Zafaran Linen Lycra Abaya
Pickup available at Arabian Nites
Usually ready in 24 hours
Zafaran is Arabic for saffron. Not the bright orange most people picture, but the colour of the threads themselves, a deep rust with brown behind it.
Warm browns do something black cannot, which is sit gently against the face in daylight. This is the one for school runs and grey afternoons, and it happens to be the colour everything outside is turning.
Why this one earns its place
- Lightweight, breathable linen with stretch, so it stays comfortable through a long day
- Wide bell sleeves with a deep seamed cuff and room through the arm
- A-line cut that flares from the chest, so nothing pulls across the hip
- Full length with a clean round neckline and no fastenings
- A range of lengths, with free shortening if you sit between two
- Matching Zafaran jacket sold separately, to wear as a set or apart
The fabric
Lightweight linen with lycra running through it. Warm colours show the linen slub more than cool ones do, so you can see the weave in this one, and that texture is what keeps a brown from looking flat.
Linen breathes, which matters in a full-length piece where there is a lot of fabric against you, and the stretch is what keeps it from creasing at the lap and the knee.
Fit and modesty
Cut A-line, skimming the shoulder and chest then flaring through the skirt to a full sweep at the hem. No waist seam and nothing clings, so it moves away from the body as you walk.
Wide bell sleeves with a deep cuff band and plenty of room through the arm. Round neckline, full coverage throughout.
When to wear it
Work, errands, the school run, travelling and meeting friends, and comfortable enough to keep on at home.
It is the most seasonal colour in the collection. From September through to spring it works without anyone thinking about it.
Wear it as a set, or on its own
The matching Zafaran Linen Lycra Jacket is a separate product. Worn together the two read as one considered co-ord, tonal from shoulder to hem, and apart each works with the rest of your wardrobe.
The linen lycra collection comes in six colourways, so you can match an abaya and jacket in one tone or put two together.
Mocha and taupe are what it is photographed with, and tonal browns are the easiest way to wear it. Cream and stone lighten it, black sharpens it, and olive sits beside it better than you would expect. Gold jewellery suits rust more than silver. Tan or chocolate shoes keep it earthy, black shoes make it more formal. Under the matching Zafaran jacket for a tonal look, one colour from shoulder to hem.
Find your perfect fit
New to modest wear? This guide helps you understand how our pieces are designed to fit, and why our customers keep coming back to the Arabian Nites cut.
Find your length
Tell us your height and we will show you the length that drapes best. Measure from the floor to the top of your head, without shoes.
Your height
Our 7 lengths
The Arabian Nites difference
One size, generous comfort. All our garments feature a generous 44" chest measurement, designed to fit a wide range of body types beautifully.
Why our customers love this:
- No tight hugging: our pieces drape elegantly without clinging to your body
- Extra arm space: move freely and comfortably throughout your day
- Adjustable to you: shape the fit with built-in belts or cinchable waists
- True modesty: generous sizing means genuine coverage and comfort
- Inclusive sizing: one size fits most, with no sizing anxiety
This is what makes Arabian Nites special. We believe modest fashion should be effortlessly comfortable and beautifully flattering for every body.
The full length chart
We offer 7 lengths so every height has its perfect fit:
| Your height | Recommended length |
|---|---|
| 4'8" (4 feet, 8 inches) | 48" length |
| 5'0" (5 feet, 0 inches) | 50" length |
| 5'2" (5 feet, 2 inches) | 52" length |
| 5'4" (5 feet, 4 inches) | 54" length |
| 5'6" (5 feet, 6 inches) | 56" length |
| 5'8" (5 feet, 8 inches) | 58" length |
| 6'0" (6 feet, 0 inches) | 60" length |
These are our recommended lengths for optimal coverage and style. When ordering, simply select the length that matches your height.
