The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Styling Abayas for Women in 2023

The History and Significance of the Abaya

The abaya has a long history in the Middle East and is deeply ingrained in Arab culture. It is believed to have originated in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, where women of high social status wore long, shapeless cloaks over their clothes as a symbol of modesty and privacy. Over the centuries, the traditional abaya design became popular among Muslim women as a way to follow the Islamic dress code of modest attire.

Today, many women in the Gulf countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others wear the abaya as part of their daily attire. It serves as a mark of Arab heritage and Islamic faith. The abaya covers the entire body except the head, feet, and hands. It is usually worn over regular clothes to conceal a woman's figure and ward off unwanted attention.

Modern Abaya Fashion and Trends

While traditional black abayas are still common, abaya fashion has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. Designers are coming up with innovative styles, fabrics, embroidery, and embellishments to meet the rising demand for modern abayas.

Some of the latest abaya trends include:

• Colorful abayas - Bold and vibrant colors like red, blue, pink, gold, and more
• Embroidered abayas - Intricate embroidered designs and patterns
• Lace abayas - Delicate lace fabric overlays and detailing
• Statement sleeves - Bell sleeves, frilled sleeves, off-shoulder sleeves
• Layered abayas - Sweater abayas, jacket abayas, and overlays
• Designer abayas - Abayas bearing designer logos and prints

These modern abayas allow women to cover up yet still express their personal style. Fashion designers are also experimenting with abaya accessories like belts, brooches, and headpieces.

Choosing the Right Abaya - Tips and Considerations

Picking the right abaya can be confusing considering the vast array of choices available today. Here are some useful tips and factors to consider when choosing an abaya:

Fabric

Abayas come in breathable fabrics like chiffon, georgette, crepe, silk, and cotton. Consider the weather and climate where you live. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon work well for warm climates while thicker cotton abayas are ideal for colder regions.

Color

Look for an abaya color that complements your skin tone and style sensibilities. Dark colors are classy while pastels and Prints bring a touch of femininity. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to abaya colors.

Design

Evaluate the abaya design - embroidery, embellishments, sleeves, shape, length etc. before picking one. Make sure it aligns with your personal style and is appropriate for the occasion you want to wear it for.

Size

Abaya sizing can vary between brands, so check size charts and try them on whenever possible. They should provide full coverage without being too loose or tight.

Budget

Designer abayas can be quite pricey but you can find more affordable options at online stores and local boutiques. Consider your budget limitations when shopping.

Where to Buy Abayas

Here are some of the best places to buy abayas:

Local abaya boutiques

Most cities in the Gulf have specialized abaya boutiques where you can try on designs and get a customized abaya stitched.

Department stores

Many department stores in malls have dedicated abaya sections selling ready-to-wear and designer abayas.

Online stores

Websites like Matajer.uae and others offer online abaya shopping with worldwide shipping.

Fabric markets

You can buy fabric and get a customized abaya tailored at fabric souqs and markets.

Designer exhibitions

Keep an eye out for abaya designer exhibitions happening in your city or nearby Emirates.

How to Style an Abaya - 5 Chic Ways

Abayas are extremely versatile garments that can be styled in many different ways. Here are 5 tips to style your abaya fashionably:

Layer it up

Wear an abaya over a stylish dress, pantsuit, or cocktail dress to get a layered look.

Cinch with a belt

Add a broad or skinny belt over your abaya to define your waistline.

Play with lengths

Try pair long flowing abayas with dressy heels and short cropped abayas with boots or sneakers.

Use statement accessories

Elevate your abaya with designer bags, sunglasses, jewelry, scarves, and shoes.

Mix fabrics and textures

Layer a lace abaya over a velvet dress or silk abaya for interesting textures.

Abaya Care and Maintenance Tips

Follow these easy care instructions to keep your abayas looking pristine:

• Read fabric care labels and wash gently in cold water
• Avoid bleaching or machine drying delicate fabrics like chiffon
• Steam abayas regularly to remove wrinkles and odors
• Use fabric shavers to gently remove pills or snags
• Spot clean embroidered abayas to prevent damage
• Store abayas folded up in your closet to prevent creasing

Abayas for All Occasions

Here are some abaya style recommendations for different occasions:

Everyday abayas

For regular wear, pick breathable cotton or chiffon abayas in dark colors. They can be simply decorated with embroidery or sequins.

Work abayas

Stick to elegant solids or subtle prints in blacks, navies, or grays for a professional office-ready look.

Festive abayas

Opt for colorful abayas with heavier embellishments, patterns, and regal fabrics for festive events.

Wedding abayas

Bridal abayas come in luxe fabrics like silk, velvet, or lace featuring crystals, pearls, or gold threading.

Travel abayas

Pack lightweight cotton or chiffon abayas that don't wrinkle easily for travel convenience.

Whether you're dressing for work, a party, or running errands - there's an abaya to suit every occasion.

So that covers everything you need to know about women's abayas in 2023 - from styles and trends to shopping tips and how to wear them. Abayas are a timeless Arabian garment that offer modesty, elegance and comfort. With some styling tricks, you can look effortlessly chic every time you step out in your favorite abaya.

FAQs

What are the different types of abaya sleeves?

Some common abaya sleeve styles include long fitted sleeves, bell sleeves, butterfly sleeves, dolman sleeves, cap sleeves, and off-shoulder sleeves.

How long should an abaya be?

Abayas usually range from floor to ankle length. Floor length abayas provide maximum coverage while ankle length abayas offer more ease of movement.

What fabrics are best for everyday abayas?

Breathable fabrics like cotton, jersey, crepe and chiffon are ideal for daily wear abayas in hot climates.

What is the difference between stitched and overlay abayas?

Stitched abayas have embroidery or embellishments sewn onto the fabric while overlays have a separate decorated layer on top of a plain abaya.

Can you wear abayas with pants?

Yes, abayas can be worn over pants and long skirts. Just make sure the pants are loose and not body-hugging.