Sizing from the UAE: measurements, inches and shop sizes

Shop sizes are a starting point, not an answer

If you know you are usually a UK 12 or an EU 40, that tells us roughly what to expect, but two brands’ size 12s can differ by several centimetres at the bust and hip. Our article on UK, EU and US dress sizes explains why measurements beat labels for a kameez. Even our own shirt dress, which comes in S to XL, can be ordered made to measure instead for exactly this reason.

Using the measurements your tailor already took

Old tailor’s notes can help, but treat them with care. They may be finished garment measurements rather than body measurements, they may include the tailor’s own ease, and your body may have changed since. Use them to check your new figures, not to replace them. If you have a kameez from a tailor that sits just as you like, measure it flat and send those numbers alongside your body measurements; using a kameez that fits as your template shows how.

Inches or centimetres?

Tailors across the region often work in inches, while UAE shops and most online charts use centimetres. Either is fine on our quote form. The rule is to use one unit throughout and say which, because a waist of 32 means something very different in each. Our guide to measuring in inches or centimetres covers the details, including how to read a tape that shows both.

A UAE measuring checklist

Take your measurements at home with a soft tape, ideally with someone to help, and follow the size guide.

• Measure over light, close clothing, similar to what you wear in the heat, not over an abaya or a thick top.
• Measure lengths wearing the shoes you plan to wear, especially for long kameez, dresses and abayas.
• If the outfit will go under an abaya, mention it so the ease is planned for the layer on top.
• Take the trouser measurements in the trouser size guide, including the length to your ankle.
• Measure twice, and check our list of common measuring mistakes before you submit.

Finished lengths you already know

Body measurements tell us your shape; finished lengths tell us your taste. If you have a favourite kameez, dress or abaya, note where its hem falls on your leg, how long the sleeves are from the shoulder seam, and how wide the trouser hem is. These are the numbers that ready-made sizes most often get wrong for women who are taller or shorter than average, and they are easy to take from a garment laid flat on the bed.

Add them in your notes as finished measurements, clearly labelled, so they are not confused with your body measurements. Our guide to kameez length for your height helps if you are choosing a new length rather than copying one.

Sending your measurements

Enter everything on the UAE quote form, with your design and notes. If you are starting from your own photo or sketch, the custom design service for the UAE explains what to include. We check the figures and ask about anything that looks unusual before cutting, and the measurements are agreed in writing in your quote. The outfit is then made in Pakistan and couriered to you, whether you live in Ajman, Dubai or any other emirate.