How to Choose the Right Abaya for You

Your Guide to buying the best Abaya

Overview

A Guide to Buying an Abaya An abaya is a traditional Arabic garment typically worn by Muslim women. It is a loose-fitting outer garment that covers the body from head to toe. This buying guide will provide helpful advice on choosing the best abaya for your needs, covering topics such as style, quality, and fit. Here, you’ll find all the information you need to make an informed purchase and look stylish while still staying modest.

Key features

  1. Style: Abayas come in a variety of styles, from traditional and conservative to modern and fashionable. Consider the occasion and the intended look when selecting a style of abaya.
  2. Fabric: Abayas are usually made of lightweight fabrics like chiffon, cotton, or polyester. Consider the weather and the event when selecting a fabric.
  3. Color: Abayas are traditionally black, but there are many other colors to choose from. Consider what color best suits the occasion and the desired look.
  4. Cut: Abayas come in a variety of cuts, from long and flowing to short and fitted. Consider the body type and desired look when selecting a cut.
  5. Embellishments: Abayas can be embellished with embroidery, beading, and other decoration. Consider the look and feel of the embellishments to find the abaya that best reflects your style.

See the most popular Abaya on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability and Comfort: Abayas are robust, comfortable garments that can last a long time with the proper care.
  • Versatility: Abayas are available in a variety of styles and colors, making it easy to find the right look for any occasion.
  • Cost-Effective: Abayas are relatively inexpensive clothing items, making them a cost-effective choice.
  • Modesty: Abayas are designed to provide an extra layer of modesty and privacy for Muslim women.

Cons

  • Price - Abayas can be expensive, depending on the type of material and design used.
  • Style - Depending on the region, Abayas come in a variety of styles and designs, so it is important to know what kind of style you are looking for.
  • Fit - Abayas may not fit well if they are not properly measured for your body shape and size.
  • Weather/Climate - Depending on the material used, Abayas may not be suitable for hot climates or extreme weather conditions.
  • Cleaning - Abayas may need to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned, depending on the type of material and design.

Best alternatives

  1. Burka – A loose-fitting outer garment that is typically worn by Muslim women to cover their body and head.
  2. Hijab – A traditional scarf worn by Muslim women to cover their hair and neck.
  3. Niqab – A face covering worn by some Muslim women that covers the face from the forehead to the chin.
  4. Jilbab – A long, flowing outer garment typically worn by Muslim women to cover their body.
  5. Kulah – A type of head covering typically worn by Muslim women that covers the head and neck.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Hijab – A headscarf traditionally worn by Muslim women.
  • Underscarf – A lightweight scarf worn under the hijab to provide extra coverage and hold the hair in place.
  • Jeans – A type of trousers typically made from denim or dungaree cloth.
  • Hijab Pins – A decorative pin used to secure a hijab in place.
  • Shayla – A long rectangular scarf typically worn over the head and shoulders.
  • Abaya – A long, flowing robe-like garment worn by Muslim women as a sign of modesty and religious observance.

Common questions

  1. What is an Abaya? An abaya is a traditional, loose-fitting, full-length garment worn by some Muslim women as a form of modest dress.
  2. What are the different types of Abaya? There are various styles of abaya, including the caftan abaya, maxi abaya, jilbab abaya, kaftan abaya, and kimono abaya.
  3. What is the best fabric for an Abaya? The best fabrics for an abaya are lightweight and breathable, such as chiffon, crepe, georgette, or silk.
  4. What color Abaya should I buy? The color of an abaya is a personal choice, and while black is the most popular color, many women choose abayas in other colors such as blue, white, beige, and pink.
  5. What is the best way to care for an Abaya? Abayas should be washed separately in cold water and hung to dry. Avoid using harsh detergents and fabric softeners, and never wring or twist the fabric when wet.
  6. How should I store an Abaya? Abayas should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Fold the garment carefully and store it in a plastic bag or garment bag to protect it from dust and damage.

Trivia

An interesting fact about abaya is that they have been worn by women in the Middle East for centuries as a form of protection from the sun and desert environment, and in recent years they have become a fashion statement and a symbol of style and beauty. Abaya are also often seen as a sign of modesty and are being adopted by more and more women around the world. The most recent trend in abaya is the 'open abaya', which allows women to show off their clothes and accessories while still maintaining modest coverage. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.