Plus Size Abaya Guide: EU/UK/US Sizes, Cuts That Work & Length
Short answer: choose a plus size abaya by your bust and hip measurements, not the size label, then add a little ease so the fabric falls rather than pulls. Butterfly, kimono, open and relaxed A-line cuts give the most room and movement. Pick a fluid, opaque fabric such as nida or matte crepe, and choose the length from your height, measured over the bust.
A good plus size abaya should feel easy from the moment you put it on. It sits well on the shoulders, gives your arms room when you lift them and falls straight to the floor without tugging at the bust or hips. This guide covers what matters: how sizes convert between the EU, UK and US, how to measure yourself, which cuts and fabrics work and why, and how to get the length right. Here, "flattering" simply means comfortable, well proportioned and good to move in. It never means hiding your body.
Plus size abaya sizes: EU, UK and US conversion
Abaya labels are not standardised. One brand's XL is another's L, and many abayas from the Gulf are sold only by length (52, 54, 56 inches) or as "free size". Use the table below as a general guide for converting between systems, then check the product's own chart.
| Letter size | EU (FR) | UK / US | Bust (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36 | 8 / 4 | 84–88 |
| M | 38 | 10 / 6 | 88–94 |
| L | 40 | 12 / 8 | 94–100 |
| XL | 42 | 14 / 10 | 100–107 |
| XXL (2XL) | 44 | 16 / 12 | 107–114 |
| 3XL | 46 | 18 / 14 | 114–120 |
| 4XL | 48 | 20 / 16 | 120–126 |
| 5XL | 50 | 22 / 18 | 126–132 |
| 6XL | 52 | 24 / 20 | 132–138 |
The S to XXL rows match our size guide. The 3XL to 6XL rows follow the usual high-street pattern and are only a guide. The EU column uses French numbering. German and Scandinavian labels often run one number lower, so a DE 42 is roughly a FR 44 and a UK 16.
How our sizes run
At the time of writing, most Hiabaya abayas come in S to XL or S to XXL. Styles that go up to at least XXL are grouped in our plus size abayas edit. Some styles come as "One Size", and the butterfly abayas come in Size 1 and Size 2. These relaxed shapes give more room than the label suggests, but compare the product's measurements with your own before ordering. Don't go by the name.
Tip: if your bust puts you in one size and your hips in another, choose the larger size. An abaya is meant to skim the body. Extra width simply drapes, but too little pulls across the front and makes an open abaya gape.
How to measure yourself for an abaya
Use a soft tape measure, wear your usual underlayer and ask someone to help with the length.
- Bust. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, with the tape level across your back. This is the number to compare with the size chart.
- Hips. Measure around the widest part of your hips and seat. For closed abayas, the hem needs to be wider than this so you can walk and sit easily.
- Upper arm. Measure around the fullest part. It matters for fitted or cuffed sleeves, less so for kimono and butterfly sleeves.
- Length over the bust. Measure from the top of your shoulder, next to the neck, down over the fullest part of your bust to the floor, in the shoes you'll wear most. On a fuller figure this front measurement is often a few centimetres longer than the back.
- Compare and round up. Check each measurement against the product's chart and the size guide. If you're between sizes, go up.
Best abaya styles for plus size women
No single cut suits every body, but some shapes give you more room, more movement and a cleaner line. Here is how the main cuts compare.
| Cut | Why it works | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfly | Cut wide from the shoulder, so there's lots of room through the bust and arms and a long vertical line | A lot of fabric; choose a matte, fluid one |
| Kimono / open | No front seam to strain; the open panels make a long line down the body | Needs a matching inner layer |
| Relaxed A-line (closed) | Skims the bust and widens towards the hem, so it has room for hips | Check the hem width if you have fuller hips |
| Belted | A tie belt gives shape where you want it, so it's optional | Tie it loosely, just above the waist |
| Bisht style | Square, very wide body with a clean outline | Can look boxy in a stiff fabric |
Butterfly abaya
A butterfly abaya has batwing sleeves joined from wrist to hip, so when you lift your arms the fabric opens into wings. Nothing is tight across the bust, upper arms or shoulders, which is why many women with a fuller bust or broader shoulders find it the most comfortable abaya they own. It's also a favourite for prayer.
Kimono and open abayas
An open abaya is the most forgiving shape of all. There's no fastening to strain, and the two front panels fall in unbroken vertical lines. Kimono versions add wide, straight sleeves. Wear it loose, or tie the belt just above your natural waist for some shape. Browse open abayas and kimono abayas.
