Abaya

The abaya (Arabic: عباية ʿabāyah, meaning "cloak") is a long, loose-fitting dress with wide sleeves, traditionally worn by Muslim women to cover the entire body in accordance with Islamic dress codes. The abaya serves as the foundation of the global trend known as "Modest Fashion," and many women choose it not for religious reasons but as a symbol of modesty and respect for cultural traditions. The abaya has evolved from its classic black design to an impressive variety of colours and embellishments, ranging from understated elegance to luxurious splendour. Whether chosen as a simple option for everyday wear or as an elegant outfit for special occasions, the abaya is often complemented with a hijab to complete the look.

With a history spanning thousands of years, the abaya dress has always been more than just clothing. Over 4,000 years ago, women in the Arabian Peninsula wore similar garments as symbols of social status. With the advent of Islam, the abaya for women gained new significance as a religious and cultural icon. In the 1970s and 1980s, the abaya evolved significantly, with intricate embroidery, lace, and rhinestones elevating it to high fashion in the Muslim world.

An abaya is available for both men and women, but a abaya for women is much more than just clothing. It symbolizes cultural refinement and timeless elegance, remaining a key element in Muslim women’s wardrobes for centuries. Today, a women’s abaya reflects not only modesty but also fashion, standing at the heart of the modest fashion movement. Modern abayas highlight every woman’s individuality through carefully chosen fabrics, flawless tailoring, and thoughtful details. Each piece is designed to accompany women in their daily lives, enhancing their inner strength and unique style.

Over time, the abaya dress has become a universal and recognizable garment in London, suitable for various occasions—from at-home prayer wear to specially designed outfits for business meetings and festive events. Originally simple and practical, the abaya in the UK has transformed into a work of art, setting trends in modest fashion worldwide. Abaya boutiques like Merrachi and Garaza, offering abayas online globally, create true masterpieces where every seam, fold, and embellishment is crafted to perfection.

An abaya dress is not just an outfit; it’s a means of self-expression, allowing women to highlight their elegance, modesty, and individuality. Here are some key tips for styling your abaya:

1. Choosing the Right Style

o Open Abaya: Perfect as a lightweight overlay for casual outfits or evening wear, adding depth and versatility.
o Closed Abaya: Ideal for a traditional look. Opt for minimalist designs for formal events or decorative ones for festive occasions.
o Butterfly Abaya: Great for a refined and comfortable look with its flowing sleeves adding a touch of elegance.
o Seasonal Styles: Velvet or ribbed abayas are excellent for winter, while light linen or chiffon models suit summer perfectly.

2. Colors and Fabrics

o Classic Black: Always in style, black abayas symbolize simplicity and sophistication, suitable for any occasion.
o Pastel or Light Shades: Perfect for summer events or weddings.
o Bright and Bold Colors: Greens, maroons, or browns add a personal touch and originality.
o Fabric Choices: Silk, satin, or velvet for special occasions; breathable materials like linen or cotton for daily wear.

3. Accessories for Abaya

o Belts: Use a decorative belt to accentuate the waist and add a personalized touch.
o Shoes: Pair your abaya with elegant heels for formal occasions or minimalist sandals for a casual look.
o Bags: Simple clutches or small handbags perfectly complete a sophisticated style.

luxury Abaya

A luxury abaya for women represents the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Every detail of these designs is meticulously crafted, from the use of premium fabrics such as nida silk or velvet to decorative elements like hand embroidery, pearls, and rhinestones. Luxury abayas are made for those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and distinctive style, making them perfect for weddings, religious celebrations, or business events. They add a touch of refinement and status to any occasion.

Butterfly Abaya

Among the variety of modern abayas, the butterfly abaya stands out with its wide, flowing sleeves and unique silhouette, offering a blend of elegance and comfort. This type of abaya for women features a design where the sleeves flow smoothly, resembling butterfly wings. It combines grace and practicality while preserving the core principles of modest attire. In a world where tradition meets modernity, the butterfly abaya for women is more than just clothing—it’s a bold fashion statement.

Dubai Abaya

Renowned for its elegance and rich details, the Dubai abaya has become a fashion symbol in the Muslim world. These designs combine classic elements with innovative touches, featuring intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics like satin, and unique cuts. The Dubai abaya is perfect for creating a look that stands out with both luxury and modesty. Its versatility makes it suitable for special events as well as everyday wear, adding a note of Arabian aesthetics to the wardrobe of a modern woman.

Open Abaya

The open abaya is a versatile garment that drapes gracefully over any outfit, making it perfect for layering. This style allows for both a relaxed and refined look, ideal for daily wear or formal events.

Black Abaya

The timeless black abaya remains the epitome of elegance and simplicity, suitable for any occasion. Its versatility makes it a wardrobe staple for every woman.

Eid Abaya

Specifically designed for festive celebrations, the Eid abaya combines traditional elements with modern designs, ensuring a standout look for special moments.

White Abaya

Known for its purity and sophistication, the white abaya is a popular choice for weddings and religious gatherings.

Kids Abaya

Designed with the same attention to detail as adult versions, kids' abayas allow young girls to embrace modest fashion with comfort and style.

Garaza is a Finnish luxury clothing brand founded by Muslim women in Finland. At Garaza, we combine modern European style with the timeless elegance of Islamic fashion, offering unique Modest Fashion collections. As online shopping continues to expand, discerning customers in Finland, the United Kingdom, and other countries are increasingly choosing Garaza for its exceptional quality and distinctive designer style. Each of our garments is the result of close collaboration between talented designers, skilled artisans, and premium fabric suppliers, ensuring impeccable craftsmanship in every piece. We understand that modern women seek more than just a dress or a scarf – they desire clothing that reflects their personal values, cultural heritage, and unique sense of style.

We are planning to open a showroom soon, allowing our customers to purchase an abaya in the United Kingdom offline, just as it was in the pre-online era. British customers, like those in Finland today, will have the opportunity to try on and buy an abaya in London, choose their favourite dress or khimar, and request custom tailoring to suit their body shape or include any personalised details.

• A Finnish Luxury Brand: Our designs are carefully created to cater to the needs of European Muslim women, blending style with cultural relevance.
• Uncompromising Quality: Each piece is meticulously crafted by designers and produced independently to meet the highest standards – never cheap, mass-produced items from AliExpress or Chinese drop-shipping platforms.
• Premium Fabrics: We select only the finest, high-quality materials to provide ultimate comfort, exceptional durability, and a flawless fit.
• Tailored Experience: Explore our showroom in Helsinki, where you can try on, customise, and adjust your hijab to match your individual measurements and preferences.
• Seamless Online Shopping: Enjoy fast and reliable delivery throughout Finland, the EU, and the United Kingdom – your perfect hijab is just a few clicks away.