Winter Abayas: Velvet, Suede, and Tweed

The hot Summer months are finally coming to an end in the UAE, and that means it's time for the cool, outdoor season. That’s when our abaya wardrobes start taking a turn from lightweight fabrics and pastel colors, to heavier fabrics and richer, deep colors. 

For the 2026/2027 season, winter abayas are focusing on texture, color, craftsmanship, and silhouettes that makes them feel distinctly seasonal whilst also remaining practical for the UAE’s climate. 

The three main fabrics we see are Velvet, Tweed, and Suede, which are already gaining popularity. Each of these offers a distinct way to style your abaya, and in this blog, we will be diving deeper into what makes them stand out.

VELVET ABAYAS 

When it comes to winter dressing, velvet ultimately crowns itself as the most luxurious fabric you could think of. 

Thanks to velvet’s rich texture and eye-catching finish, it instantly gives a simple silhouette more depth and drape, whilst also providing a gentle warmth, making it a great choice for evening gatherings and occasions. 

For the 2026/2027 winter season, velvet in shades of burgundy, dark purple, chocolate brown, and navy blue are the main focus. These colors in velvet give an even more rich and sophisticated look. 

SUEDE ABAYAS 

Soft, matte, and mildly heavy, suede abayas make a statement without the need for heavy embellishments. They are easy to style, despite its simple silhouette, its texture provides enough visual-detailing to stand out in. 

Suede abayas are perfect for women who love minimalist luxury. They can be worn for both day-time and evening events. 

Colors such as dark olive, mocha brown, and camel have been appearing in suede winter styles a lot this year: all elegant winter colors. 

TWEED ABAYAS 

Rich, and having a plush texture, tweed abayas provide a defined shape, with straight cuts and structured shoulders. With their coat-like appearance, they provide warmth and a sophisticated look. 

Tweed abayas are ideal for daytime gatherings, and are even a great choice for work events, when you want to look put-together and smart without overdoing it. 

Classic neutrals like black, beige, and grey always offer a timeless grace. Meanwhile a blend of colors and patterns can offer more personality to your look.
Which Winter Abaya Style Is Right for You?

The perfect winter abaya for you depends on your personal fashion sense, and how you plan to wear it. 

If you love rich texture and deep colors, velvet will create a luxurious and sophisticated look. 

If you prefer understated luxury, and you want to stand out without overdoing it, suede abayas play the part perfectly.

If you want something more heavy and protective against the cold, then tweed might be the choice for you. 

How To Style Abayas for a Dubai Winter

Whichever fabric you choose for your winter wardrobe, styling it is one of the most important things you can do to make it feel comfortable and look elegant for your day. 

Layering your abaya is one of the ways to make your wardrobe feel more seasonal. Pair your winter abayas with a lightweight under abaya dress, or wear a comfortable outfit inside. 

For day time gatherings, neutral tones and understated fabrics can create an effortlessly put together look. 

Meanwhile, saving the rich, dark colors and embellishments for evening occasions is more fitting. 

For accessories, keeping it minimalist with classic metallic jewellery works. Pairing them with matching handbags, and heeled boots are guaranteed to make a standout fit. 

Since Dubai winters are more versatile and we don’t necessarily have to dress for extremely cold temperatures, an abaya can feel seasonal and wintery through its color, texture, and detailing without needing to be exceedingly heavy.

Winter Abaya Colors Popular for 2026/2027

As pastel colors fade out, rich hues make their entryway into our wardrobe. Here are some colors to look out for this season: 

• Burgundy 
• Midnight Blue
• Chocolate Brown
• Dark Olive
• Royal Purple
• Warm Taupe

These shades are versatile and can be paired with classic colors, making them easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.

Caring For Velvet, Suede, and Tweed Abayas

Unlike our typical everyday abaya fabrics, these winter fabrics tend to be a little bit more high maintenance. 

They are heavier, and more sensitive to water, which means to take care of them, professional dry cleaning is recommended when needed. 

Using a lint roller very gently on the fabric is recommended to remove dust particles. 

Storing them should be done carefully, on wide hangers that don’t snag. They should be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight, and if using abaya covers, make sure they are breathable and avoid friction. 

None of these fabrics should be ironed directly. In case of needing to iron them, make sure to use a steam iron from the inside out to avoid exposing them to direct heat. 

Velvet, Suede, and Tweed: At a Glance

Finding Your Winter Abaya

Whether you’re drawn to the rich finish of velvet, the tailored elegance of tweed or the understated appeal of suede, each fabric offers a different way to elevate your seasonal wardrobe. 

At CAS Abaya, you can browse through an extensive collection of winter abayas, designed to suit different occasions and preferences. Take your time to look through different textures and silhouettes, and find an abaya that feels effortlessly yours.