Size Guide for African Kaftans and Dresses

The loose fit of kaftans and African dresses generally makes them easier to size than a fitted garment — but a few simple guidelines can help prevent any unpleasant surprises upon receipt.

Why loose sizes are more forgiving

Unlike a fitted dress, a kaftan is designed to float around the body rather than hug its curves. This means that the same size generally covers a wider range of body shapes than a classic fitted garment.

How to take your measurements correctly

• Bust measurement: Measure at the fullest part, with your arms at your sides, tape measure flat and not too tight.
• Desired length: Measure from the top of the shoulder to where you want the dress to stop (calf, ankle, floor).
• Hip measurement: Even if the kaftan is loose, this measurement helps confirm that the cut will not be too tight in this area.

If in doubt between two sizes

For a kaftan or abaya, the general rule is to go up a size if in doubt. The extra room does not detract from the look — it even enhances the comfort and fluid drape desired in this type of piece, unlike a fitted garment where a size too large would be more noticeable.

Adjusting the length to your height

If the proposed length is too long for you, a simple alteration by a tailor is often the easiest solution — it's much easier to shorten a kaftan than to lengthen it.

Our Abaya Kaftan models

Discover our Purple & Gold and Brown & Black colors with their detailed size guide on each product page, in our African Dresses & Kaftans collection.

FAQ — Kaftan and African dress sizes

What should I do if I am between two sizes?

Opt for the larger size: the looseness of a kaftan easily accommodates a few extra centimeters without detracting from the look.

Do African kaftan sizes correspond to standard European sizes?

Approximately, but it's always better to rely on the centimeter measurements indicated on the product sheet rather than a letter size alone (S, M, L), which can vary from brand to brand.

Can I return a kaftan if the size is not suitable?

Consult our returns policy for applicable conditions and deadlines.

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