The abaya (aba or burqa) is an essential piece of clothing in Islam. But who wears abayas? Why is it necessary for Muslim women?
Muslim women wear burqas to demonstrate physical modesty. A burqa or abaya is a full-body length, loose, robe-like garment. It covers the body from shoulders to feet. It is usually in black.
Women wear abayas mostly in Muslim-majority countries like
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Saudi Arabia
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The United Arab Emirates
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Qatar
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Pakistan
The fame of abas has extended far beyond these regions. Muslim women wear this outfit to represent piety and modesty. Al-Haq Thobes further elaborates who wears abayas and if it is compulsory in Islam!
Identification of Elegant Modesty
Women opt to wear abas primarily to uphold Islamic standards of modesty. The clothing hides body curves. It conceals women’s physicality by covering the body from neck (or shoulders) to foot. This modesty encompasses attitude and mannerisms.
The abaya has religious and traditional roots. Women wear it as a statement piece of clothing. Contemporary designs use a variety of:
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Materials
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Patterns
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Accents
The abaya gives women the freedom to show their individuality while still following modest dress standards.
For men’s modest wear, check out our latest collection of Moroccan thobe with hood!
Is it Compulsory to Wear an Abaya in Islam?
Now that you know who wears abayas, it is essential to learn if Islam considers it an obligation.
Islam emphasises that men and women conceal their bodily characteristics. The wearing of abayas is not written in the Quran or Hadees.
Instead, it emphasises humility in attire and conduct for men and women. Therefore, wearing an abaya is more of a cultural requirement that also fulfils religious duties for women's clothing.
Read the differences between keffiyeh and shemagh scarves for men.
Islam's Modesty
Islam encourages modesty in both genders. For women, it usually means dressing in loose-fitting garments that hide the body; the headscarf, or hijab, is a popular representation of modesty. The abaya expands this idea, which offers more coverage and concealment.
For men, Islam advises to wear loose-fitting modest clothes. Most importantly, it emphasises that men lower their gaze instead of staring at the opposite gender.
Men can opt for a Yemeni shemagh as a head accessory!
Academic Explanations
Divergent views exist among Islamic scholars about the donning of abayas. Some contend that it is not required. Others say it is advised to uphold the concept of humility. The choice to wear an abaya ultimately comes down to the person and how they understand Islamic beliefs.
Read: What is the difference between a thobe and dishdasha?
Individual Decision-Making and Liberty
Like other clothing, donning an abaya should be a matter of personal preference. Some women prefer to wear it to represent their cultural identity and religion. In contrast, many others might choose to wear more modest clothing options.
Islam supports individual freedom of choice. It urges people to dress in a way consistent with their modest values and beliefs.
Buy shemagh scarf for men!
Contemporary Market Dynamics
The global abaya sector has moved beyond strictly conventional robe to become a prominent segment of modest fashion. Abaya business is now driven by:
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Retail shops
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Seasonal collections
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Influencer-led visibility
Designers combine minimalist silhouettes with practical details, like:
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Front-open cuts
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Coat-style layering
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Subtle pastel colours
Such features attract younger women so they can also retain their modesty at an early age. Retailers report steady year-on-year expansion. Also, they expect continued growth as both bespoke and ready-to-wear abayas enter mainstream wardrobes.
Market forecasts indicate rising online engagement worldwide. It encourages collaborations with established fashion houses. Doing so will also expand wholesale channels and seasonal capsule collections.
Fabrics and Sustainability
Today's modern burqa market embraces sustainable textiles and conscious production. Brands are experimenting with fabrics like:
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Organic cotton
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Bamboo viscose
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Recycled polyester
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Classic nidha
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Georgette
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Jersey
All these struggles are made to balance an abaya's:
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Drape
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Durability
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Breathability
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Modesty
Consumers increasingly value provenance and low-impact manufacturing. Suppliers respond with:
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Eco-certifications
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Traceable supply chains
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Small-batch dyeing
Tailors and mass producers alike note rising demand for airy, easy-care fabrics that reduce laundering frequency and support longer lifespans. Such innovations in fabrics are moulding price points. These also offer ethically minded shoppers viable substitutes that:
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Align with broader ethical-fashion movements
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Reduce environmental footprint substantially
Styling, Occasions and Cross-Cultural Adoption
Contemporary abaya styling is notably versatile. For instance:
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Delicate embroidered pieces for evening wear
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Structured coat-style designs for professional settings
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Unfussy breathable silhouettes for daily life
Many women now treat their burqas as a multi-use garment. They find their abayas suitable for informal or fancy gatherings.
High-fashion houses and mainstream brands have intermittently introduced abaya-inspired collections and collaborations. They are working on increasing visibility in international fashion media and among non-Muslim shoppers. This visibility fosters cross-cultural appreciation. It also promptes important conversations about cultural:
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Sensitivity
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Authenticity
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Respectful representation
The Bottom Line
The topic of who wears abayas spans a broad spectrum of women, including those in Western nations and traditional Muslim civilisations. Our butterfly abayas represent religious and cultural value. Wearing them depends on how you interpret Islamic teachings on modesty and your personal preferences.