New to Abaya? Start With These 4

After helping many first-time buyers choose their first abaya, we’ve found that the biggest challenge isn’t finding a beautiful design-it’s knowing where to start. Fabric, fit and colour matter far more than decorative details, especially for a first purchase.

Modest fashion has grown into a genuinely mainstream category, not a niche one. Global spending on modest fashion by Muslim consumers reached roughly $347 billion in 2024 and is projected to keep growing at over 5% a year through 2029, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report. That’s part of why getting fabric and fit right matters here as much as it would with any other category of clothing you buy regularly.

What Is an Abaya?

An abaya is a loose, full-length outer garment, typically worn over regular clothing, covering the body from shoulders to ankles. It’s worn by Muslim women as an expression of modesty, though the specific reasons and occasions for wearing one vary from person to person.

What Makes an Abaya Beginner-Friendly

Fabric: Nida vs Crepe

Both are good first-abaya fabrics. Linen looks beautiful but creases the moment you sit down – better saved for a second or third piece once you’ve settled into wearing abaya regularly.

Fit: Open vs Closed Abaya

A closed abaya removes a decision from your morning that an open one doesn’t – worth choosing first, then trying open styles once you know your size and preferences.

Colour: Black vs Neutral Tones

Black pairs with every hijab colour, doesn’t show dust or travel creasing, and works across settings from errands to prayer , which is why it’s the default starting recommendation, not because it’s the only option. Navy or a soft neutral works nearly as well and is a reasonable first choice too, particularly if black isn’t a colour you already reach for in your wardrobe.

Where to Start: 4 Picks

If you only want one abaya that works for everyday wear without any further decisions, start with something from our Essential Abayas collection , this range is built specifically around easy-care fabric and straightforward, closed silhouettes, no styling decisions required.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics and want something with a bit more structure for occasions beyond daily wear, the Coat Style Abaya ($105) is a good next step ,still a closed, easy silhouette, but with a tailored shoulder line that reads as slightly dressier for work or semi-formal settings.

If you’ve worn a closed abaya for a couple of weeks and want to try the open style, the Front Open Gown Abaya with Inner Maxi ($105) comes with its own inner layer included, which removes the guesswork of matching a separate underlayer on your first attempt at this style.

If you’d rather build your own open-abaya combination from the start, browse our inner slip collection for a breathable underlayer designed specifically to be worn beneath an open abaya.

Note for Aleesha: the homepage only shows a rotating set of featured products ,if there’s a plainer, lower-priced closed abaya elsewhere in the catalogue that fits the “first purchase” slot better than the Essential Abayas category link, swap it in.

Sizing, Without Guesswork

Abaya sizing runs on a different number system than UK dress sizes – Gulf sizing, typically 52 through 60 , which trips up almost everyone on their first order. If you’re unsure how your usual UK size converts, our abaya size guide breaks down the exact centimetre measurements for each Gulf number, so you’re not guessing between two sizes on a first purchase you can’t easily try on first.

Styling It With a Hijab

A black abaya works with almost any hijab colour, which is part of why it’s the easiest starting point – you’re not trying to colour-match two garments while you’re still learning what you prefer. If hijab styling itself is new to you too, our hijab styles guide covers a few simple, secure styles that don’t need pins or practice to get right on the first try.

Practical Buying Advice

Buy first: one closed abaya, in black or navy, in nida or crepe fabric.

Can wait: open abayas, linen, embellished or occasion pieces, a second colour beyond black or navy.

A common early mistake: buying two or three pieces at once before knowing your actual size and fit preference — one well-fitting abaya you wear regularly teaches you more than three that don’t quite fit right.

How many you actually need to start: one is enough. A second, different-coloured piece is a reasonable next purchase once the first one’s been worn and washed a few times.

Caring for Your First Abaya

Nida and crepe are both low-maintenance, but a few habits extend how long any abaya looks new – covered in full in our abaya care guide, worth a five-minute read before your first wash so you’re not learning fabric care by trial and error on a new purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m reverting to Islam and don’t know what to wear or where to start – what should I buy first?

Start with one closed abaya in black or navy, made from nida or crepe fabric, in your regular UK dress size converted against a Gulf size chart, since the numbering system is different. One well-fitting piece you can wear daily is a better starting point than several pieces bought at once. Add a simple jersey hijab in a colour that pairs with it, and build your collection from there as you learn what fit and style you actually prefer.

Is black the best colour for a first abaya?

Black isn’t objectively “the best” it’s the most practical starting point because it pairs with every hijab colour and doesn’t show dust or creasing from daily wear. If black isn’t a colour you already reach for in your wardrobe, navy or a soft neutral works nearly as well as a first choice.

Can non-Muslims wear an abaya?

Yes , an abaya is a garment, and wearing one isn’t restricted to any particular faith. Many people wear abayas for modesty, travel comfort, or personal style regardless of religion.

Can an abaya be worn without a hijab?

Yes. An abaya covers the body; a hijab covers the hair and head separately. Many people wear them together, but each serves a distinct purpose and can be worn independently depending on personal practice.

Should an abaya touch the floor?

Most abayas are designed to fall at or just above ankle length. Exact length comes down to personal preference and practicality – length that drags on the floor can wear out faster and catch underfoot, so many first-time buyers find ankle-length the easiest to manage day to day.

What shoes work well with an abaya?

Flat or low-heeled shoes are the most practical pairing, since abaya length is designed to sit close to ankle height – flat sandals, trainers, or low block heels all work without the hem catching. Taller heels can work too, particularly with a slightly shorter hem length.

Do I need to buy a specific brand for my first abaya?

No specific brand is required – what matters is fabric quality, an accurate size, and a fit you’re comfortable moving in. Focus on those three things over any particular label.