The atelier

How to measure

Every abaya we make is cut for one woman. There is no small, medium or large — there is your length, your shoulder, your bust, your sleeve. Five measurements, ten minutes, and it will fit you the way nothing off a rail ever has.

The five measurements

1. 1

   Shoulder

   Straight across the back, from the bone at the edge of one shoulder to the other. Not over the arms.

2. 2

   Sleeve opening

   Around the wrist where you want the sleeve to end. Ours is cut at 10 cm unless you ask for something else — wider for a flowing sleeve, narrower for a close one.

3. 3

   Bust

   Around the fullest part, over light clothing. Let the tape sit — don't tighten it. We add the ease ourselves.

4. 4

   Hem

   How wide you want the abaya to fall at the bottom. Wider gives more movement, narrower gives a straighter line.

5. 5

   Length

   From the top of the shoulder, beside the neck, straight down to the heel. If you wear heels most of the time, measure in them.

If you are not sure of the length

Length is the one people find hardest to picture. Find your height in the first column and use the length beside it as a starting point.

Both columns are the same length, written two ways — take whichever your tape measure uses. If you are between two lengths, choose the longer one. An abaya can be taken up; it cannot be let down.

Before you order

• Measure over light clothing, never over a coat or a thick jumper.
• Have someone else take the shoulder and the length — measuring your own back is how mistakes happen.
• Send your body measurements, not the measurements of an abaya you already own.
• We cut exactly to what you send, so read them back once before you press order.