With an ever-changing fashion industry, cultural clothing often follows this evolution with modernization. Abayas, an artistic and modest staple in many Muslim women’s closets, has closely followed that trend, evolving to model the street fashion we see today. Today, there are endless styles that fit everyday streetwear or on special occasions. From tatreez-styled embroidered abayas to sleek monochromatic abayas, these garments have evolved to satisfy any need for any event. In this blog, we will discuss what an abaya is, the cultural and religious significance of the abaya, the history of the abaya, modern abayas, when and where to wear an abaya, and how to choose the perfect abaya for your needs.
Understanding the Abaya
Abayas are timeless garments typically worn by women in many different Muslim-majority countries. These elegant garments feature a long, flowy design with modest coverage and breathability. They do not have a signature design and differ in style depending on the country of origin. Because of this, abayas carry a distinct and meaningful cultural significance in each country. Furthermore, abayas can be referred to by different names depending on the country of origin. For example, abayas are often called jilbabs in Indonesia, burqas in Afghanistan, kaftans in Morocco, and gallabiyahs in Syria.
Although the name and design can take on different names and forms, the Abayas share three key features that are similar in every culture. The first key feature abayas share globally is the length and fit of the abaya. Abayas are typically long, flowy, and extend down to the ankles of the wearer. Furthermore, these styles are non-form-fitting and have a roomy silhouette. Because of their roominess, women can wear abayas as an outer layer, with the option to wear undergarments. They can take off their abaya throughout the day or wear it as a standalone style. The second feature common amongst abayas is fabric choice. Lightweight and breathable fabrics are essential for abayas, typically worn as an outer layer year-round. Women usually choose materials like chiffon, crepe, and cotton for comfort, especially in hotter climates. The last feature key amongst abayas is color choices. Usually, abayas are black because of their historical and traditional roots, capitalizing on modesty. However, more abayas have evolved to involve more colors, patterns, textures, and designs.
The Cultural and Religious Significance
The abaya carries cultural and religious significance in many Muslim-majority countries. Because of its long, flowy, and roomy form, the abaya aligns with Islamic principles of dressing modestly. Furthermore, it is a simple addition to any outfit to make it acceptable for Islamic prayer. Women in Muslim-majority countries often wear an abaya over their clothing when entering a mosque, ensuring their attire is appropriate for worship. Because abayas have a fully closed or open-face look, women can keep them on throughout the day or remove them to reveal their undergarments. This feature is also often used when attending weddings. Some weddings in Muslim-majority countries feature separate sections for men and women, keeping them isolated from one another. Some venues do not offer multiple rooms for men and women to enjoy weddings independently, so women often start the wedding wearing lavish dresses that may not adhere to modest principles in the absence of men. When men are fixing to join later on in the celebration, the women who observe modesty will put their abayas and hijabs on and then continue celebrating when the men arrive. Furthermore, tourists and foreigners may be interested in purchasing abayas, as they are simple additions to any outfit and allow them to adhere to countries' modest cultural norms properly. Abayas’ versatility makes it easy to throw on and off on these occasions, which makes them a popular choice amongst women in Muslim-majority countries.
Because abayas align closely with Islamic principles, they have evolved to represent every country's unique cultural aesthetic. For example, tatreez-styled embroidery, characterized by cross-stitched and colorful patterns, is typically found within the Levant. These stitching patterns are more than just patterns; they are emblic representations of symbols meaningful to the people of the Levant, such as olive trees, peonies, and feathers. Furthermore, Moroccan kaftans usually use colored fabrics with ornate gold stitching down the center line of the dress. Similarly to tatreez-styled abayas, Moroccan kaftans also contain embroidery patterns that are significant to their environment. These garments are substantial, showing a piece of historical heritage in every country.
