01Start with the label
Abayas are made from many fabrics: crepe, nida, chiffon, linen blends and more. The care label tells you whether yours can be washed at home or must be dry cleaned. Pieces with beading, lace, crystals or embroidery are usually safest dry cleaned.
02Washing by hand or machine
- Turn the abaya inside out to protect the outer face and any trim
- Use cool water and a detergent made for dark colours
- Choose a gentle or delicate cycle, or wash by hand without twisting
- Wash it alone or with other black items, never with towels that shed lint
- Close any zips and fasten any hooks so they cannot snag
03Drying without fading
Dubai sun fades black fabric fast. Hang the abaya on a wide hanger in the shade or indoors, and let it dry naturally. Avoid the tumble dryer unless the label says it is fine: heat can shrink light fabrics and dull the colour.
04Ironing and steaming
Iron inside out on a low to medium setting, or use a steamer, which is kinder to chiffon and crepe. Keep the iron off beading and embroidery; press around them instead. A pressing cloth stops shiny marks on dark fabric.
05Storing it
- Hang it on a padded or wide hanger so the shoulders keep their shape
- Use a breathable cover in dust season rather than plastic
- Keep it out of direct sunlight in the wardrobe too
06When to let us do it
Embroidered, beaded and occasion abayas are best dry cleaned and hand pressed. We dry clean an abaya from AED 18 and press one for AED 12, and it comes back on a hanger.