat and fits under a coat; a soft bell sleeve feels dressier but rides up when you reach, so keep the length generous. Sheer sleeves can be lined.

For necklines, a high round neck, a small keyhole with a button, or a short band collar all sit flat under a hijab. A V-neck can be raised, or worn with a fine inner. Say if you need a front opening, for example for nursing, so the closure is planned rather than added later.

Length, hem and skirt fullness

The hem is where a maxi dress either works or trips you up.

• Measure in your shoes: a floor-skimming hem in flats becomes too short in heels. Most women aim for the hem to clear the floor by a little so it stays clean outdoors.
• Stairs and kerbs: a narrow skirt pulls when you step up. Ask for enough fullness at the hem, or a tiered skirt, so you can walk freely without a slit.
• Tiers and gathers: tiered skirts add movement and fullness without a high slit, which keeps coverage when you walk.
• Waist definition: a tie belt or a seam under the bust shapes the dress without making it tight. Leave it loose if you prefer a straighter line.

Fabric and lining

Light fabrics such as chiffon and georgette make lovely maxis, but on their own they are usually sheer. A lining in the bodice and skirt makes them wearable all day; for a cooler dress, ask whether the skirt lining can stop at the knee or calf while the outer layer runs to the floor. Cotton, linen and heavier crepe cover on their own and are easier to wash, though crepe can cling and needs a little ease.

If you are unsure what to choose, Fabric + Stitching lets us suggest fabric that suits the design, agreed in writing before anything is cut.

Starting from one of our designs

Our tiered maxi dress is made in chiffon in seven colours, in standard sizes or made to measure, and its tiers give the walking room described above. The button-front shirt dress is another long option that suits work and errands. Look at each design page for the current details; if you want something changed, such as sleeve length or lining, ask in your quote and we confirm what is possible on that design.

For a dress of your own design, send a photo or sketch through the Fabric + Stitching quote form. The custom stitching page shows what we make.

Wearing a maxi in different climates

In Gulf heat, a loose cotton or lawn maxi with full sleeves and a light lining is often cooler than separates, because air moves freely under one long skirt. Customers in Jeddah and across the region order this way, with quotes in dollars, euros or pounds. In a damp British winter in Manchester, the same dress works with a fine knit underneath, tights and boots, and a long coat on top.

Production takes 5 to 7 working days from approval and full payment, and the written quote includes delivery and any import charges.