Abayas

Abayas for every day, travel and occasions

An abaya is the piece a modest wardrobe is built around, and this collection covers the ways it is worn: open abayas that layer over a dress, closed styles that are an outfit in themselves, two-tone and colour-block designs, and embellished sets with a matching slip dress and belt for Ramadan, Eid and weddings.

Choose the fabric by when you will wear it. Crepe is matte and hangs in clean lines, which suits daily wear. Satin has a quiet sheen for evenings. Linen breathes on warm days, and our crease-resistant fabrics come out of a suitcase ready to wear. The fabric of each abaya, and how to care for it, is on its product page.

Most abayas come in US sizes 4 to 18 and can be made to your own measurements; a few styles are cut in one size or in numbered sizes, with their own measurements listed on the page.

What is the difference between an open and a closed abaya?

An open abaya fastens at the front or is left open like a long coat, so it is worn over a dress or a slip dress. A closed abaya goes on over the head and is worn on its own. Open styles are easier to layer and to adapt from day to evening; closed styles are the simplest to put on.

What do I wear under an open abaya?

A smooth slip dress is the usual answer: it keeps an open or lightweight abaya opaque and comfortable. A plain maxi dress works as well. Our guide to styling the open abaya has more ideas.

How do I choose the right size and length?

Start from the size guide, then check the measurements on the product page where they are given. If you are tall or petite, or between sizes, have the abaya made to your measurements; it needs 14 extra working days.

Which abaya is best for travel or Umrah?

Look for a loose cut in a light fabric that does not crease or show through. Our Umrah packing guide explains what to bring, and the prayer wear collection has gowns made to slip on over what you are wearing.

How much does an abaya cost?

From $86 to $157; the two-tone crepe abayas are $112. Our Journal guide how to choose an abaya walks through cut, fabric, size and colour.

How do I buy an abaya online and get the size right?

Each product page gives the fabric, the care, the sizes with their European equivalents and measurements where we have them. Standard sizes are dispatched within 1 to 3 working days, delivered worldwide by post or DHL Express, and can be returned within 14 days of delivery; a made-to-measure abaya needs 14 extra working days and cannot be returned.

Abayas for Eid, Ramadan and evenings

Satin and embellished abaya sets with a matching slip dress and belt are gathered in Eid & Ramadan and Evening; for prayer over the top, add a khimar.

Satin abayas, and the slip dress underneath

Satin is the fabric for evenings and Eid, and this collection has it in several cuts: the Loves open-front maxi throw-over in 10 plain colours at $112, the luxury two-piece abaya with a wrap bodice in 6 colours at $127, the abaya dress with a detachable apron piece in 5 colours from $105, and the Lunamia three-piece set in satin at $138. What you wear beneath decides how a satin abaya falls. The three-piece sets with a long-sleeve slip dress ($157), the linen three-piece sets with an inner slip dress ($120 to $135), the pearl-trimmed sets in organza-like fabric ($109) and the Lunamia come with their slip dress; for every other open or lightweight abaya, choose one of our 42 slip dresses, from $66, most in the same US sizes 4 to 18.

Is there an abaya with a zip?

Most of our abayas close with a belt or buttons, or are worn open; one style, the batwing-sleeve dress in blue, fastens with a front zip ($110). The product page of every abaya says how it closes.