Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that has major implications for health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Improvements in the monitoring and management of SLE improves survival; however, improvement of HRQoL remains of paramount importance among these patients. Measurement of HRQoL has been recommended in clinical practice and research including drug development and testing in clinical trials. Both generic and disease specific instruments have been developed to ascertain HRQoL. In an increasingly global collaborative environment, the importance of assessing HRQoL across nations, acknowledgment of their confounders, and limitations of used instruments are critical. Here, we review selected major developments in the past 5 years highlighting: the importance of measuring HRQoL in SLE patients, the benefits and limitations of instruments that exist, and their application in research settings.