How to Measure Yourself for a Custom Abaya — The Complete Guide

"A perfect fit is not a luxury — it is a right. Every woman deserves an abaya that was made for her body, not adjusted to fit it."

One of the most common questions we receive at Maison AshShifa is: "How do I know which size to order?" The honest answer is that abaya sizing varies significantly between brands — and the only way to guarantee a perfect fit is to know your measurements and order accordingly.

This guide walks you through exactly how to measure yourself for a custom abaya — whether you are ordering our standard sizes (40–66) or sending your measurements for a fully bespoke piece.

What You Need

• A soft measuring tape (the kind used in tailoring)
• A friend to help (or a mirror you can stand in front of)
• Light, form-fitting clothing — measure over your undergarments, not over a thick jumper

The 4 Most Important Measurements for Your Abaya

1. Height

Stand straight with no shoes. Measure from the top of your head to the floor. This determines the length of your abaya. We cut our abayas to fall approximately 1–2cm above the floor, which is the classic modest length. If you prefer ankle-length, tell us.

2. Bust / Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. This is the measurement that determines your standard size. If your bust measurement is between sizes, always go up — an abaya that is slightly looser is more comfortable and more modest than one that pulls.

3. Shoulder Width

Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the other, across the back. This determines how the abaya sits at the shoulder — if this measurement is wider or narrower than standard, tell us and we will adjust.

4. Sleeve Length (for three-quarter or full-length sleeves)

Measure from the shoulder seam to your wrist with your arm slightly bent. If you prefer sleeves that cover the wrist completely, add 2–3cm to your measurement.

Our Standard Size Chart

✦ Available in Custom Sizing

Rahma Abaya Set

From $185 USD

Graceful minimalism. Pleated fabric. Two-piece set available in 15+ colours and custom sizing. Our most accessible price point with full custom sizing available. Perfect for everyday elevated modest wear.

Shop the Rahma