Custom Made Abayas

The Bespoke Philosophy: Custom Made Abayas by Badria Al Shihhi

In a world of mass production, the true mark of luxury is a garment that feels as though it was intended only for you. A custom-made abaya is not just a purchase; it is a collaborative design process that honors your personal style, your body’s unique proportions, and the cultural heritage of Oman. At BadriaalShihhi, we treat tailoring as a precision craft, ensuring that every stitch serves a purpose.

What the Custom Made Abaya Service Is

Our custom-made service is a comprehensive design experience. Unlike “off-the-shelf” options, this service allows you to dictate every variable of the garment. From the initial hand-sketched concept to the final selection of thread weight, we build an abaya from the ground up. This service focuses on architectural fit—mapping the garment to your specific measurements to ensure the perfect fall, length, and movement.

Who Needs It

Custom tailoring is the ideal solution for women who find that standard sizing fails to meet their expectations:

• Individuals with Unique Proportions: For those who require specific adjustments in sleeve length, shoulder width, or hem height that standard sizes cannot provide.

• Brides and Event Guests: Women seeking a one-of-a-kind piece for weddings, Eid, or high-profile social gatherings.

• Professional Diplomats: Women in the public eye who require a signature silhouette that conveys authority and cultural pride.

• Minimalists with High Standards: Those who want a “clean” look where the luxury is found in the perfection of the fit rather than heavy embellishment.

Common Problems We Solve

We eliminate the frustrations common with ready-to-wear garments:

1. The “Trip” Hazard: Standard lengths are often too long or too short; we measure to your exact footwear height.

2. Shoulder Slump: Many abayas pull at the neck or slip off the shoulders. Custom tailoring ensures the weight is balanced perfectly across your frame.

3. Restricted Movement: By adjusting the armhole depth and back-width to your specific body, we provide a full range of motion without compromising the modest silhouette.

4. Inconsistent Sizing: We ignore “Small/Medium/Large” labels and work exclusively with your anatomical measurements.

Our Process

1. The Consultation: A one-on-one session to discuss your vision, preferred fabrics, and the intended use of the garment.

2. Anatomical Measurement: Taking detailed measurements to create a unique pattern profile.

3. Fabric & Trim Curation: You choose from our exclusive library of high-grade textiles, sourced specifically for the Gulf climate.

4. The First Fitting (Toile): For complex designs, we create a mock-up to test the drape and fit before cutting into the final fabric.

5. Construction: Our master tailors assemble the piece using reinforced seams and couture finishing techniques.

6. Final Hand-Finishing: Adding buttons, snaps, or hand-embroidery to your exact specifications.

What You Receive

• A Unique Masterpiece: A one-off abaya designed and executed to your personal specifications.

• The Individual Pattern: We keep your measurements on file to streamline your future commissions.

• Premium Sheila: A matching headscarf tailored in length and fabric to complement the abaya.

• Signature Garment Bag: A high-quality, breathable cover for long-term preservation.

Safety and Compliance Note

Custom-made garments are built to your specific requests. While we advise on fabric suitability and structural integrity, final design choices are made by the client. We do not provide legal guarantees regarding the performance of external fabrics provided by the client. For specific corporate dress codes or official uniform standards, we recommend checking with the relevant authorities prior to finalizing the design.

FAQs

1. How long does the custom process take? The timeline is usually between 14 and 21 days, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of fittings required.

2. Can I bring my own fabric? Yes, we can work with your provided materials, though our designers will first assess the fabric to ensure it is suitable for the desired cut.

3. Do you offer home fittings in Muscat? Please contact our studio directly to discuss availability for private home or office consultation services.

4. Can you recreate a design from a photograph? We use photos as inspiration to understand your taste, but we always add a unique Badria Al Shihhi touch to ensure the piece remains original.

5. What if my weight changes after the measurements are taken? We recommend being measured as close to the start of production as possible. We also leave small seam allowances for future minor adjustments.

6. Is there a limit to the number of design changes I can make? Design changes are finalized during the consultation phase. Changes made after the fabric has been cut may incur additional costs.

7. Do you ship custom orders internationally? Yes, once your pattern is established and the garment is finished, we can ship to any location within the GCC and beyond.

Why Choose Badria Al Shihhi?

To choose Badria Al Shihhi is to choose a legacy of Omani craftsmanship. We don’t believe in “one size fits all” because we don’t believe in “one type of woman.” Our studio is dedicated to the idea that every woman deserves a garment that reflects her stature and her story. By combining traditional sensibilities with modern tailoring techniques, we ensure that your custom abaya is a timeless investment in your wardrobe.