The abaya meaning ‘cloak’ commonly also referred to as 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 abayas are supposed to be black in colour. 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.
But, these days designers abayas are trending. One could shop for designer abayas online or go to the nearest store or boutique.
Here is a list of top 6 designer abayas with it’s merits and demerits listed below:
- The Closed Abaya:
Merits:
- Easy to Slip into
- Ease of mind because you don’t worry about buttons coming off
- Flaunt it for any occasion
Demerits:
- Only 1 way of styling the Abaya
- Not breast-feeding friendly.
- For some, your movement might be restricted depending on the cut of the Abaya
- The Open Button Abaya:
- Breast-feeding friendly
- Flaunt it for any occasion
- Flexibility of styling more than 1 options
- Your steps/movement is not restricted.
Demerits:
- Buttons may start to loosen overtime, requiring you to sew it back
- You’ll need to wear a proper pant, not only leggings as it will show off your legs as you walk. (if it is a half button abaya)
- The Abaya Cardi:
Merits:
- One of the more modern designs
- Flaunt it for any occasion
- Gives you the flexibility of dressing it the way you like it – with pants/ skirt/dresses
- Breast-feeding Friendly
- No worries about buttons coming off
Demerits:
- More effort required – you need to wear a top and bottom under the Abaya
- The Kimono:
Merits:
- One of the more modern designs #intrend
- Flaunt it for any occasion
- Gives you the flexibility of dressing it the way you like it – with pants/ skirt/dresses
- Breast-feeding Friendly
- No worries about buttons coming off
Demerits:
- More effort required – you need to wear a top and bottom under the Abaya
- The Draped Abaya:
Merits:
- One of the more modern designs
- Only leggings to go with this Abaya
- No worries about buttons coming off
Demerits:
- One way of styling it
- Not Breast-feeding Friendly
- More for special occasions
- The two piece Abaya:
Merits:
- One of the more modern designs #intrend
- Only leggings to go with this Abaya (if worn as closed abaya)
- Flaunt it for any occasion
- No worries about buttons coming off
- Flexibility of styling it
- Breast-feeding Friendly (if worn as abaya cardi)
After getting to know the merits and demerits I hope it will be easier to pick up an abaya. So, waste no more time, hurry up and visit the online abaya stores for more designs and options.
