Wearing an abaya is not just about following a tradition, it's an art that combines elegance and comfort in daily life. Whether you are discovering this garment for the first time or seeking to perfect your style,
our guide offers you all the essential tips to transform your abaya into a true fashion asset. Discover how each style can adapt to your needs and reflect your unique personality.
How to wear an Abaya?
The abayas are worn by many Muslim women on a daily basis. Islam emphasizes the importance of modesty, and abayas are the ideal garment to uphold this value while elegantly covering the contours of the female body. They are appreciated worldwide for their comfort, practicality, crafting often in high-quality materials offering a beautiful drape, and their ease of styling. At Haiya, we offer a wide range of abayas in various styles, including open or closed designs, kimonos, and layered abayas in luxurious materials. You will undoubtedly find an abaya for every occasion in our collection. But once you have chosen your abaya, how do you style it? In this blog, we share our top tips for wearing an abaya. Read on to inspire your next look!
What to Wear Under an Abaya?
First of all, if you opt for a closed abaya, choosing what to wear underneath becomes unnecessary. Closed abayas give you the freedom to wear whatever you want, since your outfit is completely covered. Whether you choose jeans and a t-shirt, or even stay in your pajamas for a quick errand, who's going to know?
If you plan on buying an open abaya or a kimono, pay closer attention to the clothes worn underneath since they may be partially visible, especially if you choose not to wear a belt. Open abayas and kimonos offer endless styling possibilities, making them very popular among Muslim women in France and around the world. In modest fashion, a simple and clean look is often preferred, so we recommend keeping your style crisp and sharp when styling your abaya.
Pairing your open abaya or kimono with a matching belt is a great way to instantly make your outfit chic while keeping the sides of the abaya closed for extra modesty. You can wear any outfit under your open abaya, as long as it covers the parts of your body that might be exposed. For example, a simple white t-shirt and jeans worn under a belted open abaya creates a casual look that will turn heads for all the right reasons. However, for a more formal occasion, we suggest wearing your open abaya with one of our elegant dresses or jilbabs. The clothes you choose will obviously vary depending on the weather. Sweaters and jeans are perfect for styling your abaya in winter, while a lightweight dress is ideal for warmer months.
Which Color Should You Choose for Abayas?
Historically, in Arab countries, the traditional black abaya was considered more respectful than colored abayas, as a sign of respect. Nevertheless, even in conservative countries like Saudi Arabia, colored abayas are now common. In France, Muslim women choose abayas in all colors. At Haiya, we have a magnificent selection of abayas in a vast palette of vibrant colors, ideal for special occasions when you want to add a pop of color to your outfit. If you plan to wear your new abaya regularly, it is wise to choose a neutral color like black, gray, beige, or brown, which will allow you to mix and match multiple outfits. Abayas in these colors are also versatile, suitable for all occasions, from formal events to everyday wear. Of course, you can choose closed abayas in any color – since the outfit underneath will not be visible, there is no need to coordinate!