Abaya Size Guide: How to Measure and Find Your Perfect Fit

Finding the right abaya size should not feel like guesswork. Unlike a standard dress, an abaya is designed to be loose, flowing and full length, so the way it fits is a little different to what most of us are used to. Order too short and it rides up when you walk or pray. Order too long and you are lifting the hem on every staircase.

This abaya size guide walks you through how to measure yourself at home, what each measurement tells you, and how to choose between sizes when you fall in the middle. In sha'Allah, by the end you will know exactly what to check before you order your next abaya.

How abaya sizing works

Most abayas are sized primarily by length, then by how relaxed the cut is through the body. That is because an abaya is meant to skim over your clothes rather than hug your shape. Our abayas, for example, are labelled S | 52, M | 54, L | 56, XL | 58 and 2XL | 60, and the number beside each size gives you a quick way to compare the garment against your own height. Every product page also includes a size chart, so always check it for the exact measurements of the style you are buying.

What you need to measure for an abaya

Grab a soft tape measure, wear light everyday clothing and stand naturally. If you can, ask someone to help with the length measurement so the tape stays straight.

Measurement	How to measure	Why it matters
Length	From the top of your shoulder (beside your neck) straight down to your ankle bone or the floor	Decides how the hem falls and is the main measurement for choosing a size
Shoulder width	Across your back from one shoulder point to the other	Keeps the shoulder seams sitting where they should so the abaya hangs properly
Bust	Around the fullest part of your chest	Makes sure you can raise your arms and move comfortably
Hips	Around the fullest part of your hips	Important for closed abayas that go on over the head
Sleeve length	From the shoulder point to your wrist bone	Helps you judge whether sleeves will cover your wrists, especially with bell or wide sleeves

How to choose your abaya size, step by step

1. Start with length. Measure from your shoulder to where you want the hem to finish. For most women that is the ankle bone or just above the floor.
2. Match it to the size chart. Find the size whose length is closest to your measurement, then check that the width measurements suit you.
3. Think about what you wear underneath. If you layer heavily in winter or wear thick knits, you will want a little extra room through the body.
4. Consider your shoes. If you usually wear heels or thick soles, measure with them on so the hem does not ride up.
5. Check the model details. Our Essential Abaya listing notes that the model is 155cm and wears a size S. Comparing the model's height with your own is a helpful shortcut.

Open vs closed abayas: does sizing change?

Yes, slightly. An open abaya is worn like a light coat over your outfit, so it is forgiving through the bust and hips and mostly comes down to length and shoulder fit. A closed abaya is worn like a dress, so it is worth paying closer attention to bust, hip and sleeve measurements. If you are still deciding between the two, our guide to open vs closed abayas explains the difference.

Between two abaya sizes? Here is how to decide

• Choose the longer length if in doubt. In most cases a hem is easy for a tailor to shorten, while adding length is far harder.
• Size up for layering. If you plan to wear your abaya over bulkier outfits, the larger size will be more comfortable.
• Leave room to pray. You should be able to move through ruku and sujood without the fabric pulling tight across your knees. Our guide to the best abaya for prayer covers this in more detail.

Common abaya sizing mistakes

• Measuring over bulky clothing, which gives you a misleading number.
• Choosing by usual dress size alone, when abayas are mostly sized by length.
• Forgetting sleeve length, which matters for coverage and comfort.
• Not comparing your height with the model's height in the product photos.
• Buying a tight fit. A good abaya should skim your shape, not cling to it.

Ready to find your abaya fit?

Once you know your measurements, browse our full range of abayas, including our best-selling Khatijah closed abayas and our everyday Essential abayas. If you are new to abayas altogether, start with What is an abaya?

Abaya size guide FAQs

What size abaya should I get?

Start with the length from your shoulder to your ankle, match it to the size chart on the product page, then check your bust, hip and shoulder measurements to make sure the fit will be comfortable.

Should I size up in an abaya?

Only if you are between sizes or plan to layer thick clothing underneath. Abayas are already cut to be relaxed, so most people do not need to size up for comfort alone.

How long should an abaya be?

Long enough to cover your ankles when you walk and sit, without dragging on the ground. The hem should skim just above the floor.

Can an abaya be altered?

In most cases, yes. Hems and sleeves can usually be shortened by a local tailor, which is why choosing the longer length is the safer option when you are between sizes.