An abaya is more than just a piece of clothing – it’s a reflection of modesty, elegance, and personal style. Whether you wear it daily or on special occasions, caring for your abaya properly will help maintain its beauty and extend its life. With the right care, your abaya will stay fresh, graceful, and comfortable for years to come.

1. Washing Your Abaya the Right Way

One of the most common mistakes people make is washing their abaya without considering its delicate fabric. Most abayas are made from soft, flowing materials like chiffon, silk, or crepe, which require gentle care.

  • • Read the label first – Always check the washing instructions provided by the manufacturer.
  • • Hand wash when possible – Hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent helps preserve the fabric’s texture.
  • • Avoid harsh detergents – Strong cleaning products can damage delicate fabrics and fade colours.
  • • Use gentle machine cycles – If you must use a washing machine, opt for a delicate or wool cycle.

2. Drying and Ironing with Care

How you dry and iron your abaya makes a big difference in how it looks and lasts.

  • • Air dry naturally – Hang your abaya on a padded hanger to avoid wrinkles and stretching.
  • • Avoid direct sunlight – Harsh sunlight can fade darker shades and weaken the fabric.
  • • Use a cool iron or steamer – A garment steamer is ideal for abayas, as it smooths out creases without burning the material.

3. Storing Your Abaya Properly

Proper storage ensures that your abaya remains neat and ready to wear whenever you need it.

  • • Use wide hangers – Slim hangers can cause shoulder bumps, so opt for broader ones.
  • • Cover with garment bags – A breathable garment cover will protect your abaya from dust and maintain its freshness.
  • • Store in a cool, dry place – Keep your abaya away from damp areas to prevent mildew.

4. Preserving Embellishments and Detailing

If your abaya has embroidery, beadwork, or lace, it needs a little extra attention.

  • • Turn inside out before washing – This protects delicate designs from rubbing against other clothes.
  • • Spot clean stains – Dab gently with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing, especially around embellishments.
  • • Dry clean occasionally – For heavily detailed abayas, dry cleaning is often the safest option.

5. Everyday Care Tips

Looking after your abaya doesn’t always mean deep cleaning. Small habits can go a long way in keeping it elegant.

  • • Avoid wearing heavy perfumes directly on the fabric – Some perfumes may stain or fade delicate materials.
  • • Keep a lint roller handy – Perfect for keeping black abayas free from dust and fluff.
  • • Rotate your abayas – If you wear abayas daily, rotate them to reduce wear and tear on a single piece.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your abaya is about maintaining both its quality and the confidence it brings you when worn. By washing gently, storing carefully, and treating embellishments with care, you can ensure your abaya stays beautiful for longer.

At Safa Islamic Lifestyle, we understand the importance of both style and longevity. That’s why we offer a wide range of high-quality abayas for women across the UK – combining elegance with everyday comfort. Explore our collection online today at Safa Islamic Lifestyle and find the perfect abaya to suit your lifestyle.

FAQs on Caring for and Maintaining Your Abaya


It’s best to hand wash your abaya with mild detergent in cold or lukewarm water. If using a washing machine, choose a gentle cycle and wash it separately or with similar colours. Always avoid harsh detergents.


No, tumble drying can shrink or distort the fabric. It’s better to hang your abaya to dry naturally.


A handheld steamer is the safest option as it gently removes creases without damaging delicate fabrics. If ironing, always use a low heat setting and iron inside out.


Hang your abaya on padded hangers to prevent stretching at the shoulders. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid fading, and use garment bags for embellished designs to protect them from dust.


Blot the stain gently instead of rubbing, as rubbing can damage the fabric. Use mild stain removers after testing them on a hidden area. For tough stains, dry cleaning is the safest solution.


It’s best not to. Perfume can stain and sometimes discolour fabric. Spray it on your skin or hijab instead.


Rotate between different abayas instead of wearing the same one every day, handle embellishments with care, and inspect regularly for loose threads or details that need fixing.


You can find a beautiful collection of elegant abayas at Safa Islamic Lifestyle, available online for delivery across the UK. Browse the collection at Safa Islamic Lifestyle