How to Choose an Abaya: UK Buying Guide
How to choose an abaya — a UK buying guide
Buying your first abaya, or replacing one that never quite fitted? Here is how to get it right, from MINAMI on Stratford Road, Birmingham.
1. Start with length, not dress size
Abayas are cut loose, so they are sized by length in inches rather than UK 8/10/12. Measure from your shoulder to the floor in the shoes you will actually wear.
- 52 — 5ft to 5ft2
- 54 — 5ft3 to 5ft5
- 56 — 5ft6 to 5ft8
- 58 — 5ft9 and above
If you are between two, size up. A slightly long abaya drapes well; a short one never looks right.
2. Pick the cut for how you will wear it
Closed — one piece, goes over the head, best for everyday. Open — opens down the front, worn over an inner, best for layering and occasions. Butterfly / farasha — dramatic wide sleeves, occasion only. Cap or kimono sleeve — more structured, works for smart-casual. Full comparison: open vs closed abaya.
3. Choose fabric by season and use
| Fabric | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey | Everyday, travel | Stretchy, forgiving, machine washable |
| Linen | Spring and summer | Breathable, creases easily |
| Nida / crepe | All year everyday | Holds shape, drapes cleanly, low maintenance |
| Satin | Occasions | Photographs beautifully, shows marks |
| Chiffon | Summer occasions | Light and floaty, needs an inner |
4. Decide on embellishment
Plain abayas go with everything and last years. Embroidery, stone work and crystal detailing turn an abaya into occasion wear — beautiful for Eid and weddings, but they need hand washing or dry cleaning. Browse the Autumn collection or everything in stock.
5. Check what is included
MINAMI abayas come as sets — every abaya includes a matching scarf, open styles add a full-sleeve inner, and some include a belt. Read the product description; a three-piece set is usually better value than buying an inner separately.
6. Think about the rest of the outfit
Match your hijab fabric weight to the abaya — chiffon hijab with a satin abaya, jersey hijab with a jersey abaya. Finish with a fragrance.
Come and see it in person
Fabric and drape are hard to judge from a photo. The MINAMI shop is at 497 Stratford Road, Birmingham B11 4LE, open 10am–8pm every day — try on sizes before you commit. Or shop new arrivals online.