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From the basic black to blue, the abaya has moved well beyond its heritage, becoming a basic staple in the wardrobe of women everywhere. From simple, beautiful shades of black and grey to vibrant multi-colour, decorated, lace-adorned styles, the abaya today both reflects modesty and the trends of its time. Let’s look at the alphabet of abaya styles – not a ‘how to’ exactly, but an insight into how you can choose your abaya for every occasion.

Understanding Abaya Style: A Blend of Tradition and Fashion

While the abaya was originally a full-length, loose garment worn for modesty purposes, historians have told me that it now comes in a variety of cuts, colours and fabrics, and that, while women can still conform to their cultural values, they can also add their personal touch. The classic black abaya remains popular, too.

Traditional Abaya

Description: A simple, black, loose-fitting cloak that provides full coverage.

Ideal For: Daily wear, religious gatherings, and traditional settings.

Modern Abaya

Description: Embroidery, embellishment and special cuts; available in different colours and materials.

Ideal For: Fashion-forward individuals who want to merge tradition with modern aesthetics.

Types of Abaya Styles

Now, abayas are available in a wide variety of styles. Below are descriptions of four of the most common abaya styles, each of which is an innovative contribution to modest fashion.

Abaya style 1:

Abaya style 2:

Abaya style 3:

Abaya style 4:

1. Butterfly Abaya Description: A free-flowing robe with slender, butterfly-like sleeves. Its airy nature and light body make one comfortable and helpful in hot weather.

Best For: Casual outings and everyday wear.

2. Kaftan Abaya Capped by the fez, the predominant feature of this style is its wide sleeves and loose fit, often beaded or embroidered.

Best For: Formal occasions like weddings and parties.

3. Front-Open Abaya Description: It’s a go-between, worn a lot like an outsidecoat – often open – over something tailored to match the mix. It’s versatile.

Best For: Layering over dresses or pants for a chic, modern look.

4. Layered Abaya Description: Higher number of layers of fabric. Relatively ‘puffy’ because of the raised fabric. Used in more formal, structured designs.

Best For Special events and when you want to make a statement.

5. Hooded Abaya It has a hood, and so gets a pointDiscussion of this product has a unique and functional twist. I’m giving it an extra point for that.

Best For: Outdoor activities or adding an edgy look to your outfit.

6. Ruffled Abaya Description: Features ruffles around the sleeves, hem or bodice for a feminine look. Playful yet stylish.

Best For: Day-to-night transitions and festive occasions.

7. Belted Abaya ‘Comes with belt to cinch at the waist to give more shape; a hint of modern with a touch of modesty!’

Best For: Highlighting your waist and adding structure to your outfit.

8. Moroccan-style abaya is Decorated in various forms of elaborate embroidery, with the option of having a front zipper. Based on Moroccan folk clothing.

Best For: Celebrations and cultural events.

9. Flared Abaya Description: Flared cut with a little more volume and flow than the first style. It’s a mix of old-world modesty and new-world turn.

Best For: Elegant gatherings and when you want a graceful, flowing appearance.

10. Abaya with Cape Sleeves Descriptive: With its magnificent cape-like sleeves that sweep ewr a round the arm, this dress adds a dramatic effect as well as luxury.

Best For Special occasions and when you want to stand out.

Choosing the Perfect Abaya for Your Body Type

Pick the right abaya depending on your body type and you will see a huge difference in how you feel while wearing it and how you actually look. Here is your guide to fit.

1. For Petite Women Wide leg, loose-fitting, and boxy shapes will look heavy and bulky on you Tips: Stick with slim, straight cuts, and avoid lots of extra fabric or flowiness that would wash you out, and wear vertical lines or details to create length.
2. For Tall Women Tips: Opt for long lines and soft silhouettes that work with your height. Try dramatic patterns and overlayed styles to add interest.
3. For Curvy Figures Another trick is to look for structured silhouettes – abayas with belted details or a wrap style can help balance out your weight-displacement issues while beautiful A-line cuts can lend a flattering shape without nipping in at the waist.
4. For Plus Size Tips: Loose-fitting styles are best when it comes to abayas; but also avoid multipurpose, boxy outfits that appear unflattering and poorly fitted. Dark colours and simple, straightforward styles can be very slimming.