A Brief History of the Abaya
Unclear on its origins, Abayas’ roots date back to pre-Islamic proliferation in the Arabian Peninsula, where it served as a protective cloak against harsh weather environments like sand and intense sun. Because of this, people in the Middle East dressed modestly with tunics, veils, wraps, and sleeved mantles before the introduction of Islam. During the introduction of Islam, Quranic revelations specified the importance of dressing modestly, which preserved the cultural norm of this practice. Abayas then had unique designs and embroideries, often signifying local environmental elements in their patterns and stitching. This tradition was passed down with time, preserving cultural identity and heritage. Today, we see many different designs of Abayas, with designs and embroideries signaling the exact village from which the abaya was inspired.
Modern Abayas: Style Meets Tradition
The abaya has gradually transformed over the centuries, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary fashion. Modern abayas come in various styles, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Today, many popular abaya styles are available in the market, predominately being open-faced abayas. Open-faced abayas are gaining popularity due to their versatility. These styles differ from the traditionally closed-front abaya; closed-front abayas hide undergarments. However, the open-faced style allows for more design opportunities because the open front exposes the undergarments. For example, someone can wear an open-faced monochromatic abaya with jeans and a blouse. Layering adds a dimension of style to the abaya while displaying culture and heritage. Pairing an open-faced abaya with an elegant dress is a way to dress up your look for a more special occasion.
Additionally, modern abayas vary in design, including embroidered abayas, sequenced abayas, butterfly abayas, shimmery abayas, and textured abayas. These various designs can carry some element of a traditional look while maintaining a more modern style. These elements, such as embroidery, sequence, glitter, and texture, give an abaya much more dimension and offer various looks for different occasions—for example, an embroidered abaya adorned with intricate designs and stitches pays homage to culture and tradition. Butterfly abayas feature long puffy sleeves that connect at the waistline, giving an elegant, airy, and whimsical look. Shimmery and sequenced abayas can elevate a look, giving sparkles that will illuminate any occasion.
When and Where to Wear an Abaya
Because abayas are so versatile, they are suitable for almost any occasion. An open-faced abaya on top of trousers and a blouse would make an ideal work outfit. Change it to a casual everyday look by pairing a monochromatic textured abaya with jeans and a cute top. Make it more elegant by wearing a flowy and chic dress underneath. Because all these looks are modest, you can go to a place of worship without worrying about changing. The options are limitless for styling abayas, adding a touch of elegance, culture, and heritage to your look.
How to Choose the Perfect Abaya
To choose the perfect abaya, look for one that complements your style, is fit for an occasion, or contains a cultural element you strive to honor. Here are some tips:
- Consider the fabric: Choose a breathable fabric if you are looking to wear it in warmer climates or warmer if you are choosing to wear it in colder ones. Cotton, chiffon, and linen are excellent for hot months because they are breathable and lightweight. Opt for thicker fabric materials for cooler months or layer with jackets and scarves.
- Focus on fit: Abayas come in many different fits; focus on choosing one that fits your style. If you prioritize roominess and comfort, look for butterfly abayas. These elegant styles can elevate a look because of how they flow. If you want a slimmer fit, look for styles that have belts and are cotton or linen. These materials are heavier, creating a more slimming look.
- Select the style: There are many styles to choose from, and it's essential to choose one that caters to your style. If you are into more modern looks, look for simpler abayas with calming or neutral colors. You can also look for abayas that have unique textures. If you are into more traditional looks, look for embroidered-styled abayas. Shimmery and sequenced abayas are perfect for an elegant look for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
The abaya is a timeless garment representing modesty, culture, and individuality. The abaya inspires and empowers women worldwide, whether worn for religious reasons, cultural pride, or as a fashion statement. Abayas are versatile, worn for many different functions and activities, and quickly taken on or off to adapt to those functions. Furthermore, abayas are distinct based on their country of origin. Embroidery and stitching patterns commonly signify the inspiration of the Abayas’ design. Throughout time, abayas have modeled the ever-changing fashion industry with modernization. Modern abayas have grown in popularity, signifying culture and the latest trends. Lastly, abayas are not for a specific person and are a shared dress that expresses cultural identity and individuality amongst women globally.
