What Are The Different Types of Abayas? How to Choose the Perfect Silhouette for Your Wardrobe
An abaya is more than a garment. It is a symbol of elegance, modesty and cultural heritage woven into a silhouette that has evolved beautifully over time. Today, women can choose from a range of designs that honour classic modestwear while embracing contemporary fashion. At AbayaButh, we take pride in designing abayas that embody this balance, allowing you to express your personal style with confidence and refinement.
This guide explores the key types of abayas, from essential closed designs to kimono-inspired open silhouettes, as well as embellished and embroidered statement pieces, all with recommendations from our collection. Whether you prefer minimalist looks or intricate detailing, you will find styles that align with both timeless modest dressing and modern trends. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Different Types of Abayas
Abayas come in various shapes, fabrics and finishes, each offering its own character and level of versatility. While traditional designs often feature streamlined cuts and minimal detailing, contemporary abayas introduce texture, patterns and modern tailoring. This variety allows modest dressers to build wardrobes that feel unique, expressive and easy to style for everyday wear AND special occasions.
To help you explore the most popular types of abayas, we have outlined key styles below, along with how to wear them and which pieces from our collection we absolutely love.
1. Open Abayas: Effortless Elegance and Versatility
Open abayas are one of the most versatile silhouettes in modest fashion. Designed to be worn open, much like a lightweight outer layer or kimono, they offer fluid movement and endless styling potential. Many women pair them with coordinated inner slip dresses, closed abayas or even luxury abayas to create refined looks that transition seamlessly from day to night.
Kimono Abayas
A sub-style within open abayas, kimono abayas feature broader sleeves and a relaxed, draped structure inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono. They create a graceful silhouette and are ideal for layering, especially when you want a modest yet contemporary appearance.
Our Open Abaya Favourites:
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Premium Textured Linen Blend Open Abaya with Pockets This piece is the perfect example of understated luxury. The linen-blend texture adds depth while maintaining a lightweight feel, and the neutral shade pairs beautifully with earthy or monochrome outfits. Its practical pockets and flowing cut make it ideal for everyday elegance. |
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Premium Pleated Open Abaya with Flared Sleeves The pleated detailing and flared sleeves give this kimono-style abaya a soft, sophisticated shape. The deep navy colour offers a modern take on classic modestwear, making it perfect for occasions when you want an elevated look without excessive embellishment. |
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These designs demonstrate how open abayas combine comfort with refinement. Whether styled with a simple slip dress or layered over a statement outfit, they bring a polished finish to any wardrobe.
2. Closed Abayas: Timeless, Modest and Effortlessly Refined
Closed abayas remain one of the most iconic and traditional silhouettes. Their simplicity and continuous flow offer an elegant and modest foundation, making them a staple for women who prefer a classic and structured look. Closed abayas are also incredibly practical, offering instant coverage and a sleek, uninterrupted shape.
Closed abayas are especially admired for their adaptability. Whether worn for everyday activities, formal occasions or prayer, they present a clean and composed silhouette that can easily be styled through accessories, scarves or modest layering pieces.
Our Closed Abaya Picks:
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Minimalist yet striking, this closed abaya showcases the beauty of simplicity. The rich sapphire tone adds sophistication while maintaining the abaya’s essential appeal. It is a perfect choice for women who appreciate luxury expressed through colour and cut rather than embellishment. |
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Closed Abaya with Butterfly Cut Chiffon Overlay With its soft chiffon overlay and butterfly cut, this abaya brings a gentle, feminine shape to a traditional silhouette. The lilac mauve shade adds a graceful charm, making it ideal for special occasions or moments when you want a more delicate look. |
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Closed abayas remain an important part of any modest wardrobe, providing timeless beauty through carefully considered tailoring and luxurious fabrics.
3. Embellished Abayas: Sophisticated Details That Elevate Your Look
For occasions when you want your abaya to make a statement, embellished designs offer the perfect blend of sophistication and artistry. From delicate beadwork to intricate patterns of sparkle, embellished abayas introduce glamour without compromising on modesty.
