Abayas

Abaya - An Elegant Attire Worn by Women in Islamic Culture

Abayas are not just traditional Islamic clothing but they have also become a fashion statement. In ancient times people considered wearing long robes to show modesty and to gain respect. As time passed these robes evolved into a modest Islamic attire called abaya dresses. Abayas started off as plain simple dresses that were mostly black in color but today they are available in more stylish and colorful designs. Abayas come in so many awesome styles with a mashup of tradition and modern fashion. Think of a blank canvas that an artist works on and that's how designers see the abaya dress. They add vivid colors, beautiful patterns and even some sparkly shine to make each one unique. Some abayas have beautiful embroidery with fancy stitching and shiny sequins that glimmer as they catch the light. They aren't just dresses anymore but real works of art.

Different Styles of Abaya for Modest Women

Muslim women like to wear many types of stylish modest Islamic dresses called abayas. Abayas don't just come in one style - there are lots of options available because fashion designers keep coming up with beautiful creative styles. Let me tell you about some of the popular abaya styles:

• Open Abayas have an open front that reveals the inner dress or outfit like a stylish coat. They drape and cover your body shape from shoulder down to your ankles with fabric flowing loosely over your frame. You can tighten the waist with a wide, decorative belt to define your figure while keeping covered up. This gives it a flattering silhouette like a long maxi dress.
• Closed Abayas are the most traditional style, popular for their simplicity and modesty. They envelop your whole-body shape in fabric from neck to wrist to ankle. There are no slits or openings, making them very easy to just slip on and feel comfortable wearing out.
• Kimono Abayas are cut with wide, kimono-style sleeves and come with a matching sash to tie neatly at your waist. This gives them a put-together, unique look compared to plain abayas. The loose sleeves and tailored waist make them stylish while observing modesty standards.
• Batwing Abayas are hugely popular in Gulf regions for the way they fully cover the arms with extra wide sleeves that drape like bat wings. They hide the shape of the arms while keeping airflow circulating. Pair them with pants, skirts or jeans for a more contemporary modest outfit.
• Maxi Abayas reach all the way down to the floor like a long summer maxi dress. They are commonly worn by Muslim women in North African countries who want light body coverage while keeping their hair covered. The maxi length is perfect for maintaining modesty and expressing your personal style.
• Embroidered Abayas come decorated with colorful stitching and embroidery in flowing patterns. They retain the modest cut and coverage while allowing you to showcase your personality and unique cultural style. The vibrant colors and intricate designs give them an unmistakably beautiful cultural flair.

Fabric Choices for Abaya Dresses

Fabric used for abaya dresses are comfortable, fashionable and versatile. Crepe is one of the top fabrics which can be worn every day because it is lightweight and breezy. Silk or chiffon abayas look stylish for special events. Cotton is also popular for women living in hot areas since it is breathable. Linen and jersey abayas have a cozy chill look. At Mirraw you can find Islamic robes made of all kinds of fabrics. So Muslim ladies have lots of options to find abaya outfits that match their personal taste and keep them feeling good.

Best Color Choices for Abayas for Women

Abayas used to only come in black. Nowadays you can find this Muslim dress in many colors thanks to Islamic clothing fashion designers. White embodies purity for a fresh, elegant look. Navy blue exudes sophistication, perfect for formal occasions.  Rich and warm colors like maroon gives a touch of regal look to the dress. On the other hand, women looking for a calming and natural look then olive green should be your choice. Various color combinations like red and green or intricate floral patterns have been tried by designers to showcase that Islamic clothing like abayas can look both stylish and modest at the same time. Apart from personal favourite colors, women should consider choosing color according to the occasion. Darker colors like dark red or navy blue should be preferred for formal occasions. Light colors like pastels or earth shades which give a relaxed and casual vibe is perfect for everyday wear.

Combine your Abaya dress with other Islamic Clothing

Abaya dresses can easily be matched with other Muslim clothing pieces to make a stylish coordinated outfit. A popular choice is pairing an abaya dress with a hijab headscarf that women often wear. The hijab gives you lots of styling options to show off your fashion sense and creativity. Many women also add a niqab or face veil to their abaya outfit. The niqab covers your face except the eyes. This look offers a high level of modesty and is commonly worn for religious or cultural reasons. To glam up their look, many ladies accessorize with Arabian-inspired pieces like eye-catching earrings, bangles, or a decorative belt. These accessories add a glamorous personality to the modern abaya, turning it into a real fashion statement.

Styling Tips for Wearing Abaya Dresses

There are many options available for styling abaya dresses for women. Some of the tips to style are as follows as:-

• Layering - Layering lets you transform your abaya dress in an instant. Throwing an open cardigan or a sharp blazer over your abaya dress creates visual depth and adds versatility for wearing it in more settings. A casual denim jacket also lets you take the look from day to night seamlessly.
• Enhance the Waist - For a defined silhouette, tighten your waist with a wide statement belt in a color that contrasts or complements your abaya dress fabric and pattern. This draws attention to your waist for a flattering hourglass effect. Sparkly and ornamental belts also feminize the outfit beautifully.
• Play Around with Accessories - Jewelry and hair accessories elevate any modest dre