Abaya

Abaya is a 'cloak', it is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Islamic world including in Turkey, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.  Traditional abaya are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan.  The abay covers the whole body except the face, feet and hands.  It can be worn with the niqab, a face veil covering all but the eyes.  Some women choose to wear long black gloves, so their hands are covered as well.

Abayas are known by various names but serve the same purpose, which is to cover. Contemporary models are usually caftans, cut from light, flowing fabrics like crepe, georgette, and chiffon. Styles differ from region to region: some abaya have embroidery on black material while others are brightly coloured and have different forms of artwork across them.

Abayas are not restricted to the East. It is now worn almost anywhere in the world.  Not only in cosmopolitan cities such as London, abayas are worn by many Muslim women.  Now Abayas are worn also in Asia and there are several shops and online stores selling abaya.