Size guide
Measure with confidence.
Measurement guidance for children's thobes, men's thobes and women's abayas — what to measure, how to measure it, and what to do when the numbers disagree.
Body measurements, garment measurements, and why both matter
Body measurements, garment measurements, and why both matter
A body measurement describes you; a garment measurement describes the cloth. A thobe can be the right length and still be tight at the chest, and a garment that fits the chest can still be long at the sleeve. Comparing the two is what actually predicts fit, which is why we publish garment measurements where they are confirmed and say so plainly where they are not.
Where a measurement starts and ends changes the answer. Shoulder-to-ankle and chest-to-ankle are different numbers on the same body; a sleeve measured from the shoulder seam is longer than one measured from the underarm. When you send us a figure, tell us the start point as well as the number.
Fit preference belongs in the conversation too. Two people with identical measurements can sensibly want different garments — one closer through the body, one fuller — and a tailor needs to know which you are asking for.
If two numbers disagree, or you are between sizes, ask rather than gamble. One message with a height, a chest figure and a garment that already fits usually settles it.
Guidance by garment type
Guidance by garment type
Children
Measure height, chest and length from shoulder to ankle. Age is a rough guide only. A parent or guardian should take measurements.
- Age is a starting reference only — two children of the same age can differ by a whole size.
- Height is the most useful single figure. Measure without shoes, standing against a wall.
- Check chest and waist if the child dislikes anything close, then confirm the hem sits at the ankle rather than above it.
- Take a second person's reading where you can; a self-measured child's figure is rarely reliable.
- Where a garment is available for tailoring, height plus a garment that fits well is enough to start.
Men's thobes
Chest, sleeve and shoulder-to-hem length decide a thobe. Take them once and every future order becomes a comparison rather than a guess.
- Start with a chest measurement, then decide the hem: at the ankle bone, or a short break over the shoe.
- Sleeve length is set by the wrist bone with the arm relaxed at the side — measure it, do not estimate it.
- Shoulder seam position decides everything below it, so check it against a garment you already wear well.
- If you sit between sizes, decide which compromise you prefer: room through the body, or a cleaner line.
- A made-to-order garment needs the full set, so take it once and keep the numbers for next time.
Women's abayas
Length, sleeve and layering decide an abaya, and coverage preference decides what those numbers should be for you.
- Decide length first — ankle, or longer with a train — because it changes what you need underneath.
- Check sleeve length and sleeve width separately; a wide sleeve can still fall short at the wrist.
- Layering matters: an open-front piece over an inner dress fits differently from a closed-front garment.
- Coverage preference is yours to set, and it should be stated when requesting tailoring.
- Where a garment's fabric, lining or opacity is not confirmed, ask rather than assume.
Diagrams are generic illustrations of where a measurement is taken, not a size chart for any specific garment.
The most reliable method: compare a garment that fits
The most reliable method: compare a garment that fits
If you own one garment the wearer fits well, you already have a better chart than any table we could print.
- 01Close all closures and lay the garment flat, smoothing the sleeves and the body.
- 02Measure across the chest, one seam to the other, then double the figure.
- 03Measure the sleeve from the shoulder seam to the cuff.
- 04Measure the total length from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem.
- 05Do the same with the garment you are considering, once its measurements are published, and compare the two sets line by line.
Units
Units
Conversions use 1 inch = 2.54 centimetres exactly.
Size chart to be confirmed by the tailoring team.
| Centimetres | Inches |
|---|---|
| 92 cm | 36.2 in |
| 104 cm | 40.9 in |
| 116 cm | 45.7 in |
| 128 cm | 50.4 in |
| 140 cm | 55.1 in |
| 152 cm | 59.8 in |
| 164 cm | 64.6 in |
| 176 cm | 69.3 in |
| 188 cm | 74.0 in |
Measurements: common questions
Why can't I just buy by age?
Because age brackets overlap heavily. A child who is tall for four may need the garment length of a six-year-old while needing the chest of a four-year-old. Height plus a chest figure gives a far better starting point.
What if I only know one measurement?
Send the one you have and tell us the date you need the garment. We can often narrow the choice, and we will say which figure is still missing rather than guess at it.
Should I measure the child or the garment?
Both, if you can. The child's height decides the ballpark; a well-fitting garment measured flat decides the details, and it is the comparison we trust most.
How do I convert between inches and centimetres?
Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimetres, or divide centimetres by 2.54 for inches. The unit toggle on this page uses that exact factor.
Do you publish a size chart?
Not yet. A chart is only useful when it describes real garments, so we publish garment measurements when product data is confirmed. Until then, use the comparison method above or ask us.
When should I ask for help instead of ordering?
Whenever two measurements point at different sizes, whenever a made-to-order garment is involved, and whenever the date is tight. A short exchange now is cheaper than a return later.
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