Building a Size Range for Men's Kaftans in Nigeria

To build a size range for men's kaftans in Nigeria, base each size on chest and shoulder width, set a top length that suits the style, and size the trousers separately by waist and length. Five or six top sizes, with two length options, cover most buyers without making production hard.

Many Nigerian men grew up getting every kaftan sewn by a tailor who knew their measurements. Buying ready-to-wear online asks them to trust your sizes instead. A clear, consistent range is how you earn that trust. For more on fit and try-on for African fashion, see our guide to virtual try-on for African fashion brands.

Which measurements matter most for a kaftan?

A kaftan is usually straight and relaxed, but a few measurements still decide whether it looks sharp or sloppy.

• Chest: the main sizing measurement for the top
• Shoulder width: if this is wrong, the kaftan looks borrowed, even when the chest fits
• Top length: where the hem falls, such as mid-thigh, knee or below the knee
• Sleeve length: to the wrist bone for a clean look
• Neck: for styles with a fitted collar or a buttoned placket
• Trouser waist and length: sized on their own, not tied to the top size

What does a starter size range look like?

Here is an example layout for a straight-cut kaftan top. Replace the numbers with your own pattern's measurements.

Size	Fits chest (in)	Shoulder (in)	Sleeve (in)	Top length, regular (in)	Top length, tall (in)
S	36–38	17	24	38	41
M	39–41	18	25	39	42
L	42–44	19	25.5	40	43
XL	45–47	20	26	41	44
2XL	48–51	21	26.5	42	45
3XL	52–55	22	27	43	46

Example chart only. Check and use your brand's own chart.

Offer a "tall" length if you can. Height varies a lot, and a kaftan that sits too high looks wrong on a tall man even when the chest fits.

Why should trousers be sized separately?

Many men are one size on top and another at the waist. A broad-chested man may need an XL top and a medium trouser. If you sell the set in one size only, one piece will be wrong.

Give buyers two size choices on the product page: one for the top and one for the trousers. Size the trousers by waist, with a length option.

Trouser size	Fits waist (in)	Inseam, regular (in)	Inseam, long (in)
30	29–31	30	33
32	31–33	30	33
34	33–35	31	34
36	35–37	31	34
38	37–39	32	35
40	39–42	32	35

Example chart only. Check and use your brand's own chart.

If the trousers have an elastic or drawstring waist, say so. Buyers will be more relaxed about choosing a size.

How do fit styles change the range?

Different kaftan styles need different ease (extra room).

• Straight classic kaftan: relaxed through the body. Size by chest.
• Slim-fit kaftan: closer through the chest and waist. Add a "size up if between sizes" note.
• Long kaftan or jalabiya style: length matters most. Offer regular and tall.
• Kaftan with agbada: the agbada is wide, so the inner kaftan and trousers carry the fit.

Keep a separate chart for each fit style. Our guide on selling agbada to diaspora customers covers the outer robe and delivery timelines.

How do you write fit notes for men's kaftans?

Men often skip the size chart. A short fit note under the price catches them:

• "Classic straight fit. Choose your usual shirt size."
• "Slim fit. If you are between sizes, size up."
• "Model is 6'1" and wears L in tall length."
• "Trousers have a drawstring waist."

For other loose styles where "free size" is tempting, see our guide on bubu gown sizing, which faces the same choice for womenswear.

How do diaspora men choose a kaftan size?

Men in the UK and US often know their shirt size by chest or collar. Add those references next to your own chart. Say whether your M matches a typical UK or US medium shirt, but only if you have checked it against your pattern.

For broader menswear sizing, including suits and trousers, read our guide to size recommendation for menswear stores.

How can buyers get a size without a tailor?

A quick scan can replace the tape measure for many buyers. With ZeDaq.ai on your store, a buyer uploads one photo, enters their height and gets a size from your own chart in about 30 seconds. You set one chart for tops and another for bottoms, so the kaftan and trousers each get their own suggestion. The buyer can also see your real kaftan on their body with virtual try-on.

FAQs

How many sizes should a men's kaftan range have?

Five or six top sizes, such as S to 3XL, cover most buyers. Add a tall length before adding more width sizes.

Should I sell the kaftan and trousers as a set?

You can sell them as a set, but let buyers choose a separate size for each piece. That avoids alterations for men with different top and waist sizes.

What is a good kaftan length for Nigerian men?

It depends on the style. Many classic kaftans fall around the knee. List the finished length for each size so buyers can compare it with their height.

Do I need a different chart for slim-fit kaftans?

Yes. A slim-fit kaftan has less room through the chest and waist, so it needs its own chart and a clear fit note.