Relaxed A-line and belted closed abayas
A closed A-line abaya is the easy daily option: one piece, nothing to layer, no gaps. The A-line skims the bust and widens towards the hem, so it doesn't catch on your hips when you walk. Many come with a long self-tie belt. Tie it loosely for a softly defined waist, or leave it off for a straight column.
Everyday Nida Abaya with Belt – Light Grey
660,00 kr
Belted Nida Abaya with Balloon Sleeves – Caramel
884,00 kr
Closed Abaya with Piped Bell Sleeves – Olive
660,00 kr
Closed Abaya with Stand Collar & Pockets
660,00 kr
Bisht-style abayas
A bisht is a traditional cloak shape: very wide and square, open at the front, often edged with trim. On a plus size figure, it gives generous room and a strong, elegant outline, provided the fabric is soft enough to drape. If you love this shape, the nearest styles in our range are the wide butterfly and kimono cuts.
Open Kimono Abaya with Belt – Chocolate
884,00 kr
Open Linen-Look Abaya with Tie Front – Black
884,00 kr
Butterfly Abaya, Crinkle Crepe – Black
549,00 kr
Open Abaya Set with Inner Dress – Black
772,00 kr
Fabrics that drape, not cling
Fabric matters as much as cut. A fluid, mid-weight fabric falls away from the body. A thin, stretchy or very stiff one either clings or stands out, and both make you more aware of what you're wearing.
- Nida: smooth, matte and fluid, and it rarely creases. It's the classic choice for an everyday abaya that drapes well. See nida abayas.
- Matte crepe: slightly heavier, fully opaque and good at holding a clean line, so it suits A-line and closed cuts.
- Crinkle crepe and textured fabrics: the texture hides creases and doesn't show every line underneath. They work well for butterfly cuts and travel.
- Linen-look: airy for summer, with a relaxed, slightly crinkled finish. Layer a slip underneath in light colours.
- Handle with care: thin jersey clings over curves. Shiny satin catches the light on every fold, so it's lovely for evenings but less forgiving. Stiff fabrics add bulk.
For a deeper comparison by season, see the fabric section of our abaya guide.
The right abaya length for your height
Abaya lengths are usually given in inches, measured from shoulder to hem. Use your height as a starting point, then check it against your over-the-bust measurement from the steps above.
| Your height | Abaya length | Approx. in cm |
|---|---|---|
| 150–158 cm | 52–54" | 132–137 cm |
| 158–166 cm | 54–56" | 137–142 cm |
| 166–174 cm | 56–58" | 142–147 cm |
| 174 cm and taller | 58–60" | 147–152 cm |
If you're plus size, you may want the longer end of your range. Fabric covers more ground over a fuller bust and stomach, so the front hem rises. The ideal hem just grazes the top of your shoes at the front and doesn't drag at the back.
Tall and plus size ("abaya grande taille 1m80")
In French, grande taille can mean plus size or tall, and many women are looking for both. If you are around 1.75–1.85 m, you'll probably need 58–60 inches or more, and ankle-length styles may sit higher on you. Check the length on each product page, or wear an ankle-length abaya over wide trousers or a maxi skirt.
Tip: if you're petite and plus size, choose your length by height and your width by bust. Don't size up for width and then accept a hem that's too long. A hem that pools at your feet shortens the line and can trip you on stairs.
Sleeves, shoulders and arm room
Sleeves cause most fit problems, and a standard size chart doesn't cover them. If an abaya pulls when you reach forward, drive or lift your hands for prayer, the size is right but the sleeve cut is wrong.
- Wide straight and kimono sleeves suit most upper arms and are easy to layer over a long-sleeve top.
- Butterfly sleeves have no armhole to pinch, so they're the most comfortable if you have fuller arms or broad shoulders.
- Bell and balloon sleeves are roomy at the forearm. Check the elasticated cuff if you have a larger wrist.
- Dropped shoulders move the seam off the edge of your shoulder, which helps if you have broad shoulders or a large bust.
- Fitted or set-in sleeves need your upper-arm measurement. Size up or choose another style if you're unsure.
Plus size abayas for weddings, Umrah and work
Plus size abaya for a wedding
For weddings, Eid and henna nights, look for texture and detail rather than tight tailoring: lace overlays, soft sheen, embroidery or a pretty sleeve. A two-piece lace set with an opaque inner dress looks dressed-up and still gives you room. Our lace and occasion pieces currently run to XL. If you need XXL, a belted nida or crepe abaya with a satin hijab and jewellery looks just as special. Browse the occasion and Eid abayas, and see our Eid outfit guide for full looks.
