Qamis size guide: how to choose the right size and length

With a qamis, length matters as much as width: a garment that is perfect at the shoulders but too long loses all its elegance. That is why a qamis is chosen with two measurements, not one: the size, from your build, and the length, from your height. Here is how to find both.

Size and length: two different measurements

• The size (M, L or XL) is the width of the qamis: shoulders, chest, sleeves. It depends on your build.
• The length (54 to 62) is the height of the qamis, measured from the shoulder, next to the collar, down to the hem. It is given in inches, as for Emirati kanduras: a length 56 measures 56 inches, about 142 cm.

The two are chosen separately: you can perfectly well wear an M in length 58, or an XL in length 56.

The length chart

This is the most important measurement. Each length matches a height:

• Length 54 (137 cm): 1.60 m to 1.66 m
• Length 56 (142 cm): 1.66 m to 1.72 m
• Length 58 (147 cm): 1.72 m to 1.78 m
• Length 60 (152 cm): 1.78 m to 1.84 m
• Length 62 (157 cm): 1.84 m to 1.90 m

A simple rule of thumb: a qamis that falls just above the ankle measures about 84% of your height. For 1.75 m, that is about 147 cm, so length 58. Each length is 5 cm longer than the previous one.

The size chart

• Size M: 1.69 m to 1.76 m
• Size L: 1.74 m to 1.82 m
• Size XL: 1.78 m to 1.86 m

The sizes overlap on purpose: at the same height, your build decides. Broad shoulders, a strong chest or a sturdy frame: take the size up. A slim frame: stay with the smaller one.

Fitted or loose cut: should you change size?

These guidelines apply to both our cuts, but they do not give the same room.

• Fitted cut (our Emirati Qamis): close to the body without clinging. If you like more room, or hesitate between two sizes, take the size up.
• Loose cut (our Mecca Qamis): wider at the shoulders, chest and hem. It is more forgiving: take your usual size.

How to measure yourself

Your height

Take your shoes off and stand straight, back and heels against a wall. Lay a book flat on your head, mark the wall in pencil just below it, then measure from the floor to the mark.

The length of a qamis that fits you

Already own a qamis whose length you like? Lay it flat and measure it from the shoulder, next to the collar, to the hem. Divide by 2.54 to get the length in inches, then choose the nearest one in our chart.

Your build

Lay flat a shirt or qamis that fits you well at the shoulders and measure from one shoulder seam to the other. If your clothes often pull at the shoulders or arms, go for the size up or the loose cut.

Where should a qamis fall?

• The hem: on the ankle or just above it, following the Sunnah.
• The sleeves: at the wrist, arms by your sides.
• The shoulders: the seam sits on the shoulder bone, neither before nor after.
• The chest: you can raise your arms and sit down without the fabric pulling.

Prefer a shorter qamis, at mid-calf? Go down one or two lengths: each length less shortens the qamis by about 5 cm.

Between two sizes, or outside the chart

• Between two lengths: take the shorter one so the qamis stays above the ankle.
• Taller than 1.90 m: our length 62 goes up to 1.90 m. Write to us with your height and we will tell you what is possible.
• Strong build: favour the loose cut, more generous at the chest and waist.

The “Find my size” tool

On every product page, the “Find my size” button does the maths for you: enter your height and it recommends a size and length, then marks the right options with a “Recommended” badge on all our qamis. Your height is remembered on your device for your next visits.

Frequently asked questions

What qamis size for 1.70 m?

Length 56 (1.66 m to 1.72 m) and size M. If you have broad shoulders, choose the loose cut.

What qamis size for 1.80 m?

Length 60 (1.78 m to 1.84 m). As for size, 1.80 m sits between L and XL: take the L if you are rather slim, the XL if you have broad shoulders.

What qamis size for 1.90 m?

Length 62, our longest, designed up to 1.90 m. Our largest size, XL, is recommended up to 1.86 m: at 1.90 m, write to us with your height and build and we will advise you.

What does length 56 mean?

56 inches, about 142 cm from shoulder to hem, for a height of 1.66 m to 1.72 m.

What if the size is not right?

You have 14 days to exchange or return an item, unworn and in its original packaging.

You now know both your measurements. Choose your qamis, or discover the differences between the qamis, djellaba, gandoura and thobe.