Ordering a Custom Habesha Kemis from Outside Ethiopia
How to order a habesha kemis made to your measurements in Addis Ababa and delivered to your door by DHL — wherever you live.
We make habesha kemis, men’s habesha libs and matching family outfits in our studio in Addis Ababa, and we send them worldwide by DHL — to the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and beyond. You do not need to visit the studio or know anyone in Addis: you measure at home, we agree every detail with you in a chat, and you pay only once we have confirmed your order.
How it works
- Choose your piece. Pick one from the collection, or send us a photo of the style you have in mind, with the colours you want and the occasion.
- Measure at home. Our measurement guide shows you what to measure for a kemis, with extra measurements for men’s habesha libs and for children.
- Send us your order. Add the piece to your bag and go to checkout: fill in your city and country, your event date and your measurements, and the order message is written for you. Send it on WhatsApp (+251 978 12 74 17) or Instagram (@shema_wears).
- We confirm everything before you pay. We reply with the price, whether we can have your piece ready in time for your date, and the cost of DHL delivery to your address. Nothing is final, and nothing is paid, until you have agreed.
- We make it and send it. Your piece is made to your measurements in Addis Ababa and sent to you by DHL.
Prefer to talk it through first? Call or WhatsApp us on +251 978 12 74 17. The studio is open every day, 9:00–19:30 Addis Ababa time (East Africa Time, UTC+3) — overnight to around midday on the US East Coast, and early morning to late afternoon in the UK.
Measuring at home
Almost every piece we make is made to your measurements (standard sizes XS–XL are available too), so a few careful minutes with a tape measure are what make it fit. The full measurement guide explains each one; in short:
- Use a soft tape measure and measure in centimetres.
- Ask someone to help. Shoulder width and full length are hard to measure on yourself.
- Keep the tape snug but not tight, over light clothing or the bra you will wear with your kemis.
- Take the full length from the top of your shoulder to the floor wearing the shoes you plan to wear. It decides where the hem falls.
- For a men’s habesha libs, add the neck and, for trousers, the inside leg.
Put your measurements in the measurements box at checkout or in your order message. We check them with you before we start, so if one looks unusual, we will ask.
Tell us your event date
Always tell us the date you need your piece, whether it is a wedding, a christening, a graduation or a holiday such as Genna, Timket, Fasika or Meskel (see our holiday outfit guide). Before you pay, we confirm whether we can make it and deliver it in time.
From abroad, your date has to allow for the making and for the journey, so for weddings and holidays, order as early as you can. The best time to message us is as soon as you know the date, even if you are still choosing a design.
Delivery by DHL
We send orders outside Ethiopia by DHL. The cost and the delivery time depend on where you live, so we confirm both in your order chat, for your address, before you pay.
Your country may charge import duty or tax when the parcel arrives. The rules are set by each country, not by us or DHL, so if you are unsure, ask us in your order chat before you order.
Ordering for someone in Ethiopia? We also deliver within Addis Ababa and anywhere in Ethiopia by EMS, and anyone in Addis is welcome to come to the studio to be measured.
Paying
You never pay through this website. Payment is arranged after we confirm your order, by Telebirr, CBE Birr, bank transfer, or cash in Addis Ababa. If you live outside Ethiopia, ask in your order chat how to pay from your country, and we will tell you the options before you commit.
Matching the whole family
Weddings and holidays abroad are often when the whole family dresses together. We make family matching outfits in coordinated colours, as well as men’s habesha libs and kids’ habesha dresses, each made to that person’s measurements. Put everyone in one order, with each person’s name and measurements, and tell us who should match what. For the bride, the groom and the bridal party, see our habesha wedding dresses.
Questions
Can I order a habesha kemis from Ethiopia to the USA?
Yes. Choose your piece, measure at home and send us your order on WhatsApp or Instagram. We confirm the price, the timing and the DHL delivery cost to your address before you pay, then make your kemis in Addis Ababa and send it to you by DHL.
Do you ship to Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia and the Middle East?
Yes, we ship worldwide by DHL. Send us your city and country with your order, and we confirm the delivery cost and time before you pay.
How long does it take?
It depends on the design and how busy the studio is. Always tell us your event date when you order; we will confirm whether we can have your piece ready in time. For weddings and holidays, order as early as you can.
What if it doesn’t fit?
Message us as soon as you receive your piece. Because many pieces are made to order, we look at fit questions one by one, and it’s why we check your measurements with you up front.
Can I order a design that is not on the website?
Message us with your idea, such as a photo, a colour or the occasion, and we will tell you what’s possible and how long it will take.
More answers on ordering, sizing and payment are in our FAQ. Or ask us directly: