How to measure for an agbada, senator or kaftan
Ordering native wear from abroad? Don't know what to measure? This free tool walks you through exactly what a tailor needs, measure, enter, and send us a clean measurement sheet.
Wear close-fitting clothes to measure. This is the one thing that matters most:
measure over a snug top and leggings/trousers, not over a flowing outfit.
Your agbada will be loose, but the measurements must be taken on a fitted body line, or every
number comes out too big. Use a soft tape, keep it snug (not tight), and it's easiest with someone helping.
How to measure for an agbada, senator or kaftan
Living abroad and ordering native wear from home? You don't need a tailor in the room, just a tape measure and a few minutes. Here's what matters for each style:
- Agbada is a three-piece: the inner top (buba), the trousers (sokoto) and the flowing gown. The gown's length and span (wrist-to-wrist with arms out) set its drama.
- Senator is a fitted two-piece, a top and trousers, so chest, waist and lengths matter most.
- Kaftan is a single long gown; get the length (shoulder to hem) and the round measurements right.
Take each measurement over a light, fitted shirt, breathe normally, and don't pull the tape tight, clothes should skim, not squeeze. If a number looks unusual, the tool will flag it so you can re-check. For a large or bulk order we may confirm one or two measurements with you before we cut.
