Your Guide to Abaya Sizing (UAE Sizing)
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Abaya sizing becomes simple once you know which measurement matters most. For an open-front abaya, your height guides the size because it determines where the hem will fall.
This guide gives you the complete Rima Atelier chart for UAE abaya sizes, starting with abaya length by height and followed by the full measurements in inches. You can also enter your height in the interactive size finder for a direct suggestion.
Why Is Abaya Sizing Driven by Height?
Abaya sizing is driven by height because length is what makes an abaya look made for you. Rima Atelier abayas are open-front, so the body sits relaxed and the hem position becomes the deciding point.
This is different from choosing a fitted dress, where a close body measurement may determine whether the garment fits. An open-front abaya has an easy shape through the body. Bust, hip, shoulder and sleeve measurements still help you understand its proportions, but they do not replace the height and length relationship.
Start with your height in centimetres. Find the matching row below, then use the full chart later in this guide to review the other measurements. If you want the answer without reading across a table, the Size Guide includes an interactive size finder.
| Height | Suggested Size | Abaya Length |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 149 cm | XS | 50 in |
| 150 to 157 cm | S | 52 in |
| 158 to 165 cm | M | 54 in |
| 166 to 172 cm | L | 56 in |
| 173 to 178 cm | XL | 58 in |
| 179 cm and above | XXL | 60 in |
The upper number in each height range is included in that row. For example, 157 cm maps to S, while 158 cm maps to M. That clear boundary makes the chart useful when you are asking, “what size abaya am I?” It also keeps the choice centred on the finished length rather than treating the letter as an ordinary dress size.
How Do I Measure My Height Properly?
Measure your full height in centimetres without shoes, then use that number in the height chart. Stand straight on a level floor so the measurement runs from the floor to the top of your head.
- Remove your shoes and stand with your back against a straight wall.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor and look straight ahead.
- Place a flat object level on the top of your head so it meets the wall.
- Mark that point, then measure from the floor to the mark in centimetres.
- Use the exact result in the height table before considering heels or a floor-length preference.
If possible, ask someone to take the measurement for you. This helps you stay upright while the top point is marked. Do not measure in heels. Your natural height selects the starting size, and your footwear preference is handled by sizing up.
What Does the Full Abaya Size Guide Include?
The full abaya size guide lists length, bust, sleeve, hips and shoulder for all six sizes. All measurements in this chart are in inches, and the length corresponds directly with the height table above.
| Size | Length | Bust | Sleeve | Hips | Shoulder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 50 | 40 | 26.5 | 44 | 15 |
| S | 52 | 42 | 26.5 | 46 | 16 |
| M | 54 | 43 | 27 | 48 | 16 |
| L | 56 | 45 | 27.5 | 52 | 16.5 |
| XL | 58 | 46 | 28 | 54 | 18 |
| XXL | 60 | 47 | 28.5 | 60 | 18 |
Read the length column first. It moves in two-inch steps from 50 inches in XS to 60 inches in XXL. Then check the remaining columns to understand how the proportions change across the chart.
The bust and hips describe the space through the body, while the shoulder and sleeve figures show the upper-body proportions. These measurements are useful confirmation, especially if you already know how you prefer an abaya to sit. They are not the first filter because every Rima Atelier piece is an open-front abaya. Its body is intended to sit relaxed.
Each piece also has wide cuffed sleeves and comes with a matching chiffon shayla. The collection is made to order in Dubai after you choose your options, so the published chart gives you a consistent reference across the Open-Front Abayas collection.
What Should I Do if I Am Between Two Abaya Sizes?
If you are between two sizes, size up. The extra length is the better choice when your height does not sit neatly within one range or you prefer the hem to fall closer to the floor.
Start with your exact height and identify the nearest boundary in the chart. If there is any doubt between the shorter and longer option, choose the longer one. This follows the atelier’s sizing principle and keeps the decision focused on where the abaya finishes.
You can check the result immediately with the interactive size finder. If your measurements call for a more individual solution, free made to measure is available on any abaya.
What Should I Do if I Wear Heels with My Abaya?
If you plan to wear heels, size up. The same guidance applies when you want a floor-length look, because both choices call for more length.
Use your natural height to find the starting point in the table, then move to the next size. For example, the rule is to move from the suggested shorter length to the next longer length, rather than changing how you measure your height. If you are already at the upper end of the chart or want the length tailored to your footwear, send your full measurements for free made to measure.
How Do UAE and Gulf Abaya Sizes Compare with Ordinary Dress Sizing?
UAE and Gulf abaya sizing does not translate directly into ordinary dress sizing. In this chart, your height chooses the abaya length, while the body measurements confirm the relaxed proportions of the open-front shape.
A familiar letter such as S, M or L may look like a dress size, but it serves a different purpose here. M corresponds to a 54-inch abaya for heights from 158 to 165 cm. L corresponds to a 56-inch abaya for heights from 166 to 172 cm. The letter, length and height range should be read together.
That is why choosing the same letter you usually buy in a fitted garment can be misleading. Begin with height, check the length, and then review bust, hips, shoulder and sleeve. This is the clearest way to use UAE abaya sizes without forcing a direct conversion from another wardrobe.
How Does Free Made to Measure Remove the Guesswork?
Free made to measure removes the need to settle for the nearest standard proportions. You can send your full measurements, and Rima Atelier will tailor any abaya to the options you select at no extra charge.
This is useful when the height chart points one way but your preferred body, shoulder or sleeve proportions do not align with the same row. It also gives you a clear route when you want a length chosen for a particular way of wearing the piece.
Every abaya is made to order in the Dubai atelier after the order is placed. Allow 5 to 10 days for it to be made, with delivery time added afterwards. Made-to-order and made-to-measure pieces are final sale, so review the Returns information before ordering. For a fuller explanation of the process, read the made-to-measure abaya guide.
Where Can I Get a Personal Abaya Size Suggestion?
Use the interactive size finder for an immediate suggestion based on your height. If you would rather have the atelier check, simply send your height on WhatsApp and ask for a size suggestion.
You can also send full measurements if you want free made to measure. Visit the Contact page to reach Rima Atelier by WhatsApp or email, then choose your piece from the full abaya collection when your size is clear.
