5 Hijab-Friendly Abaya Hacks Every Woman Should Know

The abaya is a traditional loose-fitting over-garment worn by some Muslim women. For women who wear the hijab, finding abayas that are hijab-friendly can be tricky. The wrong abaya style can make wearing the hijab comfortably very difficult.

If you wear the hijab and abaya, check out these five handy hijab-friendly abaya hacks to make your life easier:

Opt for an Abaya with a High Neckline

Look for abayas that have a high neckline, either in a crew neck, turtle neck or modest V-neck style. Avoid low or wide necklines as these will not provide adequate coverage and modesty. A high neckline ensures your neck and chest area is fully covered. This allows you to wear your hijab comfortably underneath without worrying about it slipping or being visible. A high neck also gives you flexibility in how you style your hijab.

Choose a Loose-Fitting Style

Abayas come in different silhouettes - slim fitting, A-line, maxi and more. Go for a loose-fitting abaya style that skims and hides your body's shape. Avoid bodycon abayas that cling to your curves. Tight-fitting abayas make layering the hijab difficult and uncomfortable. It will also likely make your abaya ride up and slip throughout the day. A loosely draped abaya gives you room to layer your hijab and underscarf smoothly. It also provides optimal coverage and modesty.

Look for an Abaya with a Front Overlap

Search for an abaya that has an overlapping front panel. This design feature is super hijab-friendly. The overlap ensures your chest area remains fully covered. It also holds your hijab and underscarves securely in place underneath. No need to constantly adjust and pin your scarves. You can find abayas with a center front overlap or side front overlap. Both work well. The overlapped fabric also adds a stylish touch to your abaya.

Consider an Abaya with Functional Arm Slits

Abayas with arm slits give you more ease of movement and comfort. Opt for an abaya with arm slits that can open and close using buttons or snaps. Functional arm slits allow you to keep your arms covered when in public. You can then open them up when in a women-only setting to enjoy more airflow. Position the arm slit buttons/snaps strategically to let you access them easily. This avoids accidentally exposing skin when opening your arm slits.

Pick Light, Breathable Fabrics

The best hijab-friendly abayas are made from light, breathable fabrics like viscose, rayon, chiffon and georgette. Avoid heavy fabrics like denim or velvet. Lighter fabrics help maximize airflow and minimize sweating underneath your hijab and abaya. This keeps you cool and comfortable all day long whether indoors or outdoors. Breathable fabrics also reduce friction that can tug at your hijab. Less friction means you avoid having to readjust your scarves constantly.

There you have it - five handy abaya hacks to make wearing the hijab infinitely easier. Follow these tips to find abayas that complement your hijab beautifully. With the right abaya style, you can stay stylish, cool and confident while observing hijab.