The 44" chest standard
Every Arabian Nites garment is designed with a 44" chest measurement. This generous cut means:
- Plenty of room through the bust and shoulders
- No restrictive fitting or uncomfortable tightness
- Freedom of movement for prayer, daily activities and active lifestyles
- Suitable for UK sizes 8 to 18, and often beyond
Adjustable waist, your perfect fit
While our chest is generously sized, you control the waist fit:
- Built-in belts: many of our kaftans and dresses come with matching belts to cinch at your natural waist or wear loose
- Cinchable waists: adjustable ties or drawstrings let you create your preferred silhouette
- Wear it your way: loose and flowing for comfort, or defined at the waist for a more structured look
Kaftans & dresses
Chest: 44" across all styles
Fit style: loose, flowing, non-restrictive
Waist: adjustable with belt or tie
Length options: 48", 50", 52", 54", 56", 58" or 60", chosen by your height
Sleeve length: 21 inches (standard across all garments)
Best for: all-day comfort, layering, versatile styling
Our Madina Signature Everyday Kaftans are designed to drape beautifully on all body types. The generous cut through the arms means you can layer comfortably underneath or wear alone.
Jackets & sets
Chest: 44" for comfortable layering
Arm space: extra generous for freedom of movement
Fit style: structured shoulders, flowing body
Length options: available in multiple lengths to suit your height
Sleeve length: 21 inches (standard across all garments)
Our Signature Pieces, including the Persia Jacket Sets, are designed with extra arm room so you can wear them over slip dresses, kaftans, or even jumpers in winter without feeling restricted. The 44" chest ensures the jacket sits beautifully without pulling.
Knit dresses
Chest: 44" with natural stretch
Fit style: gentle drape with stretch comfort
Waist: often features a tie or belt for adjustment
Length options: choose your ideal length from the chart above
Sleeve length: 21 inches (standard across all garments)
Our knit dresses combine the generous 44" chest with stretch fabric for comfort and modest coverage.
At Arabian Nites, we understand that true modest fashion is not only about coverage. It is about comfort, dignity and feeling beautiful in clothes that do not cling or restrict.
Our generous sizing philosophy:
- Modesty through design: clothes that skim rather than hug your silhouette
- Comfort for active lives: whether you are working, caring for family, or at prayer, our pieces move with you
- Inclusive approach: one size fits most body types, multiple lengths fit all heights
- Practical elegance: beautiful pieces made for real life, not only the catwalk
Create definition
Love the generous fit but want more shape? Use the belt or tie at your natural waist, just under the bust for an empire line, or at the hips for a dropped-waist look.
Layering made easy
The 44" chest and extra arm space mean you can layer confidently:
- Wear a long-sleeve top underneath kaftans in winter
- Layer jackets over thick jumpers
- Add cardigans over slip dresses without bulk
Seasonal adjustments
Summer: wear loose and flowing for airflow and comfort
Winter: layer underneath and use the belt to keep everything in place
Measure your height accurately: stand against a wall without shoes and measure from the floor to the top of your head.
Between heights? If you are between two heights, for example 5'5", you can choose either the 54" or 56" length depending on how much coverage you prefer.
While all our garments feature a 44" chest and 21 inch sleeve length, it helps to know your measurements for styling decisions:
- Bust: measure around the fullest part. Under 44" gives you lovely draping room
- Waist: measure your natural waist to know where to position belts and ties
- Height: measure from floor to top of head to select your perfect length
Our hijabs come in generous sizes (approximately 180cm x 70cm) to allow for various styling options. Our Premium Modal and Breeze Chiffon collections offer plenty of fabric for full coverage and creative styling.
Will the generous fit change after washing?
Our Modal and Jersey fabrics hold their shape and generous sizing when washed according to care instructions. Silk pieces should be dry cleaned to preserve the drape and fit.
We are here to help you feel confident in your Arabian Nites pieces.
Email: info@arabiannites.co.uk
Response time: within 24 hours
Let us know your height and how you prefer your modest wear to fit, loose and flowing or more defined, and we will guide you to the perfect pieces and length.
Our fit promise
We are confident you will love the generous, comfortable fit of Arabian Nites modest wear. Our 44" chest standard, adjustable waist design and 7 length options mean you can wear our pieces with confidence, designed for real women of all heights living real lives.
If you are not completely satisfied with how your piece fits, please refer to our returns policy. We are committed to helping you find modest fashion that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable and confident.
How it works
