If you’ve fallen in love with a fabric and you’re about to take it to your tailor, this is always the first question: how much do I actually need? Here’s the practical guide we give our own customers in the UAE.
The quick answer
On fabric that is 140 cm wide, most jalabiyas need around 3 to 3.5 metres. That covers a classic straight or gently flared cut, full-length, with regular sleeves — which is exactly why every Wear Joi piece is a single 3.2 m cut of pure cotton satin, 140 cm wide: one piece, one garment, no leftover guesswork.
What changes the amount you need
Sleeve style. Regular or slightly gathered sleeves fit comfortably within 3.2 m. Very wide bell sleeves, bishop sleeves, or dramatic cuffs can push the total towards 4 m.
Tiers and gathering. A tiered or heavily gathered skirt eats fabric quickly — each tier is wider than the one above it. For a very full tiered jalabiya, plan on 4 m or more, or a simpler silhouette that lets the print speak.
Fabric width. Quantities change with width. On narrower 110–120 cm fabric you may need half a metre to a metre more than on 140 cm fabric. Always tell your tailor the width, not just the length.
Large prints. If the design has a large repeating motif, the tailor may want a little extra to align the pattern beautifully across seams — one more reason wide 140 cm fabric helps.
What about kaftans and maxi dresses?
A relaxed kaftan usually needs about 3–3.5 m on 140 cm width. A fitted midi dress can take as little as 2–2.5 m; a flowing maxi sits around 3–3.5 m. In other words: one 3.2 m cut comfortably covers one garment for most designs and most heights.
Three tips before you visit your tailor
First, show the print before cutting — a good tailor will place the motifs deliberately. Second, mention the width (140 cm) so they can plan the layout. Third, if you dream of very full sleeves or tiers, ask whether one cut is enough before you start.
Why we cut at 3.2 m
Every Wear Joi fabric is cut to suit the size and tastes of customers looking for a unique jalabiya, mukhawar, or dress print. If you’re unsure whether a print suits the design you have in mind, chat with us on WhatsApp or read our FAQ.