How to Choose Your Abaya Size (Without Guessing)

Here is the single most useful fact: an abaya size number is the length of the garment in inches, measured from the top of the shoulder to the hem. Size 54 means 54 inches long. It is not a dress size, and it has nothing to do with US letter sizing.

What size 52, 54, or 56 actually means

Adult abayas and thobes usually run from 52 to 62 inches. Girls' sizes run shorter. When you see 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, or 62, you are looking at shoulder-to-hem length. Our size guide explains the measuring method, and the same numbering shows up across the store, from the Linen Abaya with Pockets ($40) to the Blossom Abaya ($65).

How to measure yourself

Stand straight in the shoes you plan to wear with the abaya. Have someone measure from the top of your shoulder, next to the base of your neck, down to where you want the hem to fall. That is usually just above the floor. Choose the size closest to that number.

How long should an abaya be?

For daily wear, most women want the hem just above the floor so it does not drag. A hem that touches the ground when you stand will trail when you sit in the car or lean into sujood. If you plan to wear heels with an occasion abaya, measure in those heels.

Between two sizes?

Go longer. A hem can be taken up by any tailor, but it cannot be let down. Our size guide recommends the longer length when you fall between sizes. Check the bust, hip and shoulder fit too, because those can change with the size.

Length versus width

The number covers length. Coverage through the bust and hips depends on the cut. An open-front abaya over a dress is forgiving. A closed or overhead style needs real room at the hip and bust, so a shorter, fuller woman may wear the same length as a taller, slimmer one but need a different cut. When in doubt, message us your height and how you like the fit, and we will recommend a size, or visit the store and try pieces on.

Kids sizes

Girls' abayas use the same system in shorter lengths. The Kids Plain Navy Abaya ($25) comes in sizes 40 to 50 (the zipper version starts at 32), and the Mother Daughter 3-Piece Organza Abaya ($120 adult, $75 girls) runs 38 to 50 for girls and 52 to 60 for adults, so the whole family measures the same way.

Common questions

Is S/M/L sizing based on height alone?

There is no universal S/M/L system for abayas. Go by the garment's length in inches, then check the bust, hip and shoulder room rather than choosing by height alone.

Should I size up in an abaya?

Choose a size that gives you both the length and the room you need. If a style is tight at the bust, hips or shoulders, ask us for measurements or try a different cut.

How long is too long for an abaya?

If the hem pools on the floor when you stand flat-footed, it is too long for daily wear. It will pick up dirt, catch on shoes, and bunch when you sit.

I am tall and slim. Will a longer size look too big?

Not always. A longer size can also be a little wider at the shoulders, bust or hips, so compare the garment measurements before buying, or try it on in the store.

Are one-size abayas plus-size friendly?

Some are generous, some are not; there is no standard. Check the stated length against your measurement, and ask about the hip and bust width before buying a one-size closed style.

My overhead abaya trails on the floor. Should I have it taken up?

Usually, yes. Try it on with the overhead section in place, then ask a tailor whether it can be shortened. Overhead styles may be measured differently from shoulder-worn abayas.

Still unsure? Send us your height through the contact page and we will recommend a size within one business day, or come try them on at 14619 Beechnut St, Suite A, Houston. You can also read our full abaya size guide anytime.