The abaya dress is a piece of clothing worn by Muslim women over their clothes. The main reason why Muslim women wear the abaya is to protect themselves from men’s probing gaze. Fashion designers from all around the world have used the abaya as a blank canvas on which to experiment with Muslim clothing. The abaya has evolved from a plain, shapeless black material to one with novel cuts, unique designs, brilliant colors, and various decorations.
Abayas have gone through several changes in recent years, including front-opening, front-closing, maxi-style abayas, gown-style abayas, kaftans, drapes, frills & falls, and so on. Not only Muslim businesses but also worldwide brands, have taken an interest in Muslim abaya fashion and have made numerous fashion jumps into abaya design. For professional women or female college students, the vast array of abayas caters to each woman’s needs. Traditional yet trendy, fashionable, and simple to carry for hours, designers are inventing abaya looks.
Also read: Difference Between Abaya & Burqa
What to Look for When Purchasing an Abaya:
Type of Occasion
Maxi-style embroidered abayas are ideal for formal occasions such as weddings or festivals. Opt for a front-open maxi style abaya if you’re seeking a casual abaya for outdoor meetings or a girls’ day out. It’ll have the same trendy feel as the original, but with a more relaxed vibe.
The Fabric of the Abaya
Always choose an abaya whose fabric corresponds to the season and weather, whether it’s a maxi style abaya or any other piece of clothing. If you’re shopping for a maxi abaya in Asia, for example, look for one made of Nada cloth. It’s light, the material is breathable, and wearing it will make you feel light and comfortable.
Color Pallet
It’s just as crucial to pick the right color combination for an abaya as it is to pick the right fabric. Pastel shades, for example, are suitable for summers maxi abayas, whilst black or any other dark solid color abaya is ideal for winter.
Western Style
The best thing about western abaya styles is that they can be worn with almost anything: girls wear maxi-style, front-open abayas with jeans. Abayas in the maxi design are popular among ladies because of their versatility.
How to Wear Abaya like a Modern fashionista?
Modern modest fashionistas are always on the lookout for the latest styles of fancy abaya designs that will make them look fashionable and exquisite in their daily lives. Muslim women, in particular, enjoy wearing sophisticated and attractive abayas in a variety of colors, designs, and patterns. Gone are the days when an abaya was just a dark black cloak-like garment; today’s ladies know how to style abayas in a modern way while maintaining modesty.
Here’s a list of top abaya styles in 2022:
Maxi Style Embroidered Abaya
Maxi abayas with embroidered sleeves, necklines, hems, or borders look stylish and sophisticated. Intricately embroidered works, such as patchwork or cutwork, offer a classic delicate and feminine touch to the abaya. It will have a perfectly feminine look with a matching chiffon hijab and lace around the borders.
Plain Abaya
The simple maxi-style white abaya is your go-to if you’re a woman with simple tastes who prefers a traditional abaya with creative design and modern cut. Simple abaya in a relaxing white tone with a lovely patchwork will satisfy your desire to appear captivating while remaining modest.
Embellished Abaya
On formal occasions such as weddings, formal dinners, and festive parties, this maxi-style abaya is truly lovely. Abaya, constructed with lightweight nada fabric in a maxi style, is the best example of an embellished Maxi-style abaya. It gives that ultimate look of complete modesty and fashion. Throughout the year, these types of maxi-style abayas are in high demand. The extravagant and luxurious degree of this abaya is unrivaled, making it an ideal choice for Eid, weddings, and other festivities.
Dubai Style Abaya
These are abayas with a classic theme and concept, but in the most up-to-date and sophisticated styles and cuts to give them an edgy appeal. The flaring and flowing fabric, as well as the delicate cuts and stitches, set this abaya apart from others and make it a must-have for modern women.
Kaftan Abaya Style and front Knot Design
This is one of the most popular abaya types among modern Muslim women who closely adhere to modest fashion norms. The borders and cuffs of abayas in the kaftan style are generally adorned with embroidery and beads. It’s fashioned in a double shirt style with a V shape neckline and is paired with a matching hijab.
Partywear Abayas
Abaya fashion in the party wear style is a perfect example of how modern fashionistas know how to showcase their particular style statement while remaining within the bounds of modest fashion. On the pastel-colored or white abaya belts or borders, touches of delicate golden ornamentation create a beautiful and head-turning effect.
Button-down Abayas and Denim Abayas
Denim, the most popular fabric in the fashion world, has also made a strong showing in abaya fashion. The fashionable new Denim abayas and various button-down abayas are the modern way to wear a traditional abaya in style. In an abaya, you may find everything that is popular and trendy.
In the year 2022, the above-mentioned styles will be the most popular. There are a variety of alternative maxi-styles available, such as a maxi-style with net patchwork features, a maxi-style with velvet fabric, a maxi-style abaya with flower embroidery, and so on. Maxi-style abayas are appropriate for every occasion; however, you must choose one that is most suitable for the occasion.