These abayas work beautifully for evening wear, celebrations, Eid gatherings or any moment where you want your outfit to feel memorable. The embellishments often draw attention to the sleeves, borders or bodice, creating focal points that add dimension and luxury.
Our Embellished Abaya Product Favourites:
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Luxury Starlit Bloom Embellished Open Abaya This open abaya captures the essence of refined eveningwear. The silver embellishments shimmer beautifully, while the open cut offers a flowing movement. It is the perfect choice for events where you want to feel elegant with just the right amount of sparkle. |
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Premium Organza Frost Dainty Embellished Closed Abaya Combining a rich mulberry tone with dainty embellishments on organza, this closed abaya is a stunning option for formal occasions. The delicate detailing adds sophistication while the structured silhouette maintains a classic, modest look. |
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Embellished abayas bring artistry into modest dressing, allowing you to express individuality through thoughtful detailing.
4. Embroidered Abayas: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Craftsmanship
Embroidered abayas are admired for their timeless charm. They often feature floral, geometric or abstract patterns that pay homage to traditional craftsmanship while aligning with modern aesthetics. Embroidery adds both texture and personality to an abaya, making it a beautiful option for day and evening wear alike.
What makes embroidered abayas particularly special is their versatility. Light, minimal embroidery offers a relaxed yet elegant touch, while bold patterns create a more statement finish.
Recommended embroidered abayas:
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Emerald Bloom Open Embroidered Abaya This piece showcases striking green tones and detailed floral embroidery, bringing freshness and elegance to an open silhouette. Its enchanting design enhances both everyday styling and special occasions.
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Premium Blush Blossom Embroidered Open Abaya With delicate blush-toned embroidery set against a deep green base, this abaya offers a luxurious combination of rich colour and detail. The design reflects the beauty of traditional embroidery while embracing modern colour palettes. |
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Embroidered abayas are perfect for those who value timeless artistry and contemporary refinement all combined in one beautiful dress.
How to Choose the Right Abaya Style for You
With so many types of abayas available, selecting the right style depends on your personal taste, wardrobe needs and lifestyle. Consider the following when choosing your next piece:
1. Purpose and Occasion
Every day wear often calls for simplicity, comfort and breathable fabrics. Closed abayas and essential open styles are perfect for daily dressing. For evenings or events, embellished or embroidered abayas create polished, elevated looks.
2. Fabric and Movement
Premium crepe, linen blends, chiffon overlays and organza each bring a unique drape and feel. Light, flowy fabrics suit warmer seasons, while textured or heavier materials work well for structured silhouettes.
3. Colour Palette
Neutral tones offer versatility and timelessness, whereas rich shades like mulberry, emerald, navy and mocha add a luxurious dimension to your wardrobe and transition effortlessly across occasions.
4. Desired Level of Detailing
Minimalists may gravitate toward plain or lightly textured abayas. For those who enjoy expressive fashion, embellishments or embroidery offer beautiful depth and personality.
Why AbayaButh Is Your Destination for Luxury Abayas
At AbayaButh, every abaya is crafted with purpose. Our collections fuse modest tradition with contemporary fashion, creating clothing that feels luxurious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed. From essential everyday styles to elevated statement pieces, our abayas are curated to help you feel elegant and confident in every moment.
Whether you prefer open abayas, closed silhouettes, kimono cuts or embroidered and embellished creations, you will find pieces that resonate with your personal style.
Discover the Beauty of Abaya Styles at AbayaButh
Exploring the different types of abayas opens the door to endless styling possibilities. Each design carries its own character, from the flow of open abayas and the classic refinement of closed silhouettes, to the subtle artistry of embroidery and the glamour of embellished finishes.
At AbayaButh, we are committed to offering abayas that celebrate modesty while embracing the beauty of contemporary fashion. Whether you are refreshing your wardrobe or searching for the perfect occasion piece, our curated collections provide luxurious options crafted with care.
Discover your next abaya by exploring our collections and step confidently into a world where tradition meets modern elegance.
