How to Care for a Premium Abaya

How should you wash an abaya?

Dry-clean a premium abaya, or wash it gently by hand in cold water; avoid hot water and the machine's spin cycle. This is the care HIMMA recommends for its pieces, and it protects the fabric, the lining and any hand-finished detail.

1. Turn the abaya inside out and fill a basin with cold water.
2. Add a small amount of mild, colour-safe liquid detergent; avoid bleach and optical brighteners.
3. Submerge and press the fabric softly for a few minutes. Do not rub or scrub.
4. Rinse in fresh cold water until the water runs clear.
5. Press out the water gently between towels. Never wring or twist.

For embroidered pieces, satin crepe in paler shades and any abaya you wear to occasions, a trusted dry cleaner is the safer choice.

How do you dry an abaya without damaging it?

Dry an abaya in the shade, either flat on a clean towel or on a wide hanger, and never in a tumble dryer. Heat from a dryer can shrink linings, distort seams and dull the surface of crepe. Direct UAE sunlight is strong enough to fade dark dyes, especially black, navy and deep burgundy, so choose a shaded balcony or an indoor spot with good airflow.

Smooth the shoulders, sleeves and hem into shape while the fabric is still damp; this reduces the creases you will need to steam later.

How do you steam an abaya, and why not iron it?

Steam an abaya on the hanger with a handheld or standing steamer, keeping the head a few centimetres from the fabric. Steam relaxes the fibres and lets creases fall out under the abaya's own weight, without pressing the weave flat. An iron can leave a shine on crepe and satin crepe, scorch delicate fabrics and crush embroidery.

• Work from the shoulders down, in slow vertical strokes.
• Pull the hem gently taut with your free hand to release deeper creases.
• Let the abaya hang for a few minutes to dry before you wear it.

If you must iron, turn the abaya inside out, use a low setting and place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.

How should you care for crepe, satin crepe, linen and embroidery?

Each fabric asks for a slightly different touch, though all prefer cold water, low heat and gentle handling.

The Signature Mauve is cut in satin crepe, and The Posh is luxurious crepe with hand embroidery; both reward dry-cleaning and a steamer. For more on fabrics, see the best abaya fabric for the UAE climate.

How should you store and travel with an abaya?

Store an abaya hanging on a wide, padded hanger, in a breathable cotton garment bag, away from direct sun. Narrow wire hangers leave marks in the shoulders, and plastic covers trap humidity. Leave a little space between pieces in the wardrobe so the fabric can breathe.

To travel, lay the abaya flat, fold the sleeves inward along the side seams, then roll it loosely from the hem upward rather than folding it into sharp creases. Place the shaila on top and roll it with the abaya. On arrival, hang it in the bathroom while you shower; the steam releases most travel creases. If you are ordering ahead of a trip, our guide to buying an abaya online in the GCC covers delivery times.

Can you wear perfume and oud with an abaya?

Yes, but apply perfume or oud to your skin before you dress and let it dry completely. Alcohol-based perfumes and oils can mark satin crepe, darken pale colours and leave rings on crepe. Oud and bakhoor smoke also cling to fabric, so if you perfume your clothes with incense, hold the abaya at a distance and air it afterwards. Never spray directly onto embroidery or the satin face of the fabric.