How to Wear and Style a Shaila with Your Abaya

What is a shaila, and how is it worn with an abaya?

A shaila is the long, rectangular headscarf worn across the Gulf with the abaya, draped loosely rather than tied tightly. It frames the face, falls over the shoulders and completes the line of the abaya from head to hem.

Most women wear it over a fitted underscarf, which gives the fabric something to grip and keeps the hairline covered. From there, the same shaila can be styled several ways depending on the day, the setting and how much movement you expect. In Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh alike, the shaila is as much a part of the look as the abaya itself, so it rewards a little care in the choosing.

Which shaila wraps are the most common?

Three wraps cover nearly every occasion: the simple drape, the wrap with a pin, and the Khaleeji style. Each starts the same way, with the shaila placed over the underscarf and one side left noticeably longer than the other.

1. The simple drape. Let both ends fall freely over the shoulders, with the longer end resting slightly forward. It is the softest, most relaxed look and suits lighter fabrics and quieter days.
2. The wrap with a pin. Bring the longer side under the chin and up to the opposite side of the head, then secure it with a small pin just behind the temple. Let the remaining fabric fall over the shoulder. This is the most secure everyday option.
3. The Khaleeji style. Take the longer end across the front of the neck and over the top of the head, so it frames the face and falls down the back. It reads as polished and traditional, and is often chosen for gatherings and formal evenings.

Whichever wrap you choose, adjust the front edge so it sits evenly along the forehead. That single line does more for a finished look than any number of pins.

Should your shaila match or contrast with your abaya?

Matching your shaila to your abaya gives a long, uninterrupted line and the most classic effect, while a contrasting shaila adds definition around the face. Both are correct; the choice depends on the piece and the occasion.

• Match when the abaya has a strong silhouette or detailing you want to let speak, or for the most formal settings.
• Contrast when the abaya is in a lighter or warmer tone. A black shaila over beige, sand or earth tones sharpens the whole look, which is why Ebony Beige is paired with a black shaila.
• Tone on tone sits between the two: a shaila a shade deeper or lighter than the abaya, drawn from the same colour family.

For more on pairing colour, read our guide to coloured abayas.

Which shaila fabric works best in the UAE?

The best shaila fabric for the UAE climate is one that is light, breathable and soft enough to drape without slipping. Chiffon and georgette are the most familiar choices; crepe gives a slightly weightier, more matte fall.

A fabric with some texture holds a pin and resists sliding far better than a smooth, glossy one. For the abaya itself, see the best abaya fabrics for the UAE climate.

How do you keep a shaila in place all day?

A shaila stays in place when it has something to grip, is secured at one or two discreet points, and is not over-tightened. A few habits make the difference.

• Wear a fitted underscarf in a matching colour; a cotton or jersey one grips far better than satin.
• Use one small pin at the temple and, if needed, a second at the back of the head. Magnetic pins avoid snagging delicate fabric.
• Leave a little ease around the face. A shaila pulled too tight tends to creep back as you move.
• Check the front edge in a mirror before leaving, and again after the car or a windy walk outdoors.

What is HIMMA's Dujalil shaila?

Dujalil, from the Arabic دجى الليل, "the dark of night", is HIMMA's own shaila, designed to be worn with many of our abayas. It is paired with a number of pieces, though not with every design.

In the 24FW Series, 24FW Sahara in warm desert tones and 24FW Terra in earth tones both come with a Dujalil shaila, and among The Icons, Ebony Beige is paired with a black Dujalil. Each product page shows whether a shaila is included. Explore the full range in the shop.