Agbada Measurements: What to Measure for Agbada, Buba, Sokoto and Fila

Guide · Updated 26 October 2026

A full agbada set is really four garments: the flowing outer robe (agbada), the shirt worn underneath (buba), the trousers (sokoto) and the cap (fila). Each needs its own measurements. This guide lists them all and explains how to take each one.

For the basics of tape placement (keeping it level, snug but not tight, measuring over light clothing), see the main tailor measurements guide.

1. Agbada (outer robe)

The agbada is wide and loose, so it needs fewer body measurements than a fitted garment, but the ones it needs matter a lot for how it drapes.

Agbada length

From the highest point of the shoulder, beside the neck, down the front to where the robe should end, usually just above the ankle. Measure with the client in the shoes they'll wear.

Agbada width (arm span)

Ask the client to stretch both arms out straight to the sides, level with the shoulders. Measure across the back from wrist to wrist. The agbada's width is cut from this, so the robe falls to the wrists when the arms are raised.

Neck

Around the base of the neck. The agbada's neckline is usually wide and embroidered, but it must sit on the buba's collar without gaping.

Shoulder

Across the back from shoulder point to shoulder point, following the curve of the back.

2. Buba (inner shirt)

The buba is measured like a regular shirt:

• Chest: around the fullest part, tape level, under the arms.
• Shoulder: point to point across the back.
• Buba length: from the highest point of the shoulder down the front, usually to mid-thigh.
• Sleeve length: from the shoulder point to the wrist (long sleeve) or to the elbow area (short sleeve).
• Round sleeve: around the fullest part of the upper arm.
• Neck: around the base of the neck.
• Waist or stomach: around the fullest part of the stomach if it's fuller than the chest, so the buba doesn't pull.

3. Sokoto (trousers)

• Waist: where the client wears their trousers. Sokoto usually has a drawstring or elastic waist, but you still need the figure for the waistband.
• Hip: around the fullest part of the seat.
• Thigh: around the fullest part, about 2 inches below the crotch.
• Knee: around the knee.
• Ankle (bottom): the finished hem opening. Sokoto is often tapered to a narrow ankle; confirm the style.
• Trouser length: from the waist down the outside of the leg to the ankle.
• Inseam: from the crotch down the inside of the leg to the ankle.

4. Fila (cap)

Head circumference: around the head just above the eyebrows and ears, across the widest part of the back of the head. Note whether the client wants a fitted fila or a softer style that's worn folded to one side, since the folded style needs extra height.

5. Full agbada checklist