What Should You Wear Under Your Abaya?

An abaya looks stylish and is a beautiful garment, but it can be challenging to know what’s best to wear underneath one, especially in the summer months when you want to stay cool. If you’re looking to buy a new abaya, make sure you also take the time to purchase suitable clothes to wear under it. 

Here are some top tips for getting the right undergarments for different seasons and circumstances. 

Summer abaya underlayers

When the weather is at its warmest, you want to wear undergarments that are breathable and made from lightweight fabrics. Cotton slip dresses are a great choice, as they ensure you protect your modesty while also ensuring you feel comfortable. 

Another good option for summer base layers are tops and trousers made from modal, as this fabric is known to be breathable. It’s also a more absorbent fabric than cotton, so it wicks sweat away from the body more efficiently. 

Modal is also stretchy, which means it’s comfortable and will fit your figure well, ensuring that it complements the fit of your abaya. There are many long-sleeved modal tops and long modal bottoms available in a range of colours, so you’ll be able to find the perfect option to pair with your abaya, regardless of its colour or design. 

Consider opting for wide-legged trousers if your abaya has slits in the side, as this will ensure you maintain your modesty while looking stylish. 

Abaya underlayers for Umrah

If you’ll be travelling to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, many of the same rules apply when it comes to choosing the right undergarments. It’s likely to be hot there, so breathable fabrics are essential.

Because it’s an important religious pilgrimage in a very holy location, modesty is also key, so make sure that you choose full-length trousers and long-sleeved tops to go underneath your abaya.

However, Umrah involves a lot of walking, so make sure that the layers you choose aren’t too tight and will be comfortable while you’re moving around. Avoid wearing too many layers under your abaya to prevent overheating. 

You also need to ensure you have an Ihram-friendly abaya if you’ll be completing this pilgrimage. 

Autumn layers for under an abaya

Of course, summer won’t last forever – especially in the UK. It can also be hard to predict when the weather will take a cooler turn, so make sure you’re prepared for autumn with your underlayers too. 

Think fitted turtleneck tops and leggings or straight-legged trousers to keep you warmer when the temperatures start to drop. If you really feel the cold, you might want to invest in a pair of thermal leggings to keep you warm under your abaya.

Layers are the key to being comfortable as the seasons change, particularly given that it can still be quite warm in the middle of the day, even if it’s cold early in the morning or in the evenings. So, be prepared and consider wearing layers that you can alter throughout the day if you know that you’ll feel hot sometimes and cold at others.