8 fashion-first abayas to wear this Eid designed by Muslim women
Glam in red, trendy in a butterfly abaya or warm in a knitted one, your dream Ramadan outfit awaits
Glam in red, trendy in a butterfly abaya or warm in a knitted one, your dream Ramadan outfit awaits
We’re over halfway through the holy month of Ramadan, which means there’s only one thing on our minds: what are we wearing for Eid this year? And more so, where are we buying our abayas from? For the uninitiated, an abaya is a long piece of clothing that covers your whole body except the head, feet and hands. These traditional outfits are typically worn by Middle Eastern and Muslim women across the world.
However, as modest fashion emerges as a global trend, abayas have become popular among women who are looking for clothing that’s more covered. Besides being skin shy, these garments are also fun fashion favourites, and can be worn open or closed. They often feature intricate embroidery and detailing that helps you dress up or down.
As someone who adores Eid, so many of my childhood memories of the festival are rooted in the urgency and excitement to find the perfect outfit in time. The thrill of marching up and down South Asian boutiques across British high streets hoping to find jewellery that matches the abaya is unmatched.
If you don’t have it in you to sift through countless shops, I got you. Years of experience – and hey, passion! – have helped me prepare a shopping guide featuring eight female-owned and designed abaya brands that should be your go-to. After all, let’s be honest, Eid is the real Met Gala and showing up in your best attire is not only sunnah (tradition), it’s essential.
You know those photos are going to be on multiple family group chats, across social media and discussed among your girlfriends for weeks to come. But with this list? Be prepared to have people stopping you to ask, “Sis, where did you get your abaya from?”
When Nazmin Alim founded her clothing brand Aab fifteen years ago, the intention was to “bring together an on-trend design using high-quality fabric while centering Muslim women who sought alternative fashion choices outside of mainstream brands,” she says.
Aab embodies simplicity – just look at this Cypress Open Abaya. Featuring a cypress tree in olive green and neutral hues, it’s a graceful piece that can be easilyto dressed up and down for both festivities and prayer.
"As a practising Muslim woman, my faith plays an integral role in my everyday life but also underpins everything we do as a business. Sometimes when things don’t go our way, our faith grounds us in the realisation that there is something better ahead,” the founder shares.
There’s always a woman at the mosque during Taraweeh and Eid prayers who looks immaculate. Her scarf matches her abaya, her makeup is spotless and for some reason, she exudes effortless charm. She is probably wearing Hawaa. This affordable closed abaya option from the brand is in a thicker cotton and linen mixed material, and is currently on sale. What’s great about this style is that it can fit a UK size 6-16, just opt for the right height on the website.
Last summer, 727 caught my attention when they launched their debut abaya collection. Founded by 22-year-old Meera Alzahmi, the brand features a line of abayas that prioritise self expression while also boosting confidence. This satin cut abaya is a spring/summer dream come true.
The butterfly-silhouette abaya is back and this time, it’s not just aunties wearing them but young Muslim women embracing a nostalgic style. These batwing dresses come with an internal belt meaning you can cinch in that waist while floating around in a pool of comfort. Our favourites are in navy and lilac.
You’ve seen it, I’ve seen it, we’ve read about it: red is the colour of the season. Auburn hair, red nails, cherry emojis seem to be making up our pop culture landscape, so why not add this to your Eid outfit too? This chiffon abaya has a subtle chequered effect, allowing you to switch up the mood of your outfit based on the slip underneath. A classic capsule wardrobe staple.
Sumayah Saadi’s namesake label focuses on educating as much as selling. The designer makes TikToks on hijab tutorials for beginners as well as business tips for other women looking to kick off on their own. This abaya with a keffiyeh print on the sleeves is not just a beautiful Eid outfit but also stands in solidarity with Palestine. Ceasefire now.
Yes, it’s spring in the UK but we all know that’s a lie and it’s really just a warmer winter. This knitted abaya is perfect for the moody weather. After all, it’s hard to look good if you aren’t feeling good. (Also, take those iron supplements, girl).
Abayas aren't just reserved for Eid or glam festivals – bring this beautiful turquoise set with you when you’re near the sea. Take that looking-into-the-abyss dreamy photo with this on and thank me later.
When Nazmin Alim founded her clothing brand Aab fifteen years ago, the intention was to “bring together an on-trend design using high-quality fabric while centering Muslim women who sought alternative fashion choices outside of mainstream brands,” she says.
Aab embodies simplicity – just look at this Cypress Open Abaya. Featuring a cypress tree in olive green and neutral hues, it’s a graceful piece that can be easilyto dressed up and down for both festivities and prayer.
"As a practising Muslim woman, my faith plays an integral role in my everyday life but also underpins everything we do as a business. Sometimes when things don’t go our way, our faith grounds us in the realisation that there is something better ahead,” the founder shares.
There’s always a woman at the mosque during Taraweeh and Eid prayers who looks immaculate. Her scarf matches her abaya, her makeup is spotless and for some reason, she exudes effortless charm. She is probably wearing Hawaa. This affordable closed abaya option from the brand is in a thicker cotton and linen mixed material, and is currently on sale. What’s great about this style is that it can fit a UK size 6-16, just opt for the right height on the website.
Last summer, 727 caught my attention when they launched their debut abaya collection. Founded by 22-year-old Meera Alzahmi, the brand features a line of abayas that prioritise self expression while also boosting confidence. This satin cut abaya is a spring/summer dream come true.
The butterfly-silhouette abaya is back and this time, it’s not just aunties wearing them but young Muslim women embracing a nostalgic style. These batwing dresses come with an internal belt meaning you can cinch in that waist while floating around in a pool of comfort. Our favourites are in navy and lilac.
You’ve seen it, I’ve seen it, we’ve read about it: red is the colour of the season. Auburn hair, red nails, cherry emojis seem to be making up our pop culture landscape, so why not add this to your Eid outfit too? This chiffon abaya has a subtle chequered effect, allowing you to switch up the mood of your outfit based on the slip underneath. A classic capsule wardrobe staple.
Sumayah Saadi’s namesake label focuses on educating as much as selling. The designer makes TikToks on hijab tutorials for beginners as well as business tips for other women looking to kick off on their own. This abaya with a keffiyeh print on the sleeves is not just a beautiful Eid outfit but also stands in solidarity with Palestine. Ceasefire now.
Yes, it’s spring in the UK but we all know that’s a lie and it’s really just a warmer winter. This knitted abaya is perfect for the moody weather. After all, it’s hard to look good if you aren’t feeling good. (Also, take those iron supplements, girl).
Abayas aren't just reserved for Eid or glam festivals – bring this beautiful turquoise set with you when you’re near the sea. Take that looking-into-the-abyss dreamy photo with this on and thank me later.
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