The abaya length you need depends on your height in the shoes you wear most: 52 fits 150–155 cm, 54 fits 155–160 cm, 56 fits 160–165 cm, 58 fits 165–170 cm and 60 fits 170–178 cm. Go one length up for heels of 5 cm or more; between two lengths, choose the longer and have it hemmed.
Key takeaways
- UAE abaya lengths are in inches, measured from the top of the shoulder to the hem, not from the waist.
- Choose by your height, then adjust for the shoes you actually wear with that abaya.
- Between two lengths, take the longer one. A hem can be taken up; it cannot be let down far.
- Heels of 5 cm or more: go one length up.
- Open-front and kimono styles: take your usual length.
- Saffron Lane hems abayas in our Jumeirah and Al Barsha stores in 2–3 days.
How do abaya lengths 52 to 60 work?
Abaya lengths are a single number in inches that describes the garment, not the wearer. The number is the distance from the top of the shoulder, right beside the neck, straight down to the hem. A 56 abaya measures 56 inches, about 142 cm, from shoulder to hem.
This is why the same number fits women of quite different builds: the length only cares about the drop from your shoulder to the floor. Width is handled separately, either by the cut (most abayas are generous through the body) or by a size such as S/M or L/XL on some styles.
Here is the conversion so you can check against a tape measure at home:
| Abaya length | Garment length (approx.) | Your height (cm) | Your height (ft/in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 132 cm | 150–155 | 4’11” – 5’1” |
| 54 | 137 cm | 155–160 | 5’1” – 5’3” |
| 56 | 142 cm | 160–165 | 5’3” – 5’5” |
| 58 | 147 cm | 165–170 | 5’5” – 5’7” |
| 60 | 152 cm | 170–178 | 5’7” – 5’10” |
The height bands come straight from our abaya length chart, which is the same chart our stylists use on the shop floor. Every abaya in our abaya collection is stocked in all five lengths.
Which abaya length matches my height?
Find your barefoot height in the table above and start with that length. The bands assume the hem sits about 1–2 cm above the floor when you are wearing everyday flat or low shoes, which is where most women in Dubai prefer it: long enough to cover the feet when standing, short enough not to collect sand at the beach car park or catch on escalators in the mall.
A few honest notes from fittings:
- Petite frames inside a band. If you are 156 cm with a short torso, the 54 may still sit perfectly. If you have a long torso, the shoulder-to-floor drop is longer, and the 56 can be the better start.
- Upper end of the 60 band. At 176–178 cm, a 60 will often sit at ankle height in heels. For a floor-length look, made-to-measure is worth asking about.
- Abaya over a long dress. Make sure the dress underneath is shorter than the abaya, or the hem will show at the front when you walk.
Should I go up a length for heels?
Yes, if your heel is 5 cm or higher, go one length up. A heel lifts your whole body, so the hem rises by roughly the height of the heel. At 5 cm and above that difference is enough to show the ankle and the shoe, which most women do not want with an occasion abaya.
Think about where you will wear the piece:
| Shoes you will wear | What to do |
|---|---|
| Flat sandals, sliders, trainers | Your height band |
| Low block heel under 5 cm | Your height band |
| Heels or wedges 5 cm and above | One length up |
| Both flats and heels, often | Longer length, hem to your heels |
If you plan to wear one abaya with both flats and heels, choose the length for the heels. With flats it will brush the floor slightly, which reads as elegant rather than untidy in most fabrics. For everyday crepe pieces worn on the school run, match the length to your flats instead.
How do I measure my abaya length at home?
Measure from the top of your shoulder to where you want the hem, wearing the shoes you plan to wear. It takes two minutes and is more reliable than height alone. You need a soft tape measure and, ideally, a second person.
- Put on the shoes you will wear most with this abaya.
- Stand straight, feet together, on a hard floor rather than a rug.
- Place the start of the tape at the top of your shoulder, right next to your neck.
- Let the tape fall straight down the front of your body, over the bust, to the floor.
- Note the measurement at 1–2 cm above the floor. This is your ideal abaya length.
- Convert to inches by dividing by 2.54, and round up to the next stocked length: 52, 54, 56, 58 or 60.
A shortcut that works well: take an abaya you already own and love the length of, lay it flat, and measure from the shoulder seam beside the neck to the hem. That number, in inches, is your length.
Our size guide also covers bust, waist and hip measurements for dresses and separates, if you are shopping for pieces to wear underneath.
What if I am between two abaya lengths?
Take the longer length. A hem can be shortened neatly; it can only be lengthened by a small amount, if at all, because there is rarely spare fabric folded inside. Choosing the longer length also gives you room for heels on occasion days.
For example, if you are 165 cm, you sit exactly on the line between 56 and 58. If you wear flats almost every day, a 56 will be fine. If you sometimes wear heels, or you simply like a hem that brushes the floor, take the 58 and have it adjusted if needed.
The one exception: if the abaya has a decorative hem, such as lace, pearl trim, a printed border or embroidery that runs along the bottom, the hem cannot be taken up without losing that detail. In that case, choose the length that fits you as it is, and ask our team to check it on you before you buy.
Can an abaya be hemmed, and how long does it take?
Yes. Plain hems on crepe, nida, linen-blend and jersey abayas are straightforward to shorten, and our alterations team does it in store in 2–3 days. You can buy in our Jumeirah or Al Barsha store and have it pinned on the spot, or order online, try it at home and bring it in.
What to bring to your hemming appointment:
- The shoes you will wear with it. This matters more than anything else.
- Anything you will wear underneath that changes the drape, such as a long slip dress.
- For occasion pieces, the date you need it by, so the team can plan.
Detailed information on hemming, sleeve shortening and custom tailoring is on our alterations page.
Do open-front and kimono abayas need a different length?
No. Take your usual length. Open-front and kimono abayas are cut with more room through the body and sleeves, but the shoulder-to-hem measurement works exactly the same way. The only practical difference is that an open-front style moves more when you walk, so the hem of whatever you wear underneath is more visible. Keep your trousers or dress a little shorter than the abaya.
When should I choose made-to-measure?
Choose made-to-measure if you are under 150 cm or over 178 cm, or if your proportions mean ready-to-wear lengths never sit right. Our Jumeirah store takes your measurements, including shoulder width and arm length, and cuts the abaya to fit. It is also a good option for a wedding or Eid piece where you want the sleeves and hem exact.
If you are unsure where to start, book a private styling session. A stylist will try two or three lengths on you, in your shoes, and pin the one that suits you best.
A quick checklist before you order
- Know your barefoot height in centimetres.
- Decide which shoes you will wear most with this abaya.
- Heels of 5 cm or more: one length up.
- Between lengths: the longer one.
- Decorative hem: buy the exact length, as it cannot be shortened.
- Plain hem: order with confidence, as we hem in store in 2–3 days.
