What to measure for agbada, senator and kaftan
Every tailor has their own way of measuring, and that is fine. This is a simple checklist of the measurements many tailors take for three popular styles. Use it as a reminder, not a rule.
Most tailors in Nigeria measure in inches. Whatever unit you use, use the same one every time.
Agbada
An agbada usually has three parts: the big outer robe, the inner top, and the trousers.
Outer robe
- Agbada length (from shoulder down to where the robe should end)
- Agbada width (the full spread of the robe from arm to arm)
Inner top (buba)
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Chest
- Top length
- Sleeve length
- Round sleeve (around the arm)
Trousers (sokoto)
- Waist
- Hip
- Thigh
- Knee
- Trouser length
- Bottom (around the ankle opening)
Senator
A senator is usually a fitted top with trousers, so the fit around the body matters more.
Top
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Chest
- Stomach
- Top length
- Sleeve length
- Round sleeve
- Cuff (around the wrist)
Trousers
- Waist
- Hip
- Thigh
- Knee
- Trouser length
- Bottom
Kaftan
A kaftan is usually looser and longer than a senator.
Top
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Chest
- Top length (often longer, down toward the knee or below)
- Sleeve length
- Round sleeve
Trousers
- Waist
- Hip
- Thigh
- Trouser length
- Bottom
Tips for measuring well
- Ask how they want it to fit. Loose, normal or fitted changes how you cut, so write it as a note.
- Measure over light clothing. Thick clothes add inches.
- Let them stand naturally. People often pull in their stomach while being measured.
- Write the date. Bodies change. Knowing when you took the sizes helps you decide whether to measure again.
- Keep each style separate. Do not mix agbada sizes with senator sizes for the same customer.
Keep the sizes safe
In Tailorshoppe, you can choose a measurement list such as Agbada or Kaftan / Senator, and the app shows the measurement names for that style. You can add your own fields too, and change the lists in Settings. Each set of sizes is saved separately under the same customer, with the date, and you can name it after the style, for example Senator (slim fit).
