Size Guide
Abaya Size Guide: How to Find Your Perfect Size
An abaya size is usually a length, not a body size, and that one fact clears up most of the confusion. If you have ever looked at a listing that says "54" and wondered whether that means medium, large or something else, you are in good company.
Every month, thousands of women search for questions like "abaya size 58 is XL or XXL?", "what does size 54 mean?" or "which abaya size for 5'4?". The answers are scattered across brand pages, and each brand uses a slightly different system.
This comprehensive guide puts everything in one place. You will learn what the numbers mean, how to measure yourself, which size suits your height, how bust and sleeves fit in, how sizing differs in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the UK and Pakistan (learn more in our guide to abayas in Pakistan), and what to buy for kids. Treat every chart here as a starting point, and always check the brand's own size guide before you pay.
What Do Abaya Size Numbers Actually Mean?
An abaya size number is the length of the garment in inches, measured from the top of your shoulder down to the hem. A size 54 is about 54 inches (137 cm) long, a 58 is about 58 inches (147 cm) and a 60 is about 60 inches (152 cm). That is why abaya sizes follow your height instead of standard dress sizes like 8, 10 or 12.
What does abaya size 54 mean?
It means the abaya is 54 inches long, which suits women of roughly 5'2" to 5'4". It does not tell you whether the abaya is medium or large. Most abayas are cut loose, so the width comes from the style, and some brands add a separate letter size (S, M, L) for the bust.
Is abaya size 58 XL or XXL?
Neither, strictly speaking. A 58 is a length, so it fits someone around 5'6" to 5'8" whatever their body size. The confusion comes from sellers who bundle length and width together. On bundled charts, a 58 comes with a 46 to 48 inch bust, which is the XL/XXL range. Always read the bust line, not just the number.
Why do adult sizes run from about 48 to 62? Because that covers the range of adult heights brands design for. Kids' abayas use smaller numbers (28 to 50) because the same rule applies: the number is the length.
Abaya Size Chart with Height (Inches and CM)
Find your height in this table to get your starting abaya length in inches and centimetres:
| Abaya Size (Length, in) | Length (cm) | Typical Height (ft/in) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 48 | 122 cm | 4'6" – 4'8" | 137 – 142 cm |
| Size 50 | 127 cm | 4'9" – 5'0" | 145 – 152 cm |
| Size 52 | 132 cm | 5'0" – 5'2" | 152 – 157 cm |
| Size 54 | 137 cm | 5'2" – 5'4" | 157 – 163 cm |
| Size 56 | 142 cm | 5'4" – 5'6" | 163 – 168 cm |
| Size 58 | 147 cm | 5'6" – 5'8" | 168 – 173 cm |
| Size 60 | 152 cm | 5'8" – 5'10" | 173 – 178 cm |
| Size 62 | 157 cm | 5'9" – 6'2" | 175 – 188 cm |
How to Measure for an Abaya
Measure length first, then bust and sleeves, because those three decide most fits. Use a soft tape, stand straight in front of a mirror, and ask someone to help with the back measurements if you can.
- Length: Place the tape at the highest point of your shoulder, next to your neck, and run it straight down to your ankle or the floor, depending on where you want the hem. Think about your shoes, because heels need an extra inch or two. This number is your abaya size.
- Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest and add two to three inches for a comfortable, modest fit. Then compare that figure with the garment measurement in the seller's chart.
- Sleeve: With your arm relaxed, measure from the shoulder point down to the wrist bone. Most abaya sleeves end at the wrist or a little below. Wide, bell or butterfly sleeves look best when the length is right.
- Shoulders: Measure across your back from one shoulder edge to the other. This matters most for closed, structured abayas.
- Waist and hips: Measure the narrowest part of your waist and the fullest part of your hips. These count for belted, fitted and closed styles, and less for loose open abayas.
In Arabic listings you will see قياس العباية (qiyas al-abaya) for abaya measurements and مقاس (maqas) for size. So مقاس 60 simply means size 60, a length of about 60 inches.
Which Abaya Size for Your Height? (With vs Without Heels)
Match your height to the length in this table, then go up one size if you usually wear heels:
| Your Height | Abaya Size (Flats / Normal) | Abaya Size (With Heels) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 50 or 52 | 52 |
| 5'1" | 52 | 54 |
| 5'2" | 52 | 54 |
| 5'3" | 54 | 56 |
| 5'4" | 54 | 56 |
| 5'5" | 56 | 58 |
| 5'6" | 56 | 58 |
| 5'7" | 58 | 60 |
| 5'8" | 58 | 60 |
| 5'9" – 5'10" | 60 | 62 |
| 5'11" and taller | 62 | 62 |
Abaya Sizes 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 Explained
Letter Sizes (S to XXL) Versus Number Sizes
Letter sizes describe your body, and number sizes describe length. A brand that offers both lets you choose width and length separately.
| Letter Size | Bust (Inches) | Bust (CM) | UK Size Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 30 – 32" | 76 – 81 cm | 4 – 6 |
| XS | 32 – 34" | 81 – 86 cm | 6 – 8 |
| S | 34 – 36" | 86 – 91 cm | 10 – 12 |
| M | 36 – 40" | 91 – 101 cm | 14 – 16 |
| L | 40 – 42" | 101 – 109 cm | 18 – 20 |
| XL | 43 – 46" | 109 – 117 cm | 22 – 24 |
| XXL | 46 – 48" | 117 – 122 cm | 24 – 26 |
The Cut Changes the Fit: A standard A-line abaya is true to size (frequently featured in our everyday abayas collection); an open or kimono-style abaya is relaxed; and an oversized butterfly (farasha) abaya like our flowing kaftan abayas should be chosen strictly by height so the hem does not trail. A kloosh cut (قصة كلوش) is a flared bell-shaped silhouette where length and sleeve matter more than bust. For special gatherings, explore our detailed embroidered abayas and formal luxury abayas.
