Abaya Buying Guide

The fabric decides how an abaya feels, drapes and weighs in hot weather, and it is what product names mention most. Below are the best-known fabrics on offer, each described in general terms. A real piece can differ by mill, weight and yarn blend, so the written description and care label on the product card are worth checking.

Figures as of 4 November 2026

One of the most common fabrics for everyday abayas. It feels soft with a lightly grained surface, hangs loosely and rarely shines. It generally suits most of the year, and Japanese crepe is usually known for a softer drape and slightly more weight. It is ironed on low heat, washed gently, and not rubbed.

37 products · 2 stores · From SAR 295

Japanese fabrics sold under these two names, usually described as soft with a comfortable drape and little creasing. Weights vary between the two and between stores, so the written weight is worth a look. They generally suit frequent wear through most seasons.

14 products · 1 store · From SAR 437

Usually described as light and breathable, so comfortable in hot weather. Its feel is natural and slightly dry, and it creases easily, which is part of its character. Indian linen can differ from other linen in weave and weight depending on the mill. It is washed gently and ironed slightly damp on medium heat.

19 products · 2 stores · From SAR 280

A dense fabric with a soft pile and a heavy, elegant drape, usually better for winter and occasions. Korean velvet is generally known for being softer and lighter than heavy velvet. It needs special care: dry cleaning or the store's instructions are preferred, direct ironing is avoided, and it is hung without pressure.

14 products · 2 stores · From SAR 300

A name some stores use for a fabric sold under that label. Its description differs from store to store, so the composition, weight and care instructions in each product description are best checked before buying.

28 products · 1 store · From SAR 362.50

A comfortable stretch fabric that follows the body and falls softly. It suits everyday and home abayas and those where freedom of movement matters. It may stretch with repeated washing and wear, so it is washed gently and dried flat.

1 product · 1 store · From SAR 408.25

Washed silk is usually described as soft with a smooth flow and a calm sheen, quieter than smooth silk. It generally suits mild weather and occasions. It needs a gentle wash, is ironed on a very low heat from the back, and is kept away from direct perfume and long exposure to sweat.

4 products · 1 store · From SAR 339

Satin and lace usually appear on abayas as a detail on the sleeves, edges, hem or collar rather than as the fabric of the whole garment. The base fabric is looked at first, then how the detail is attached and whether it needs special care.

Fabrics sold by the metre or by the piece for anyone having an abaya tailored, not ready-made abayas. Width, weight and the length needed for the chosen cut are worth checking, and a small sample is tried before cutting.

37 products · 1 store · From SAR 17.60

Abayas are named by their cut, and the naming varies a little between stores. Here is what the common ones usually mean.

Shoulder abaya — Worn from the shoulders like an open-top robe, with a separate scarf or head cover. It is the lightest and easiest to move in.

Head abaya (including Islamic head and butterfly) — Put on over the head so one piece covers head and body. "Islamic" usually points to a wider cut that covers more, and "butterfly" to wide sleeves that spread like wings.

Kloosh and half kloosh — Kloosh is a cut that widens from the waist or chest downwards in a circular flare, and half kloosh is less wide. It gives clearer movement and drape and needs more fabric.

Bisht — An open-front cloak worn over clothes or over an abaya, usually with wide sleeves and decorated edges, and suited to occasions.

Jacket and open abaya — An open-front abaya worn loose or tied with a belt over ordinary clothes, suited to work and everyday use.

Kimono sleeves — Wide sleeves that fall from the shoulder without a tight cuff, so the abaya looks flowing. They may need some care when eating or driving.

Length is measured first: from the top of the shoulder down to the ankle, or to the point above the floor that is wanted, and compared with the length given in the store's size chart rather than with the size number alone, since the same size differs from one store to another.

Sleeve width and length are worth checking too. Some cuts, such as kimono and bisht, come with wide sleeves that may not suit anyone who prefers a narrow cuff. When measurements fall between two sizes, the larger one is the usual choice for an abaya worn over clothes, and the hem can be shortened by a tailor if needed.

The product description shows whether the length is fixed or set at order time, and whether the store accepts alterations or exchanges.

The care label inside the abaya or in the product description comes first. In general, abayas are washed gently by hand or on a delicate cycle inside a mesh bag, in cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent, without hard wringing or bleach, and dried in the shade.

Delicate fabrics such as crepe are ironed on a low heat, preferably inside out or with a thin cloth on top. Around embroidery, beads and stones, cleaning is gentle with no direct rubbing, and ironing is done from the back over a towel so the decoration is not crushed.

An abaya is stored hanging in a breathable cover away from damp and direct light, and velvet and decorated pieces are best not folded tightly.