Styling Your Abaya: Tips and Tricks

Abayas might have a reputation for being functional, but there’s no such thing as a boring abaya. From mastering the art of the perfect flow to draping it just right, here are 5 ways to make your abaya the shiz. 1. Belt it! While a tailored abaya looks fabulous, personally, I’m not a fan of them. I like my abayas to be light and loose fitting, so, if you’re like me, and you have a waist to accentuate, then go for a belt. Ribbon works but I actually prefer the silver and beige beaded straps of my double abaya. 2. Mismatch boots and gloves. And why not! Most abayas are black, so it would be unusual to have shoes in the same colour. Also, if your cuffs drag on the ground, then wearing boots is a must. I often see Western women with black cuffs and white boots – very artsy, très chic! But I’ve never tried it. I tend to think it looks more stylish in black. 3. Abaya as cover-up. I nearly forgot the fact that abayas are an essential part of your swimwear. Yes really! We wear them not only to prevent our clothing from getting soaking wet (which they will do), but also because it feels more modest to enter the wave pool decked out in black. 4. Abaya as badge of achievement. The perfect abaya is the one you make yourself. I recently did a leather-making course during which I covered a dress form in leather using a spray adhesive. It turns out that it’s surprisingly easy and, though all the other girls stopped at clothes, I carried on until I had covered three coats. Could it get any better?! 5. Finally, I was saddened to hear that fluffy black slippers no longer epitomise Middle Eastern fashion as they once did. But do not worry. Furry white slippers seem to have taken their place. I wondered what purpose these served beyond holding water and mould. So I did some digging. It turns out that they were perfect for resting your feet on the side of the hammam.

1. Play with Colors and Patterns While you can’t go wrong with a black coat, have fun with navy, beige or even pastels. Throw in some prints or patterns if that’s your style.
2. Accessorize Thoughtfully Accessorise your abaya with belts, brooches or bold accessories, and match it to a handbag or clutch.
3. Choose the Right Footwear An abaya is an outfit, but the right shoes can really finish the look. For a little black number, heels make any abaya look more formal, shawl or no. And if it’s a day at the beach that calls for the colour of the day, some stylish shkoors or sandals will dress it down and make for effortless walking.
4. Coordinate with Your Hijab The hijab, which is the second most important garment in an abaya ensemble, has to be chosen with consideration to your abaya colour and style.

Caring for Your Abayas

You can keep your abayas looking new and attractive for years to come by following a few care tips:

1. Washing and Drying Always follow the care instructions on the label. Thin, sheer or embellished fabrics may require hand washing or dry cleaning.
2. Ironing and Steaming Use low heat when ironing abayas, and be very careful not to crank up the heat when ironing on precious fabrics, furs and other delicate materials. Though ironing is a great way to make an abaya look fresh and luxurious, a steamer is a safer way to take out wrinkles.
3. Storage Abayas of delicate fabrics should be hung on padded hangers to retain their shape, and heavily encrusted styles should be ironed while laid flat so the welting doesn’t stretch.

FAQs About Abaya Style

1. How can I make my abaya look more stylish? To add a little flair to your abaya, you can accessorise it with a belt or wear an abaya with asymmetrical cuts. You can also try colourful hijabs.
2. Can I wear abayas in different seasons? Yes, abayas come and available in all the fabrics for all seasons. Choose the light fabrics like chiffon or crepe for summer months, and the heavier fabrics such as wool and velvet in colder months.
3. Are abayas only available in long lengths? Traditional abayas are floor-length, but shorter styles are becoming popular, too, and can be worn as jackets or layered over outfits.
4. How do I choose the right abaya color? Think of your skin tone and the occasion – dark colours are good all-round and make you look narrower; lighter colours are good for daytime and evening wear.
5. Where can I find trendy abayas? In the better abaya boutiques, both offline and online, and in some high-end fashion stores, you will also find abayas with trendy qualities. Some brands also offer high-end products at different price ranges for different tastes.

Conclusion

Abayas are the finest form of modesty and style one could ever imagine. There is truly no end to all of the numerous options that allow one to customise an abaya according to ever-changing trends, whether it be through the traditional approach to design or through creative twists on the classic abaya style. Ultimately, what matters most is to find something that makes you feel good. There are indeed so many beautifully designed abayas out there that you will surely find yours.