How to Wash and Care for Your Abaya
A well-made abaya can stay beautiful for years, but fine fabrics and delicate details need the right care. Here is how to wash, dry, iron and store your abaya so it keeps its shape, colour and elegance.
1. Always check the care label first
Nida, crepe, chiffon and satin each behave differently. Some can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, others must be hand washed or dry cleaned. If the label says dry clean only, especially on embellished abayas, follow it.
2. Wash cold and gently
- Machine: delicate cycle, cold or 30 °C, low spin. Turn the abaya inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag.
- By hand: cold water, mild detergent, no rubbing or wringing. Rinse thoroughly.
- Never use bleach, and go easy on fabric softener, which can dull dark colours.
Wash black abayas separately and with similar dark colours to keep the black deep.
3. Protect the details
For abayas with beads, embroidery, chains or metallic trim:
- hand wash only, or use a laundry bag on a very gentle cycle;
- close all buttons and zips before washing;
- never soak for long, as metal details can tarnish.
Nooraï pick: Soft chain abaya — its gold cord chain follows exactly these rules: hand wash cold, no long soaking, steam on the reverse side.
4. Dry away from heat and sun
Skip the tumble dryer: heat shrinks nida and distorts crepe. Gently press the abaya in a towel to remove excess water, then hang it on a wide hanger in the shade. Direct sun fades black and bright colours.
5. Iron on low, or steam
Iron inside out on a low setting (silk or synthetic), ideally with a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric. For chiffon, satin and embellished pieces, a garment steamer is the safest option. Never iron directly over beads or metallic trim.
6. Store on a hanger, with space
Abayas belong on hangers, not folded in drawers. Use a padded or wide wooden hanger to avoid shoulder marks, and leave room in the wardrobe so the fabric can breathe. A garment bag protects light-coloured and occasion abayas from dust.
7. Treat stains immediately
Blot with a clean cloth and cold water; do not rub. For oily marks, sprinkle a little talc or cornstarch, wait, then brush off. Always test any stain remover on a hidden area first.
Quick summary
| Step | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Cold, gentle, laundry bag | Hot water, bleach |
| Drying | Hanger, in the shade | Dryer, direct sun |
| Ironing | Inside out, low heat, steam | Hot iron on details |
| Storage | Wide hanger, garment bag | Folded in a drawer |
Nooraï abayas, made to last
Every Nooraï abaya is cut from premium fabrics chosen for their drape and durability. Explore the collection and take care of the pieces you love.