Caring for your luxury abayas is an important step you need to consider once you’ve invested in them. The right care routine can make a noticeable difference in how long the abaya stays fresh, maintaining its silhouette and color. Especially in the UAE, where heat can be extreme in the day, and we are constantly exposed to air-conditioning, everyday wear can affect fabrics over time.
In this guide, we will be sharing some expert tips on how to protect your abayas, keeping them in perfect condition for longer.
How To Care For Your Abayas
Proper care is always required for your abaya fabrics, even if they are very durable. The right type of care will always help them last longer and fresh in your closet.
Always begin by checking the garment’s individual care instructions.
For most abayas:
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Professional dry cleaning is always the most recommended way to preserve fabric, embroidery, and handwork.
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Machine washing or tumble drying with bleach or detergents is not recommended as they can shrink or fade delicate materials. Beading and handwork can also get damaged and fall out.
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A steam iron is recommended to fix wrinkles.
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Store the abayas in a way that allows the abaya to hang naturally, and away from direct sunlight.
How To Care For Individual Abaya Fabrics: A Quick Guide
Here we will list a few popular abaya fabrics, so you know to preserve individual fabrics better.
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Nada Abayas
Nada abayas are soft, smooth, and flowy, therefore requiring care to preserve its drape.
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Consider professional cleaning
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Avoid high-heat
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Use a steam iron on low heat
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Crepe abayas
As crepe is a usually textured fabric, caring for it should focus on protecting the fabric structure and silhouette.
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Dry-cleaning is recommended
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Do not wring or twist the abaya
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Do not fold the abaya, instead store them hanging
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Chiffon Abayas
For chiffon abayas in particular, gentle handling is very important since the fabric can get damaged or fray very easily.
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No tumble drying or washing machine
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Use a laundry bag
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Air-dry and keep away from direct sunlight
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Use a steam iron on low heat to get rid of wrinkles
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Jacquard Abayas
Jacquard abayas often have textured or woven patterns that need to be protected from snagging or stretching.
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Professional dry-cleaning
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Never wring or machine dry
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Steam carefully from the inside so the textures won’t be exposed to direct heat
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Velvet Abayas
Velvet is a high-maintenance material that is very sensitive to water and pressure, so it requires extra care.
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Professional dry-cleaning with proper pile-restoring methods
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Never wring, twist, or scrub
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Never iron directly on the velvet, instead use a steam iron from the inside out
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Use a lint roller to remove dust
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Store in breathable covers
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Tweed Abayas
Tweed is typically a heavy, textured fabric, which can easily shrink if not cared for properly.
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Professional dry cleaning when needed.
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Use a soft fabric brush for spot cleaning stains or dust
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Store on suitable hangers
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Store away from moisture
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Dantel Abayas
Dantel (lace) abayas need to be taken extra care of, to avoid the delicate lace from tearing.
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Professional cleaning
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No wringing or tumble drying
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Use a hand-held steam iron on low heat
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Store in a spaced out place to avoid the lace getting caught up in anything
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Premium Turkish Cupro Abayas
Turkish Cupro is a breathable, silky fabric, known for its fluid drape and velvety feel. It requires special attention to maintain its texture and to avoid shrinkage.
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Professional dry cleaning
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Air drying away from direct sunlight
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Iron on low heat and inside out to protect the outer sheen
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Store on padded hangers
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Premium Paris Silk
Paris silk is high-grade and smooth, allowing the abaya to drape silkily and offering movement. It is slightly textured on the outside, similar to Turkish Cupro.
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Professional dry cleaning, only when needed
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Keep the abaya away from direct sunlight as the silk can be prone to fading
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Only use a steam iron from the inside out, on a low heat setting
How To Prevent Fading in the UAE Sun
Prolonged UV exposure typically causes fabric colors to fade, especially darker colors like navy, and burgundy, which are very popular amongst women who wear abayas.
One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially after cleaning your abaya. Even while storing your abayas, make sure they are stored in a shaded, and well-ventilated area.
How To Protect Your Abaya from Friction and Piling
Piling, snagging, and surface wear are often caused from repeated friction: instances such as handbags continuously rubbing against the same area, seatbelts, and rough surfaces continuing to touch your abaya.
For delicate fabrics, use breathable abaya covers to store them, and avoid piling up too many abayas in the same place, this creates friction as the crowd prevents the abayas from moving freely.
It's also good to be mindful about the accessories you use on a daily basis. A little bit of extra care can help preserve the elegant drape of your favorite pieces.
How To Store Your Abayas for Long-Lasting Quality
Proper storage is an important part of abaya care, especially in the UAE’s climate. Even the most beautiful and long-lasting abaya can lose its shape and freshness if it is stored incorrectly.
For most abayas, smooth and suitably sized hangers are a must for preventing unnecessary creasing. You should also avoid overcrowding your wardrobe to avoid abayas compressing each other.
Your wardrobe should ideally be in a place with cool ventilation, and away from direct sunlight. Keep it away from windows which are directly exposed to the sun, as previously mentioned that it can gradually affect the colors.
For embellished abayas, and dantel abayas, make sure they are stored away from other abayas, to avoid snagging, or use a breathable abaya cover.
Conclusion
The right care can help your abaya be worn, loved, and enjoyed for way longer. Preserving your abaya and keeping it safe from the sun, heat, and everyday friction are all a few simple habits you can incorporate into your routine to make caring for your abayas even easier.
Whether you have a delicate lace piece, or a trustworthy jacquard abaya, these tips can help you keep your abaya looking as good as new for a long period of time.
At CAS Abaya, we offer a wide range of abayas, in different fabrics, styles, and designs, with pieces designed for everyday and occasion wear. Whichever style you go for, caring for it properly is the simplest way to keep it looking its best.
