Abaya Sizing Guide: Measuring Yourself at Home

Shopping for an abaya online removes the fitting room from the equation, which can feel like a leap of faith the first time. In practice, it comes down to three measurements you can take yourself in a few minutes.

Height is the first and most important: stand straight against a wall, barefoot, and measure from the floor to the top of your head. This is what most abaya length options (standard sizes or custom) are built around, since an abaya is meant to sit at or near ankle length regardless of your build.

Shoulder width comes next — measure straight across your back from the edge of one shoulder to the other, where a sleeve seam would naturally sit. This affects how the abaya drapes across the top of the body, which matters more for a closed or fitted style than a loose, oversized one.

Finally, decide on your preferred length: some prefer an abaya that just skims the floor, others prefer it a couple of inches shorter for ease of movement, especially if you are often walking or driving in it. There is no single correct answer here — it is a personal, practical preference.

If your measurements fall between two standard sizes, it is almost always safer to size up for an abaya than down: a slightly looser fit still drapes well, while a too-tight one changes the whole silhouette. And if you are genuinely unsure, reaching out before you order is faster than guessing.