Whether it's your first abaya or your fiftieth, three things decide whether you'll love wearing it: the fabric, the cut and the length.
1. Fabric
- Nida: soft, matte, lightweight and crease-resistant. The best all-rounder for everyday wear.
- Crepe: a fluid drape with a little more weight. Looks polished for work and evenings.
- Linen blends: breathable and relaxed. Ideal for hot summers.
- Satin and chiffon layers: for occasions, Eid and weddings.
2. Cut
- Closed abaya: classic, full coverage, worn on its own.
- Open abaya: worn like a long coat over a dress or trousers.
- Butterfly or batwing: wide, flowing sleeves for a relaxed silhouette.
- Kimono abaya: a straight, structured shape with dropped shoulders.
3. Length
The hem should just skim the top of your shoes. See our Size Guide for a height-to-length chart.
Building a small abaya wardrobe
Start with one black nida abaya for every day, add an open abaya in a neutral like beige or olive for layering, then one occasion piece for Eid and special evenings. Three well-chosen abayas cover almost everything.