Abaya Sizing in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the UK and Pakistan
Dubai & the UAE
Sold by length number (52 to 62) in a loose cut. If closed or fitted, sellers ask for bust and sleeve measurements.
Saudi Arabia
Uses length-based numbers in a roomy cut. Tailor-made sizing is very common for petite, tall, or in-between sizes.
United Kingdom
UK retailers combine body size with length (e.g. 52 = UK 10, 54 = UK 12, 56 = UK 14, 58 = UK 16).
Pakistan
Both systems exist side-by-side. Premium cuts like our signature abayas and imported Dubai styles use length numbers (52, 54, 56), while casual local brands often use S, M, L, XL.
Kids' Abaya Sizes and Burqa Sizes
Kids' abaya numbers work the same way as adult ones: the number is the length in inches, and each 2-inch size covers roughly one year of age:
| Abaya Size (Length, in) | Length (cm) | Approximate Age |
|---|---|---|
| Size 28 | 71 cm | 3 – 4 years |
| Size 32 | 81 cm | 5 – 6 years |
| Size 36 | 91 cm | 7 – 8 years |
| Size 40 | 102 cm | 9 – 10 years |
| Size 44 | 112 cm | 11 – 12 years |
| Size 48 | 122 cm | 13 – 14 years |
Buying Tips That Save You a Return
- Read the chart behind the number: Check whether the seller sells length only or bundles length and width together.
- Do not compare brands blindly: A size that fits well in one shop can run differently in another.
- Think about fabric: Crepe, nida and georgette drape differently. Natural fibres can shrink slightly, so follow the care label.
- Plan for your shoes: Go up one size in length if you wear heels most days.
- Save your measurements: Keep your length, bust and sleeve numbers in your phone notes so you can shop quickly.
- Check the returns policy: Ensure the seller offers easy exchanges before you order. Bin Ibrahim offers a transparent, stress-free Return & Exchange Policy so you never have to worry about fit.
Quick Answers to Common Abaya Size Questions
The Short Version
An abaya size is a length in inches, so choose it by your height and add one size for heels. Then check the bust and sleeve figures, because the number alone will not tell you how wide the abaya is. When a brand's chart disagrees with this guide, trust the brand's chart for that brand.
Bin Ibrahim Official Atelier Sizing Specifications
Abaya Size Chart & Fit Guide
Find your exact Bin Ibrahim abaya fit. Whether selecting from our latest new arrivals or classic designs, our size measurements follow standard Gulf/Pakistani sizing based on total length in inches from shoulder to hem.
Standard Abaya Size Conversion Chart
| Abaya Size | Recommended Height | Abaya Length | Bust Width (Garment) | Standard Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size 50 | 4'10" - 5'0" (147-152 cm) | 50 inches (127 cm) | 38 - 40 inches | XS |
| Size 52 | 5'1" - 5'2" (155-157 cm) | 52 inches (132 cm) | 40 - 42 inches | Small (S) |
| Size 54 | 5'3" - 5'4" (160-162 cm) | 54 inches (137 cm) | 42 - 44 inches | Medium (M) |
| Size 56 | 5'5" - 5'6" (165-168 cm) | 56 inches (142 cm) | 44 - 46 inches | Large (L) |
| Size 58 | 5'7" - 5'8" (170-173 cm) | 58 inches (147 cm) | 46 - 48 inches | X-Large (XL / XXL) |
| Size 60 | 5'9" - 6'0" (175-183 cm) | 60 inches (152 cm) | 48 - 50 inches | XXL / 3XL |
How to Choose Your Abaya Size
1. Measure Your Height
Abayas are intended to reach right at the top of your shoes (ankle length). Always choose based on your height without shoes first.
2. Consider Your Footwear
If you regularly wear 2-3 inch heels or platform shoes with your luxury abayas, consider sizing up one size (e.g., from 54 to 56) to maintain floor-length grace.
3. Modest Ease / Cut
Bin Ibrahim abayas are designed with generous modest flare. Front-open, butterfly, and kaftan silhouettes naturally offer extra chest and hip room.
Abaya Sizing Frequently Asked Questions
Is abaya size 58 XL or XXL?
Abaya size 58 is primarily an X-Large (XL). It has a total length of 58 inches and fits individuals who are 5'7" to 5'8" tall. Because abayas feature an oversized modest cut (46-48 inch bust), size 58 comfortably fits both XL and relaxed XXL body profiles.
What is abaya size 54 in standard sizes?
Abaya size 54 corresponds to a Medium (M). It measures 54 inches from the top of the shoulder to the bottom hem, designed perfectly for women with a height between 5'3" and 5'4".
What are abaya sizes in numbers?
In Pakistan and the Gulf region, abaya sizes are based on overall length in inches. The standard numbers are: Size 50 (XS, 50"), Size 52 (S, 52"), Size 54 (M, 54"), Size 56 (L, 56"), Size 58 (XL, 58"), and Size 60 (XXL, 60").
What size abaya should I get for a height of 5'2"?
For a height of 5'1" to 5'2", we recommend Size 52. If you intend to wear platform shoes or heels, choose Size 54 for full floor coverage.
Found Your Ideal Abaya Size?
Discover Bin Ibrahim's premium handcrafted abayas crafted in pure Korean Nida and rich georgette fabrics:
Need assistance with size selection or custom tailoring? Visit our FAQs or Contact Our Concierge.