Abaya Length Chart: Choosing by Height

Choose abaya length by your own shoulder-to-floor measurement, not by height alone. Height gives a rough guide, but torso length, shoes and the style you want all change the length you actually need.

Many abaya labels use a number such as 54, 56 or 58. That number usually stands for a length, but the unit and the starting point depend on the brand, so read the brand's own chart. Stores that recommend sizes for fashion shoppers face the same issue, because length and width are separate choices.

Why is height not enough?

Two women of the same height can need different abaya lengths. One may have a long torso and shorter legs, so the shoulder sits lower relative to the floor. The other may have the opposite.

Abayas also hang from the shoulder, so the length you need is the distance from the shoulder point to where you want the hem. The guide to measuring torso length explains one part of that distance.

How do you measure for abaya length?

You need a soft tape and a helper. Wear the shoes you plan to wear with the abaya, or note their heel height.

1. Stand straight with your feet together. Look ahead and relax your shoulders.
2. Find the shoulder point. This is the top of the shoulder where the seam of a shirt would sit, next to the neck.
3. Measure straight down to the floor. Keep the tape vertical, in front of the body, not over the chest curve if you want the front length.
4. Note where you want the hem. Many people choose just above the ankle bone or just above the shoe.
5. Subtract your allowance. Take off the gap between the floor and your chosen hem.

The result is the finished length you want. Compare it with the brand's length numbers in the same unit.

For the full set of body measurements an abaya needs, see how to measure for an abaya.

What does a worked example look like?

This example uses invented numbers to show the method. It is not a standard, so use your own measurements and your brand's chart.

Suppose a shopper measures 135 cm from shoulder point to floor in her usual shoes. She likes the hem to end 3 cm above the floor so it clears her shoes when she walks.

• Finished length wanted: 135 minus 3, which is 132 cm.
• She looks at the brand's chart. One size has a listed length of 130 cm, and the next has 134 cm.
• She decides: 134 cm will drag slightly, and 130 cm will sit higher than she wants. She chooses 134 cm and plans a small hem, or picks 130 cm if she prefers a shorter look.

The takeaway is to decide your preferred hem first, then pick the nearest length. Don't start from the size number.

What should an abaya length chart look like?

If you sell abayas, a chart that lists length for each size and also states the measuring points removes most confusion. Use a template like this and fill it with your own garment data.

Size label	Length (state unit)	Measured from	Fits shoulder-to-floor of
Your label	Your garment length	Shoulder point or back neck	Your recommended range

Say where the measurement starts. A length taken from the back neck is longer than one from the shoulder point, so shoppers compare unfairly if you do not say which one you use. This is a template, not a standard chart, so check your brand's own garment measurements.

The garment length chart for a related style, in thobe and jilbab sizing, works the same way.

Does height still help?

Yes, as a first filter. A shopper can use height to narrow down which length options to look at, then confirm with a proper measurement.

A store can show a simple note such as "if you are taller or shorter than the model, check the length on the size chart". That helps shoppers who do not know their shoulder-to-floor figure yet.

How do you handle length problems when selling abayas?

Length is a common reason an abaya does not work, along with width and sleeve length. Reducing length problems starts with a clear chart, a model height note and a fit note on every product.

The guide to fit-related returns and where they come from shows how to find the causes in your own store.

Stores can also let shoppers see the garment on themselves. ZeDaq.ai is an AI virtual try-on tool for fashion stores: the shopper uploads one photo and sees the store's real garment on their body, and its size recommendation can match a 30-second body scan to the store's own size chart.

FAQs

What does an abaya size like 54 or 56 mean?

It usually refers to the length, but the unit and the measuring point depend on the brand. Check the brand's own chart.

Should I buy a longer abaya and hem it?

Many people do, because shortening is easier than lengthening. Check that the hem can be altered and that the design will still hang correctly.

How much shorter than the floor should the hem be?

That is a matter of preference and comfort. Choose a length that clears your shoes when you walk and climb stairs.

Do I need different lengths for different shoes?

If you wear flat shoes and heels, measure for the pair you wear most. Heels raise you off the floor and make the abaya look shorter.