6 Different Types Of Abayas Worn By Women

The abaya “cloak”, sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Muslim world including in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Traditional abayat are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. The abaya covers the whole body except the head, feet, and hands. It can be worn with the niqāb, a face veil covering all but the eyes. Some women also wear long black gloves, so their hands are covered as well.

The abaya is most common in countries with large Muslim populations. Some denominations of Islam consider the entire female body, except for the face and hands, awrah – that which should be concealed in public from males unrelated by blood or marriage.

Abayas are known by various names but serve the same purpose, which is to cover. Contemporary models are usually caftans, cut from light, flowing fabrics like crepe, georgette, and chiffon. Other known abaya styles are front open and front closed abaya. Styles differ from region to region: some abayas have embroidery on black fabric while others are brightly coloured and have different forms of artwork across them.

All this while, we may have thought that all the abayas are just the same, but these days there are various designs. One could check for abaya online and find the various kinds of abayas worn by women. Below are 6 types of abayas mostly worn by women:

1. The Closed Abaya- The closed Abaya is traditional and simple. There is no front buttons. For some, it is a more convenient option – no need to wear pants, just perhaps tights underneath.
2. The Open Button Abaya- The open button abaya, as the name goes comes with buttons along the front.
3. The Abaya Cardi- The Abaya Cardi comes with no front buttons, making it akin to a cardi. Depending on the design, it may or may not come with the belt/sash.
4. The Kimono- The Kimono Abaya is so similar to the Abaya Cardi except that it is inspired like the Japanese Kimono where one side crosses over the other and it comes with a sash.
5. The Draped Abaya- Inspired from the Grecian draped gowns comes a new twist in Abaya design. Very comfortable design, it allows the wearer free movement especially with the soft flowy fabric that just glides on your skin. With motives of flower prints on one side of the abaya, you will definitely stand out beautifully.
6. The two piece Abaya- This is hands-down the most value-for-money Abaya because it’s a 2-in-1 Abaya! You can wear it both ways like a closed Abaya or an Abaya Cardi. As the inner is already sewed to the Abaya, you can just slip your hand into the armhole and you’re ready to go with your jeans etc.

So, now is the time to spice up your abayas a little. Well you could immediately hit the boutique stores right now, or go abaya online shopping this instant!