Abaya FAQs

Common questions about abayas, sizing, styles and care — answered by MINAMI, a luxury modest fashion brand with a shop on Stratford Road, Birmingham.

What is an abaya?

An abaya is a long, loose-fitting outer garment worn over everyday clothing, most commonly by Muslim women. It covers the body from the shoulders to the ankles with full-length sleeves, and is worn for modesty, for prayer, for everyday wear and for occasions such as Eid, nikahs and weddings.

What is the difference between an open abaya and a closed abaya?

A closed abaya is sewn shut down the front and is pulled on over the head, so it is worn as a single complete dress. An open abaya opens all the way down the front like a long coat or kimono, and is worn over an inner dress or slip, often fastened with a belt or tie. Open abayas are easier to layer and quicker to put on over an outfit; closed abayas give a cleaner, uninterrupted silhouette. MINAMI stocks both — see the full collection.

What size abaya should I buy?

Abayas are sized by length in inches rather than by UK dress size, because the fit is loose. MINAMI uses 52, 54, 56 and 58:

• 52 — roughly 5ft to 5ft2
• 54 — roughly 5ft3 to 5ft5
• 56 — roughly 5ft6 to 5ft8
• 58 — roughly 5ft9 and above

Choose by your height rather than your dress size, and size up if you prefer a longer, fuller drape or plan to wear heels.

What is the difference between an abaya, a kaftan and a jilbab?

An abaya is a long outer garment worn over clothing, usually straight or A-line. A kaftan is a looser, wider robe with a flowing cut and wide sleeves, often more decorative and worn as an occasion dress in its own right. A jilbab is typically more concealing and often comes as a two-piece with a matching head covering.

Where can I buy abayas in Birmingham?

MINAMI has a shop at 497 Stratford Road, Birmingham B11 4LE, open 10am to 8pm every day. You can shop in store or online at minami.site with UK-wide delivery. The range covers open and closed abayas, luxury embellished abayas, kaftans, hijabs, khimars, scarves and perfume.

What is included with a MINAMI abaya?

Most MINAMI abayas come as a coordinated set. Every abaya includes a matching scarf, open-front styles also include a full-sleeve inner abaya, and some designs add a coordinating belt. The product description for each piece states whether it is a two-piece or three-piece set.

What should I wear for Eid, a nikah or a walimah?

For Eid morning and family gatherings, an embellished or satin abaya with a matching scarf strikes the right balance between modest and dressed. For a nikah or walimah, a luxury kaftan or heavily embellished occasion abaya in a lighter colour is the usual choice. For everyday and prayer, a plain crepe or jersey abaya is more practical. Browse everything in stock.

How do I care for and wash an abaya?

Plain jersey, linen and crepe abayas can usually be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle inside out and hung to dry. Satin, chiffon and embellished abayas should be hand washed cold or dry cleaned, and never wrung out. Iron on low heat on the reverse, and avoid ironing directly over embellishment or lace. Full guide: how to wash and care for an abaya.