Shopping for an abaya online can be an exciting experience — discovering new styles, fabrics and colours from the comfort of your home. At the same time, because you can’t touch or try on the garment in person, you’ll want to be extra mindful about certain details to ensure you get the right piece that looks good, feels good and will last. Drawing on online shopping wisdom, here are five key things to look for when buying an abaya online.
1. Fabric Quality and Comfort
The fabric you choose impacts how your abaya drapes, how comfortable it feels and how well it will wear over time.
- • Check what material the abaya is made from (e.g., crepe, chiffon, cotton blend, Nidha) and whether it’s lined or semi-transparent.
- • Think about the climate you live in and how often you’ll wear the abaya (daily or special occasions).
- • Look out for fabric descriptions that mention “breathable”, “flowing”, “durable” or “easy-care”.
- • Be aware: a thin, sheer fabric might look beautiful but could be less practical if you need more coverage or frequent wear.
2. Sizing and Fit
Even loose-fitting abayas need to be measured right if you want them to sit well and feel comfortable.
- • Always refer to the size chart provided by the retailer and measure your height, bust, shoulder width and sleeve length as recommended.
- • Check if the retailer shows model measurements and the size she is wearing — this helps you visualise how it might fit on you.
- • Consider adjustable features such as belts, elastic cuffs or tie-backs — these give flexibility to the fit.
- • If you’re uncertain, going one size up is often safer than choosing something too small, especially when alterations may be limited.
3. Style and Occasion Suitability
Your abaya should reflect your personal style and the setting in which you’ll wear it.
- • Decide whether you need a casual everyday abaya or something for formal occasions (with embellishments, embroidery, lace).
- • Think about colour and design: while classic black is timeless, more muted tones or subtle detailing may suit you better depending on your wardrobe.
- • Browse past customer photos and reviews to see how the colour and design look in real life, not just in the studio lighting.
4. Product Details and Care Instructions
Details matter—especially when shopping online where you can’t inspect the abaya in person.
- • Read the description carefully: look for information on closures (zip, buttons, open-front), pockets, lining, and any embellishments.
- • Check the care instructions: Can it be machine-washed? Hand-washed? Does it need dry cleaning? A delicate fabric may need more careful handling.
- • Verify return or exchange policies before you purchase, in case the fit or colour isn’t what you expected.
5. Reviews, Reputation and Value
An abaya might look perfect in the photo — but what do real customers say?
- • Read reviews and look at photos posted by previous buyers. Are there comments about fit, quality, or colour accuracy?
- • Check the retailer’s reputation: is the website secure, is the brand known for modest fashion and good customer service?
- • Consider value: a slightly higher price may be justified if the fabric and craftsmanship are superior. Conversely, extremely low prices may mean compromises in quality.
Make Your Online Abaya Purchase With Confidence
By focusing on these five areas — fabric and comfort, sizing and fit, style and occasion, product details and care, and trustworthy reviews — you’ll significantly increase your chances of finding an abaya that you’ll love and feel confident in.
At Safa Islamic Lifestyle, we understand how important each of these factors is. Our online collection of abayas for women in the UK is carefully curated to combine modest elegance, quality fabrics and reliable sizing guidance. Explore our range today at Safa Islamic Lifestyle and discover the perfect abaya for your wardrobe.
Always refer to the retailer’s size chart and measure your height, bust, and sleeve length before ordering. If you’re between two sizes, it’s often safer to go a size up for a more comfortable fit. Many brands also provide model measurements, which can help you visualise the fit better.
It depends on your lifestyle and the climate. For everyday wear, lightweight fabrics such as crepe and chiffon are popular choices because they’re breathable and drape beautifully. For special occasions, satin or nidha fabrics offer a more luxurious look.
Absolutely! While black is classic and timeless, modern abayas come in a range of colours like beige, navy, mauve, and even pastel tones. Choose a colour that complements your skin tone and suits the occasion.
Before making a purchase, always:
- • Read the product description carefully for fabric details, closures, and lining.
- • Review the care instructions.
- • Check the retailer’s return or exchange policy.
- • Read customer reviews to understand fabric quality and sizing accuracy.
You can find elegant and high-quality abayas at Safa Islamic Lifestyle. We offer a wide selection of beautifully crafted abayas designed for modesty, comfort, and style — perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
