Abayas · 8 October 2026 · 4 min read

Which abaya should you have made first?

For a first custom abaya, choose a plain, mid-weight, forgiving cut. It tests your length, sleeve and ease, and gives you notes to carry into the next order.

Inspiration

Start plain

Have a plain one made first: a straight or gently A-line abaya in a mid-weight, opaque, matte fabric, in the colour you wear most, with simple sleeves and a simple closure. It is the abaya you will wear most often, and it is also the one that tells you whether your measurements are right.

That second reason is the important one. A first made-to-measure order sets your numbers: your length in shoes, your sleeve, your shoulder and how much ease you like. Once those are proven on a simple abaya, every later order, however elaborate, starts from a known base.

Why a simple cut teaches you more

On a plain abaya, every fault has one cause. If the hem is a little long, it is the length measurement. If the sleeve rides up when you reach, it is the sleeve length. On a pleated, layered or heavily flared design the same problems are harder to read, because drape, weight and decoration all pull on the cloth as well.

Fabric works the same way. A mid-weight crepe, or one of the cloths sold as nida, hangs predictably and hides small things. Very light fabric clings and shows the layer beneath, very heavy fabric drags the length down, and shiny fabric highlights every pull. Fabric trade names are used loosely from seller to seller, so describe what you want in plain words: opaque, matte, medium weight, soft drape. Our abaya fabrics guide explains the main types.

A sensible first specification

Treat this as a starting list and change whatever does not suit you.

Cut: straight or slight A-line, with enough ease to go over your usual clothes. See everyday vs dressy abaya cuts.
Front: closed, or open with a simple fastening, whichever you already wear.
Sleeves: straight or lightly tapered, to the wrist bone or just past it.
Length: measured to the floor in your everyday shoes, with the clearance written separately.
Colour: black or your most-worn neutral, so it goes straight into daily use.
Extras: one practical detail at most, such as a pocket.

What to save for the second order

Leave embroidery, contrast panels, sheer overlays, pleats and dramatic sleeves for next time. They are easier to get right once the base is settled, and if something about the base needs changing, it is better to learn that on a plain abaya than on your Eid one.

Notes to make after a week of wear

Wear the abaya for a week or two in your normal shoes, over your normal clothes, before you judge it. Then write down, in centimetres, anything you would change.

Hem: height above the floor at front and back, in each pair of shoes you wore.
Sleeve: where it ends with your arm down, and when you reach forward.
Shoulder: whether the seam sits on the shoulder point or slides off it.
Ease: room across the bust and hips when you sit, drive or pray.
Neck and closure: anything that gaped, rubbed or took too long to fasten.

Carrying the notes forward

The arrival checklist is for comparing the abaya with your written quote on the day it comes. These notes are different: they record preference after real wear. Keep the measurements from your quote and send them again with your changes, for example “same as my last abaya, 2 cm shorter at the front, sleeve 1 cm longer”. That sentence is worth more than a fresh set of measurements, because it starts from a garment you have tested.

To begin, read how to order a custom abaya online and send your request through the quote form. One abaya is enough for an order. Our custom abaya service works with our fabric or yours, and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design before cutting.

Common questions

Should my first custom abaya be black?

Only if black is what you wear most. The point of the first abaya is daily use and a clear test of the measurements, so pick the colour that goes with most of your wardrobe, in a matte, opaque fabric.

Is it better to send my own fabric for a first order?

Either route works. Fabric + Stitching means one parcel and one decision fewer. Stitching Only adds a stage, because your fabric travels to Pakistan first, after we have confirmed it is suitable and how much is needed.

Can I order two abayas the first time?

You can, but if you have never had one made to measure, a single plain abaya is the safer way to settle length, sleeve and ease. Order the second once you have worn the first and know what you would change.

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