Length is the measurement that matters most on an abaya, so many brands size by length, or pair S–3XL with a length for each size. Whichever system you choose, an abaya size chart for brands should list garment measurements taken from the approved sample, and a first order should lean towards the middle sizes, with fewer pieces at the extremes.
Two ways to size an abaya
| System | How it works | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| S–3XL | Letter sizes based on chest and shoulder width | Closed abayas, open abayas and maxi dresses with a more defined shape |
| Length-based | Sizes named by length, such as 52, 54, 56, 58 or 60 inches | Loose closed and open abayas, where width is generous and height decides fit |
| Free size | One size with a generous cut | Kaftans and prayer sets |
Our closed and open abayas can be cut to S–3XL or to length-based sizes. Maxi dresses come in S–3XL. Kaftans are free size or S–3XL, and prayer sets free size or S–XL.
Pick one system and use it consistently across your range, so a returning buyer knows what to order. Mixing systems, for example letter sizes on closed abayas and lengths on open abayas, tends to confuse buyers and increase returns. If you want both width and length covered, a combined chart works well: letter sizes, each offered in two or three lengths, with every combination listed clearly.
What to put on your chart
A good chart is short, clear and honest. For each size, include:
- Length, measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem
- Chest or bust, measured across the garment and doubled
- Sleeve length, from shoulder seam to cuff
- Shoulder width, for styles with a defined shoulder
Then add two short notes:
- How to choose a length. For example: measure from your shoulder to your ankle, wearing the shoes you usually wear.
- What the measurements are. Say that they are garment measurements, not body measurements.
If you size by length, also give the buyer’s height range for each length. Many buyers find “suits heights from about…” easier than a measurement on its own.
Building the chart from your sample
- Approve your sample in one size or length first.
- Ask us for the measurements of every size in that style.
- Check two or three against the sample with a tape measure, laid flat.
- Round sensibly, and use the same units throughout.
- Publish the chart next to every product, not on a separate page that buyers may never find.
If you already have a chart from an earlier supplier or your own pattern, send it to us. We confirm the measurements for each style before bulk production, and lengths can be mixed within the minimum.
Size ratios for a first order
The minimum is 50 pieces per style, with sizes or lengths mixed within it. There is no universal ratio, but most first orders follow the same shape: heaviest in the middle, lighter at each end.
Letter sizes
For a closed abaya in S–3XL, a first order might be weighted like this:
| Size | Share | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| S | Small | Fewer buyers, but needed for a full range |
| M | Large | One of the two most common sizes |
| L | Large | The other most common size |
| XL | Medium | Steady demand |
| 2XL | Small | Smaller but loyal group of buyers |
| 3XL | Small | Shows the range is inclusive; reorder if it sells |
Length-based sizes
For length-based sizing, look at your buyers’ heights. If you are selling where many buyers are of average height, weight the middle lengths. If your audience is taller, shift the weight one length longer. Keep the shortest and longest lengths in small numbers until you see demand.
Free size
Kaftans and prayer sets in free size need no split, which makes them a simple second style for a first order.
Splitting by colour as well
If you split a style across colours, keep the size shape the same in each colour, and put more pieces in black or your strongest colour. A seasonal colour can carry fewer pieces and a narrower size spread. The colour split is confirmed at quotation, as it depends on fabric availability.
Adjusting after the first order
Track sales by size or length, colour and style. When a size sells out early, note it. When a size comes back as a return, read the reason: too long, too short, too narrow. After the first order:
- Shift the split towards the sizes that sold first
- Adjust your chart wording if returns show buyers misreading it
- Consider adding a length if many buyers asked for one you do not offer
Our post on choosing fabric for abayas explains how fabric affects drape and fit, and our white label abayas page lists sizes for every style. Send us your preferred sizing system, the lengths or sizes you want and a rough split, and we will confirm measurements in your quotation.