The Abaya is a long cloak often worn by Muslim women. It is designed to cover the woman from the neck to her toes. Some women opt to cover their whole bodies except their faces. They leave a small slit to allow them to see. In most cases, women start wearing the Abaya at the onset of puberty. Abayas can be decorated in different ways depending on the wearers’ preference. Some can be beaded, while others can have embroidery and primarily come in dark colours.
The Abaya is part of the Arab gulf heritage that promotes modesty and discretion. It is aimed at taking attention away from Muslim women. Women worldwide wear an Abaya but most often have a Middle Eastern Heritage. Abaya is a mark of cultural identity and belonging to the Arabian gulf, as the Sari is to the Indian Woman, and the Kanga is to the African woman.
The Abaya has remained part of Arab women’s fashion for centuries. It is accepted by fashion lovers from all over the world. It has evolved, is now more stylish, and is used to make a fashion statement.
Why Should You Wear an Abaya?
An Abaya is a sign of personal dignity used to identify with your culture. Most women opt to have an Abaya as part of their staple style because it is a sign of self-respect. It shows that you get your confidence from within, which compels both men and women to show respect, further motivating a woman to wear an Abaya.
You can easily integrate an Abaya into your daily style. Abayas are designed for the summer; these are lightweight and breathable. Others are made of a heavy fabric like velvet material, with is excellent for the winter.
Abayas can also help you make a fashion statement. Even if you are not a Muslim woman, you can hop on the trend and benefit from the socio-economic distinction of wearing an abaya. Some women wear the Abaya for religious implications and work to remain respectable at the workplace.
Why Can You Wear An Abaya?
An abaya is comfortable, convenient and conservative. It can easily be worn to protect you from the elements and keep you covered for religious reasons. You can choose from a wide range of styles for your formal or casual events.
The butterfly Abaya has a stunning ripple effect and is open, making it a get option for layering when it’s cold outside. On the other hand, a closed Abaya is an excellent idea if you want to slip something on without worrying about what is underneath.
The kimono abaya with oversized sleeves will go great with your outfit for your special occasions. There is plenty of Abaya styles; you need to choose something that works great with your body and the occasion you plan to attend.
Why Do Arab Women Wear The Abaya?
The reason to wear an Abaya differs from woman to woman. However, as time passes, there is more reason to wear an abaya. Anyone who has never tried to wear one will question why they never tried it in the first place. The main reason for wearing an abaya is its practicability and comfort when you want to dress modestly.
The Abaya is a mix of culture and fashion. It makes Arab women feel connected to their identity and ethnicity while providing the right coverage and enough freedom to move around. Another reason most people prefer wearing an abaya is that it helps conceal the women’s curves. This does not mean that it is unflattering; it is designed with various fabrics that show off your silhouette.
The Abaya is among the most popular heritage from the Arabian Gulf. It has evolved to fit the current fashion world but still enhances modesty among Muslim women.
References and Resources
https://www.feradje.com/blogs/modest-fashion/reasons-to-wear-abaya
https://agsiw.org/saudi-arabias-abaya-signals-a-new-era-of-fashion-empowerment-and-cultural-pride/
