Beyond Borders: How the Abaya is Worn Around the World

One of the world's most fashionable clothing items, the Abaya, is worn by millions of Muslims across the globe. From the Muslim-majority countries of Saudi Arabia to the United States, the abaya is worn by women of all ages, sizes, races, religions, and nationalities. For some, the abaya is a necessity and a sign of solidarity, while others find it to be an accessory.


Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana's recent launch of its first ever Abaya collection has become the most talked about topic in the fashion industry. Featuring an Arabian aesthetic, the collection is inspired by the desert dunes.

While the fashion world has long been focused on the western world, the abaya, a traditional robe-like cloak worn by many Arab women, is becoming an increasingly important part of the wardrobes of fashionistas across borders. In response to the demonization of the hijab, several major fashion labels have created clothing lines to appeal to the Muslim market.

Last year, H&M featured the first-ever hijab-wearing model in an advert campaign. This was a significant step in achieving international high-street representation for Muslim women. Now, a number of other fashion houses have followed in Dolce & Gabbana's footsteps, creating a range of collections to suit their customers' needs.

The Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana is one of the most prestigious in the world. Known for their bold prints and finely tailored garments, the brand has carved out a niche for itself as an icon of glamour.

Although the Dolce & Gabbana abaya is an extension of the company's signature style, the collection also serves as an expression of its understanding of the Muslim lifestyle. According to Dolce & Gabbana, abayas are designed for modesty. Those looking to purchase one will find that they come in the label's signature floral prints and animal print styles.


Saudi Arabia

The Abaya is a traditional clothing for women in Saudi Arabia. It is a black, long, shapeless robe worn by women.

Some local women have abandoned the abaya altogether, but many others continue to wear it. This cultural norm is not uniform in the kingdom, but is increasingly undergoing a transition. Several young Saudis have taken on Western-influenced styles. These changes in personal freedoms highlight the bold push for social liberties by young Saudis.

Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, has rolled out new freedoms for women. He has allowed sporting extravaganzas, cinemas, and mixed gender concerts. However, he has also cracked down on anyone raising objections.

The Abaya has deep historical, religious, and cultural resonances in Saudi Arabia. However, it is also a symbol of modesty, a sign of female power, and an expression of style. Many young Saudis are using the abaya to express themselves, and have found ways to blend fashion with tradition.

One Saudi woman, Manahel al-Otaibi, 25, has been an outspoken advocate for the right to wear abaya. She studied in China and left home with an abaya. After her return, she began to complain about the dress code.

Since then, she has gradually discarded the abaya. But she still has to wear it to work.

She has had some problems with mall security, and has even faced some hostility from some Saudis. She posted a video to the mall's management.


Pakistan

In the Islamic world, the abaya is often considered the 'black burqa'. It is a modest and patterned two-piece dress that is worn by women. They are typically worn for religious holiday celebrations and Mosque visits. However, abayas are also used in everyday life in countries such as Malaysia.

Malay Malaysian Muslims have appropriated and adapted objects, such as abayas, perceived to be authentically Arabic. This means that the abaya has a transregional and entangled meaning.

The abaya in Malaysia can be understood as part of a larger constellation of sacred landscaping. This constellation involves the interplay of religious, economic, and cultural aspects of the Malaysian Muslim fashion industry. While the abaya is a highly visible example of the Malaysian halal market, there are other key trends, such as transregional connectivities, that have been shaped by this.

Abayas in Malaysia have been introduced to daily wear in recent years. Abayas are available in a wide range of styles and colours. Some are more conservative than others. There is also a range of prices from less than a dollar to more than a thousand dollars.

There are several different abaya submarkets in the region. For example, in Dubai, abayas can cost a couple of thousand dollars. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, abayas can be as inexpensive as 500 Ringgit.

The abaya in Malaysia is a reflection of the Islamic world order. This order is defined by the religious centre of Islam, Mecca, and the Arabian Peninsula.


Somalia

There are several places in the world where the abaya is worn. Among the countries where the abaya is worn is the UAE. It is also worn in Saudi Arabia. Various types of abayas can be found. Some can be open fronted.

Abayas can be found in a wide range of colors and styles. Several fabrics can be used for an abaya, but cotton is usually the most popular. The abaya is commonly worn in summer by women. Depending on the style, the abaya may be an open-fronted robe or a full-length half-slip.

Many Somali women wear the hijab. This is a short, loose robe, often in a colourful design, that covers the body. However, there are some women who choose to wear the niqad. They wear it for personal reasons.

In many populated areas, the Al-Shabab Islamist militia is active. They do not tolerate violations of Sharia law. Therefore, it is best to be alert to them.

As a Muslim country, Somalis are extremely concerned about religion. This is apparent in their behaviour toward foreigners. Those who are not Muslims are expected to sit quietly during prayers.

Somalia is a very violent place. If you are traveling to the country, it is advisable to seek expert advice before traveling. Despite the fact that the government has made some improvements in safety, there are still many incidents of terrorist attacks.


Shrug Abayas

The abaya is a loose garment worn by women in certain regions of the world. The garment comes in a wide range of colors, fabrics, and designs. Traditionally, the abaya is made from black fabric, although it is also available in green, purple, and brown.

Abayas are often decorated with colorful ornamentation, usually found on sleeve cuffs and necklines. Ornaments can be as simple as beads. Amongst younger women, it is common to see elaborate design embellishments.

One of the most important functions of the abaya is concealing curves on the body. This is accomplished by overlapping layers, which allows the abaya to fit closely on the body. While not worn by all Muslim women, the abaya has been a staple in the Middle East and the Gulf for more than four thousand years.

However, it has only been within the past ten years that 'abaya-as-fashion' has emerged as a trend. This fashion phenomenon represents a form of passive resistance against the patriarchy that saturates the Islamic world. In a nutshell, 'abaya-as-fashion' attempts to demonstrate that the 'abaya' is not only a technological marvel but also a culturally relevant fashion statement.

'Abaya-as-fashion' is not without its critics, however. Nabila Nazer, a Saudi designer, has said that Dolce & Gabbana's abaya collection is lacking in the one-of-a-kind abaya.

On the other hand, Sakina abaya is a luxuriously designed abaya that features glittery sleeves.


Maxi Abayas

Abaya is a traditional Islamic dress that has been worn by women around the world for thousands of years. It is one of the most important traditional Islamic garments. However, it is not widely worn by Muslim women outside of the Arab world.

The Abaya is a loose-fitting over garment. Usually it is made of black fabric. There are a wide variety of styles and fabrics available. Some of them are light-weight while others are heavyweight. You can wear an abaya inside or outdoors. In some countries, abayas are a necessity.

One of the abayas that are popular among the ladies are the maxi abayas. This gown is made of light fabric and has frills at the bottom. These dresses have a royal feel.

Another style of abaya is the koftas. This abaya is long and covers the lower half of the body. They are usually designed for older women.

The abaya is also a popular dress to wear while doing chores. Many women wear long black socks with it. Others wear a scarf over their head.

However, most abayas are lightweight and functional. Even in a conservative Islamic country, they are still considered a must-have.

As a result, abayas have gained a great deal of popularity in recent years. Several online retailers offer them at very low prices. Some of them even custom design them.