Lace Abaya Set, 2-Piece – Navy
660,00 kr
Lace Abaya with Matching Hijab – Taupe
1 108,00 kr
Belted Nida Abaya with Balloon Sleeves – Black
884,00 kr
Plus size abaya for Umrah
For Umrah, most women choose a loose, opaque, easy-care abaya they can walk in for hours: a closed nida or crepe abaya, a butterfly cut or a one-piece jilbab with an attached khimar. There is no required colour for women. The widely held guidance is ordinary modest clothing, with the face and hands left uncovered while in ihram. Rules and entry requirements change, so check with a scholar you trust and on the official Nusuk platform before you travel. Our prayer and Umrah packing guide has a full list.
One-Piece Jilbab with Khimar – Plum
660,00 kr
Butterfly Abaya, Crinkle Crepe – Sea Green
549,00 kr
Everyday Nida Abaya with Belt – Black
660,00 kr
Hijab Undercap, Modal – Red
101,00 kr
Tip: Umrah means a lot of walking, often in heat. Choose an abaya that clears your shoes at the front, so you're not holding the hem up on stairs and escalators, and wear breathable layers underneath.
Plus size abaya for work
For the office, you want clean lines, pockets and fabrics that don't crease on the commute. A closed crepe abaya with a stand collar looks polished. A two-piece set with a hip-length tunic and wide-leg trousers gives you the ease of separates, and you can wear the pieces apart. Find more in our abaya sets.
What to wear under a plus size abaya
The right underlayer stops cling, adds opacity and keeps you comfortable all day.
- Under closed abayas: a light, breathable base layer and loose trousers or leggings. Cotton or modal helps in warm weather.
- Under open abayas: a plain maxi dress or slip in a matching or tonal colour, or wide trousers and a long top.
- Against chafing: soft shorts or long anti-chafe underwear under a dress-style abaya make long walking days far more comfortable.
- Against static cling: a smooth slip underneath lets the abaya glide instead of sticking, which helps especially with synthetic fabrics in winter.
- Under your hijab: an undercap keeps everything in place, so you're not adjusting it all day. See underscarves and undercaps.
For layering by abaya type, including sheer styles and prayer, read what to wear under an abaya. If something doesn't fit, our shipping and returns page explains the 30-day returns window.
FAQ
What size abaya should I get if I'm plus size?
Choose by your bust and hip measurements, not your usual label, and pick the larger size if they fall in different sizes. Compare them with the product's chart and our size guide. An abaya should skim the body with some ease, so if you're in doubt, size up rather than down.
Is size 12 plus size in the UK?
Usually not. Most UK retailers start plus size ranges at around size 16 or 18, so a UK 12 (roughly EU 40, US 8) is standard sizing. For abayas the label matters less than your bust and hip measurements, because cuts vary so much.
Which abaya style is best for plus size women?
Butterfly, kimono and open abayas give the most room through the bust, shoulders and arms. Relaxed A-line closed abayas are the easiest everyday option. A loosely tied belt adds shape if you want it. Choose a fluid, matte fabric such as nida or crepe so the abaya drapes rather than clings.
Should a plus size abaya be oversized?
Relaxed, not oversized. You want enough room to lift your arms, sit and walk without pulling, but not so much fabric that the shoulders slip or the hem pools. If you're between sizes, go up one. Don't go up two to get more length; choose the right length separately.
How long should an abaya be for a tall plus size woman?
At 1.75 m and above, look for 58–60 inches (about 147–152 cm) or more, measured from shoulder to hem. Measure over your bust, since the front needs extra length on a fuller figure. If a style is ankle-length on you, wear it over wide trousers or a maxi skirt.
Can I wear an open abaya if I'm plus size?
Yes. Open abayas are one of the most comfortable cuts for plus size women because there's no fastening to strain and the front panels make a long line down the body. Wear one over a matching maxi dress, and tie the belt loosely above the waist if you want some shape.
What is the best plus size abaya for Umrah?
A loose, opaque abaya in an easy-care fabric that clears your shoes, such as a closed nida or crepe abaya, a butterfly abaya or a one-piece jilbab with an attached khimar. Women have no required colour. Check current guidance with a scholar and the official Nusuk platform before you travel.
Looking for cuts, fabrics and care for every body? Start with our complete abaya guide.
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