Closed abayas suit buyers who want one complete outer layer for daily wear; open abayas suit buyers who like to layer over their own clothes; kaftans and maxi dresses suit relaxed or occasion wear; and prayer sets suit buyers who want a simple, comfortable set kept for prayer. Picking abaya styles for modest fashion brand collections starts with how your buyer dresses through her day, not with what looks newest.
The five styles side by side
| Style | How it is worn | Fabrics | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed abaya | A complete outer garment, closed at the front | Nida, crepe or linen blend | S–3XL or length-based |
| Open abaya | Worn open over a dress or trousers | Nida, crepe or chiffon | S–3XL or length-based |
| Kaftan | Loose and relaxed, pulled on over the head | Crepe, chiffon or linen blend | Free size or S–3XL |
| Maxi dress | A modest full-length dress worn on its own | Crepe, chiffon or linen blend | S–3XL |
| Prayer set | A simple set, often a long top with a matching piece | Nida, crepe or linen blend | Free size or S–XL |
The minimum is 50 pieces per style, with sizes or lengths mixed within it.
Each style in turn
Closed abaya
The closed abaya is the core of most ranges. It covers the clothes underneath completely, so the buyer can wear whatever she likes beneath it and still look put together.
Who it suits: working women, students and anyone who wants an easy everyday outer layer. It is the style most buyers reorder in new colours.
Fabric: nida is the common choice, soft and matte, with a smooth drape and simple care. Crepe gives a slightly more structured look. Linen blend suits warm climates and a relaxed feel.
For your range: start here if you are unsure. A closed abaya in black and one neutral is a reliable first style.
Open abaya
The open abaya is worn like a long coat or robe, open at the front over a dress, skirt or trousers. It shows more of the outfit beneath, so it suits buyers who enjoy styling.
Who it suits: fashion-led buyers, younger shoppers, and anyone who wants a lighter layer for warmer days.
Fabric: nida and crepe for everyday wear; chiffon for a soft, sheer layer, usually worn over an inner dress. With chiffon, a printed neck label is often more comfortable than a woven one.
For your range: a good second style alongside a closed abaya, or a first style for a brand aimed at a fashion audience.
Kaftan and maxi dress
A kaftan is loose, easy to pull on and comfortable at home or for gatherings. A maxi dress is a modest, full-length dress worn on its own, closer to everyday fashion than an abaya.
Who they suit: buyers looking for relaxed wear, holiday or warm-weather pieces, and occasion outfits. Boutiques often use kaftans to add colour and variety to a rail.
Fabric: crepe holds its shape for a structured kaftan; chiffon makes a light, layered piece; linen blend feels relaxed in heat.
Sizing: kaftans can be free size, which keeps stock simple. Maxi dresses come in S–3XL.
Prayer set
A prayer set is a simple, comfortable garment set kept for prayer, at home or while travelling. Buyers usually want a soft, opaque fabric that is easy to wash and pack.
Who it suits: a wide range of buyers, and it works well as a gift. Gifting buyers and boutiques often stock prayer sets alongside abayas.
Fabric: nida, crepe or linen blend. Check opacity on the sample in daylight, especially for light colours.
Sizing: free size or S–XL, which keeps the order simple.
Building a range from these styles
How you combine them depends on your buyer:
- An everyday modest-wear brand: closed abaya first, then an open abaya, then a prayer set.
- A fashion-led brand: open abaya first, then a kaftan or maxi dress for variety.
- A boutique: a small run of two or three styles, changed often, to keep the rail fresh.
- An online seller: one closed abaya and one free size piece, such as a kaftan or prayer set, which reduces size returns.
Each new style can be added on a later order, at 50 pieces with sizes mixed.
A useful rule is to keep one style steady and let the others change. If your closed abaya in black sells every month, keep reordering it and use the second and third styles to try new colours, fabrics or lengths. That gives your range a dependable base while still giving buyers something new to look at. When a trial style sells as steadily as your core piece, it earns a permanent place.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Does my buyer want one outer layer, or does she enjoy styling what is underneath?
- Is she buying for daily wear, for occasions, or for travel and home?
- Will free size pieces suit her, or does she expect a size or length chart?
- Which fabric will she be comfortable in through the year where she lives?
The answers usually point clearly to one or two styles.
Our post on how to start your own abaya brand covers the steps from first idea to first order, and our white label abayas page shows every style and fabric. Tell us who your buyers are and how they dress, and we will suggest a starting mix of styles and quote it.