It can feel like the abaya has been around for as far as the mind can remember. And yet, a hardworking crop of the best abaya brands are ensuring that this silhouette feels far from dated. Peek within the luxury abaya brands du jour and you will find an endless array of designs, prints and colors to get excited over. From elaborate sleeve detailing to beaded Emirati motifs, the famous abaya brands in Dubai are here to ensure that this everyday staple feels fresh and exciting always.
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Which country is famous for abaya?
- If you were to flip through the pages of history, you’d find mentions of the abaya dating back to 4,000 years ago.
- However, contemporary historians are united in the belief that the abaya was brought more recently to Saudi Arabia by nomadic travelers.
- It was accepted immediately and worn along with a headscarf to cover the head and face.
- Since then, the Arabic abaya design has evolved as a lasting symbol of cultural heritage in the Middle East.
Which color is best for abaya?
- Traditionally, the abaya was worn as a black wool garment in Saudi Arabia.
- However, it has since evolved to accommodate an on-trend roster of colors, prints and patterns as visible in the new styles of abayas in Dubai.
- When looking to experiment with colored Turkish abayas, it helps to allow the occasion to dictate your needs.
- A formal event calls for shimmering jewel tones and saturated hues, while everyday wear staples tend to lean towards hardworking neutrals.
How do I choose an abaya?
- Once you have found the right color to suit your needs, it helps to turn your attention to the cut and silhouette.
- Kaftan-style abayas offer ease of movement and comfort in the scorching summers, while front-open styles make for a refreshing upgrade for workwear.
- Tailoring is of paramount importance here—the perfect length will ensure that you can jet from one place to the other with ease when you are on the go.
Top abaya brands in UAE
Mauzan
Since the brand’s inception in 1990, Mauzan has become a crucial cornerstone of Emirati design. With an ever-expanding retail footprint, the brand offers abaya brand stores in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Add to cart: Crafted from colored linen twill, this non-stretchy abaya fabric is enlivened with pink piping detailing for an easy-breezy summer look.
Mauzan
Hessa Falasi
Since the initial launch of its flagship store in the Dubai Design District in 2011, Hessa Falasi’s label has been dedicated to honoring the quintessential style of Arab women. Today, her offering includes a sustainable lineup that makes it the first modest fashion label to accept the concept of zero waste.
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Add to cart: Give everyday basics a refreshing upgrade with this neutral-hued abaya accentuated with a colorful lace border.
Beige notched color abaya with color details, Hessa Falasi
Sekka 38
In 2012, three Emirati sisters Ghalia, Maria, Dana and Alia Juma came together to turn their passion for contemporary wear into a brand. The name? Inspired by the street number that they grew up on. The offering? A range of versatile dressing that makes classic tailoring lean into unapologetic femininity. The result? An Emirati abaya brand that transcends seasons and temporary trends.
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Add to cart: Reach for the two-toned abaya dusted with coordinated sequins for a brunch-ready look that won’t disappoint.
Two-toned sequins abaya, Sekka38
Best abaya brands in Qatar
1309 Studios
Laying its claim to the best abaya brands in Qatar is this ready-to-wear label. Guided by a contemporary bohemian aesthetic, you can expect just about everything from this brand. Metallic abayas to shimmer in the desert like a mirage? Why yes, we’ll have some of that with a side of whimsical accessories.
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Add to cart: Your everyday basics won’t look quite as basic once the Thalia Pistachio abaya enters the chat. Crafted from printed silk, you can only fully appreciate the detailing once you get up close with the crystal-beaded palm trees laced in spirals down the front.
Thalia – Pistachio, 1309 Studios
WAAD
Since 2010, this Qatari brand has embarked on a simple mission: “Dress modern Muslim women of all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds in easy-to-wear luxurious pieces,” reads a blurb from the brand’s website. The result is a nuanced lineup that offers something for everyone: from travel-ready looks to thoughtful black abaya designs for working women.
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Add to cart: Need something that stands out in the crowd on your social calendar? The Wedding Abaya is designed to liven up occasions with an elegant bisht-cut design sculpted with organza silk.
The wedding abaya, WAAD
Best abaya brands in Saudi Arabia
Abadia
Ethical luxury gets a new definition with this Saudi-based label designed for the woman who takes pride in her cultural stories. In a bid to further this mission, the brand has focused its efforts on preserving the craftsmanship of the Arabian Peninsula. The commitment to creating an ethical future is further manifested in the brand’s use of luxury deadstock materials for their abaya fabrics.
