When abayas first hit the market, they were a one-size-fits all. There wasn't much variety in terms of design or fabric choices. The same cannot be said of today. Designers have added fashionable yet modest details giving the traditional design a decent makeover. There is an extensive range of formal abayas you can wear to office and dressier, casual designs that can be worn to festive occasions. There's a style to suit every personality.
So, here are 8 fashionable and modest abaya designs you can wear:
1. The Moroccan Style -
Moroccan style clothing for men and women is rich and luxurious. Their Abaya designs reflect a unique art of draping with layered designs and silhouettes. They are adorned with exquisite lace and gold and silver embroidery along the trims and neckline. A few also have attached hoods.
2. The Kaftan -
The Kaftan style is by far the most popular modern abaya design. They are long and loose with robe-like sleeves. Many Kaftan abayas are designed to resemble a belted tunic. With their elaborately designed necklines and lighter, luxuriant fabrics, they are dressier in their appearance and suited for parties and weddings.
3. The Floral -
Earlier, abayas were made in solid, dark colors. Designers are now looking at ways to incorporate prints. Flowers are added is the form of stone and embroidery motifs. You will also come across abayas in embossed floral fabrics. They look elegant and feminine when stitched well.
4. The Two-Tone Style -
The two tone abaya is slowly gaining popularity in Muslim women's fashion. One way is by stitching the skirt of the dress in a color different from the color of the bodice. You will also find abayas where the main dress is one color and a contrasting color fabric is added an as overcoat or as a wrap for the dress skirt.
5. The Butterfly -
This abaya style is called the butterfly because of its wide sleeves that resemble butterfly wings. They attach to the body of the abaya and form gentle gathers under the arm. These look best made in fabrics such as chiffon, silk and jersey knit as they have a lot of drape.
6. The Batwing -
If you like flowing sleeves but want a more fitted garment, the batwing abaya is a better option. The sleeves are tight around the wrist and widen out as they move closer to the body. It does not have shoulder seams and the sleeves attach to the waistline giving it a cinched, layered appearance. The difference between a batwing and a butterfly abaya is that the sleeves in the latter do not go around the full arm.
7. The Open Style -
The open style abaya is more like an over cloak. It is open along the front. Most have a thin belt going around the waist while a few are secured for a short length below the neckline. They are best to wear to parties as they offer optimum coverage while also showing off your party outfit.
8. The Standard A-line -
This is one of the more traditional abaya styles, but one that is still in vogue. It is fitted up to the waist with the skirt flaring as it moves towards the hem so that it resembles the letter A. This abaya suits women with a heavy figure.