Article: Ready to Wear Abayas vs. Custom Made Abayas
Ready to Wear Abayas vs. Custom Made Abayas
Every woman knows that moment you're getting dressed for an important occasion and nothing in your closet feels quite right. That ready made abaya you bought last month suddenly seems too plain while your custom piece feels too formal for everyday wear. This is the eternal dilemma modern Muslim women face when building their abaya wardrobe.
The truth is both ready to wear and custom abayas have their place in your closet. But how do you know which one to choose for different situations? Let me walk you through everything you need to consider from fit and fabric to cost and convenience so you can make the perfect choice every time.
What is a Ready to Wear Abaya?
A ready to wear abaya is made ahead of time and available for quick delivery, typically within 3 to 4 working days. These abayas are the most expensive (AED 400) and are designed for unexpected occasions when you need something elegant without the wait. They maintain high standards in fabric and stitching. Ready to wear abayas are an ideal solution when you don’t have time to wait for tailoring.
What is a Custom Made Abaya?
A custom made abaya is designed specifically for you. Everything is tailored to your taste in terms of cut and measurements. Our custom abayas take 7 to 14 working days and are priced at AED 350. The biggest advantage of a custom abaya is the fit it’s made according to your exact measurements, ensuring maximum comfort and elegance. However, changes in fabric, color, embroidery, or other design details are not allowed.
Fit and Sizing: Which One is Better?
Fit is one of the most important factors when choosing an abaya. We offer three types of sizing: Free Size, Custom, and Ready to Wear. Free size abayas allow you to choose your length and are priced at AED 300. Custom abayas are made to your measurements. Ready to wear abayas are available in standard lengths. Here’s the official size chart:
Free Size Chest Measurements:
● Open Cut Abayas: 27 inches (one-sided measurement)
● Button Abayas: 25 inches (one-sided measurement)
Sleeve Lengths (from neck):
● 49–51 inches abaya: 23 inches sleeves
● 52–53 inches abaya: 25 inches sleeves
● 54–55 inches abaya: 26 inches sleeves
● 56–57 inches abaya: 27 inches sleeves
● 58–60 inches abaya: 29 inches sleeves
Note: We do not accept exchanges or refunds, and we do not alter the abaya even if the size ordered is incorrect. Customers are responsible for choosing the correct size, so please refer to the chart carefully.
Convenience: Which One Saves Time?
If you need an abaya urgently, our ready to wear abayas are delivered in 3 to 4 working days, making them the fastest option. Free size and custom abayas both take 7 to 14 working days. So if you have a last-minute event, go for ready to wear.
Price: Which One Is More Affordable?
At Basic Abaya, ready to wear abayas are the most expensive (AED 400) due to their pre-prepared stitching and high-quality finish. Free size abayas are the most budget friendly at AED 300, and custom abayas are priced in between at AED 350.
Uniqueness: Do You Want to Stand Out?
Custom made abayas offer a better fit and elegance for those who prioritize shape and comfort. However, we do not offer any customization in terms of fabric, color, embellishments, or embroidery. If you’re looking for design personalization, that’s not something we provide. Each abaya from our collection is designed to reflect modest elegance without the option to modify its appearance.
Occasion Suitability: Which One is Best for Different Events?
Free size abayas are great for everyday wear, they’re affordable, elegant, and flexible. Custom abayas are great for women who need a perfect fit for regular use or special occasions. Ready to wear abayas are best for unexpected events where you need something beautiful and well-stitched right away.
Sustainability: Which Option Is More Eco Friendly?
Our abayas are made in limited batches and tailored upon order. This avoids the waste associated with overproduction. Free size and custom abayas are made only when ordered, and ready to wear abayas are stitched in advance but in small quantities to maintain exclusivity and reduce waste.
What Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on what matters most to you. If you want something affordable and reliable, go with free size (AED 300). If you want the best fit and are okay with waiting, custom (AED 350) is a good option. If you want something fast and high-end, choose ready to wear (AED 400). Just remember, all sales are final, so select your size with care.
FAQs
Can I get the same quality fabrics in all types of abayas?
Yes, all our abayas are made with high quality fabrics. There is no downgrade in fabric based on type quality remains consistent across free size, custom, and ready to wear.
How many fittings does a custom abaya require?
We do not require fittings. Custom abayas are stitched based on your provided measurements. Make sure to enter correct sizes in the order note on the cart page.
Are custom abayas only for special occasions?
Not at all. Many customers order basic custom abayas for everyday use. You get to enjoy a better fit, especially in sleeve length and chest width.
How do I know if a free size abaya will fit properly?
Use our provided size chart. The length and sleeve measurements will help you make the right choice. Always measure carefully because we do not offer size adjustments or replacements.
Can I add custom details to any abaya?
No. We do not allow any custom changes or embroidery. What you see is what you get. We design each piece with care, and personalization is not an option at this time.
Conclusion: Making Your Decision With Confidence
There’s no single right answer in the free size vs. custom vs. ready to wear debate. The best approach is to have one or two of each, depending on your lifestyle. Remember, ready to wear is our premium option, free size is our most affordable, and custom is the middle ground with a tailored fit. Just choose what works best for you, and make sure you read the size chart carefully to avoid issues.
Your perfect abaya is waiting. Basic Abaya offers beautiful options for every woman. Explore our Abaya collection today and find a style that fits your life perfectly.