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Add to cart: The Najd Panelled Jacket makes for a versatile addition to your wardrobe, whether paired with a headscarf or worn as it is.
Najd pannelled jacket, Abadia
Noura Sulaiman
Based in Riyadh, this luxury label is an ode to timeless style. Expect classic cuts and colors that can transcend fleeting trends. With an offering that extends across womenswear and menswear, kids will have something to delight over as well from the brand’s impactful use of color and exquisite tailoring.
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Add to cart: On days when you are looking to own the boardroom, you’ll want to do it in the Latifa Blazer Coat—crafted from Italian jacquard crepe and sculpted into an hourglass silhouette.
Latifa blazer coat, Noura Sulaiman
Alanoud Alsalem
From the heartland of Saudi comes this Riyadh-based label determined to redefine luxury for womenswear. For spring/summer ‘24, the brand is betting big on a monochromatic color palette. The highlights come in the form of impeccable draping and feminine pops of lace.
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Add to cart: The Two Layers Sleeve Abaya makes for that wardrobe workhorse that you will reach for over and over again.
Two layers sleeve abaya, Alanoud Alsalem
Luxury abaya collections to bookmark in 2024
Latifi
There is no place for the wallflowers here—only the standouts. Layered organza sleeves. Dramatic lashings of feathers. A color palette that morphs from Tiffany blue to avocado to fuchsia and back again to pastel mint. With endless options to choose from, the only question to be asked is: where are you going to wear yours next?
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Add to cart: Ease of movement but without compromising on style? Your hunt for the perfect kaftan abaya ends with this crepe creation accompanied by a matching headscarf.
The REESH, Latifi
Kayfi
Founded in 2020, Kayfi is on a mission to script the next chapter in modest fashion. Expect mood-enhancing colors and highlighter hues alongside luxe cosmic grays and all-eyes-on-me metallics. While the brand has a robust roster of dresses, kaftans and jumpsuits on offer, you’ll want to bookmark their embroidered abayas.
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Add to cart: The Overall Embroidery Dobby Abaya will offer a soothing wash of serene blue to your wardrobe with a textured design and intricate star detailing.
Overall embroidery dobby abaya, Kayfi
Slouchyz
On the quest for creating modernized abayas, Slouchyz is leaving no stone unturned. Cheeky cherry motifs run across a dove-white canvas while lustrous chrome offers up the perfect foil for an evening look to remember. On days when you are looking to channel your feminine side, turn to their dusty pink abayas and blush-hued lace trims.
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Add to cart: The Chromed Slouchyz makes for a statement piece that will elicit compliments everywhere you go.
Chromed Slouchyz
Tash
Not a fan of blingy embellishments? You don’t have to be, either. Tash makes masterful use of color, cut and silhouette to deliver abayas that are a testament of form as well as function. For the next addition to your abaya lineup, you might want to consider their two-toned reversible designs in saturated hues. Or perhaps some classic Emirati motifs?
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Add to cart: If you are looking for a wardrobe staple that works as hard as you do, the Trench Abaya can be dressed up and down for endless occasions on your social calendar.
Trench abaya, Tash
Inadi
“Your fave new abaya.” With this mission centered at the heart of the label, Inadi attempts to make good on its promise with a range of everyday essentials for the AM. Come evening, you will want to turn to their showstopper pieces to shine just a little brighter. What should you expect? Gradient organza, luxe jacquard and more.
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Add to cart: Looking to give the traditional abaya a daring new twist? Cue The Denim Abaya that comes with a matching sheila and more importantly: pockets.
The denim abaya, Inadi
Salfa
It is impossible not to feel your mood perk up as you browse through Salfa—not when the brand’s creations are peppered by zesty hues of citrus. For its latest collection, ‘Zest of Life’ offers up punchy pops of peach nestled next to earthy neutrals.
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Add to cart: On the hunt for simple abaya designs that can still pack in a sartorial punch? The Relaxed Pleated Shirt lies true to the brand’s DNA of abayas designed as contemporary outerwear.
Relaxed pleated shirt, Salfa
illi
The illi muse is not one to blend in the crowd. And why would she want to either when the brand’s lexicon of animal prints and florals can ensure that she is always the center of all attention? From tie-dye creations in cotton candy hues to marbled taffeta, there is something for everyone.
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Add to cart: Looking to soothe the minimalist in you? The Two-Tine Abaya in black offers up a masterclass in monochromatic magic.
Two-tones in black, illi
