Open Abaya vs Closed Abaya: Which Should You Buy?

You're comparing two abayas that look similar in photos, and one question decides the purchase: do you want a piece you style, or a piece that is already finished?

The short answer: an open abaya opens at the front and is worn like a long coat over your outfit. It suits you if you like layering and want one abaya to work with many outfits. A closed abaya is designed to stay closed at the front, either through a fastening or a pullover design. It provides a one-piece look, so it suits you if you want a simple, grab-and-go option. 

The rest of this guide covers what changes in real life: coverage, warmth, effort and occasions. It also shows where to find each style from independent houses. For fit, fabric and measuring in general, our complete abaya guide is the best place to start, and this page goes deeper on one decision within it.

What Is the Difference Between an Open Abaya and a Closed Abaya?

The difference is the front. Everything else follows from it.

An open abaya opens down the front. You wear it over other clothes, and what shows underneath is your choice. A closed abaya is designed to stay closed at the front. It may slip over your head or use a fastening, such as a zip or buttons.

You will see these styles under several names, because brands and regions use different terms:

• Open abaya, abaya open, open-front abaya, front open abaya: all describe the open-front cut.
• Closed abaya, abaya closed, closed-front abaya, front closed abaya: all describe the no-opening cut.
• Kimono and butterfly abayas are usually open-front too, with sleeve shapes that set them apart. Check the product page, since naming varies from brand to brand.

Open Abaya vs Closed Abaya: Side-by-Side Comparison

An open abaya gives you more control but asks more of you each time you wear it. A closed abaya takes the decisions away.

Is an Open Abaya Modest Enough?

Yes, if you wear it with the right layers. Modesty preferences differ between women, families and communities, so treat the points below as practical checks and apply your own standards.

An open abaya is only as covering as the outfit under it. A few things to check:

• Opacity of the layer underneath. Look at it in daylight, not just indoors.
• Sleeve length of the inner layer. A sleeveless dress under an open abaya shows when the front swings open.
• How the front sits when you move. Walking, sitting and climbing stairs all change how it hangs.
• The closure. Some women add a belt, a brooch or a snap to keep an open front in place.

Good layers under an open abaya include an under-dress, a long-sleeve top with a skirt or trousers, a sleeved dress, or a matching set. Our layering basics range, which covers under-dresses and sleeve extenders, is built for this. If you like the coordinated look, modest co-ord sets are an easy pairing.

If you'd rather not think about what's underneath at all, a closed abaya is the straightforward answer.

Which Should You Choose? Match the Abaya to Your Day

For work and office days

Either style works, so choose by how you dress in the morning. If you already have a wardrobe of long skirts and tops, an open abaya turns those into a polished look. If your mornings are tight, a plain closed abaya in a neutral shade gets you out of the door faster. Check sleeve width and cuff fit whichever you choose, especially if you type or drive.

For Eid and festive occasions

This is where the two styles feel most different. An open abaya in satin over a matching set gives you a layered, dressed-up look. A closed abaya with embroidery gives you a finished, polished look with no styling needed. Many women choose the open style when they want a statement over an outfit they already love, and the closed style when they want to look put together without effort.

For warm weather and travel

An open abaya lets you control the layer underneath, which helps when it's hot. A closed abaya can still be comfortable, but fabric and lining decide that, so read the product description before you buy. Linen is a common choice for warm weather in both styles. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics and pockets make either style easier to travel in.

For everyday wear and errands

If you wear an abaya most days, buy the one you'll actually reach for. Women who dislike layering tend to prefer closed. Women who like changing their outfit often prefer open.

For prayer and mosque visits

Think about movement more than style. Make sure you can bow, kneel, and sit comfortably, and that the front stays in place if you wear an open abaya. A belt or closure helps.

Open Abaya Styles: Fabric, Colour and Sleeves

When shopping for open abayas for women, the details change the look more than the cut does. Here is what people most often search for, with a good place to start for each.

By fabric

• Linen open abayas suit warm weather and relaxed everyday looks.
• Satin open abayas suit evenings, weddings and Eid. For example, Nour Al Houda (BNAH) offers the Sasha Satin Open Abaya in Copper, and Bayt El Hayat offers the Habiba Champagne Satin Open Farasha Abaya.
• Open abayas with lace add detail without changing the shape. Browse the full abaya range for lace and satin pieces.
• Crinkle texture is a practical option. Bayt El Hayat's Brown Crinkle Open Abaya is one example.

By colour

• Black open abayas are the safe, versatile choice that works with almost any outfit.
• White open abayas look fresh, but check opacity and lining carefully.
• Brown open abayas and taupe open abayas are neutral and warm, and pair easily with cream, sand and olive.
• Pink open abayas range from soft blush to stronger tones, and work well for daytime events and Eid.

By sleeve

• Balloon sleeve open abayas add volume at the wrist and move well. Check the cuff opening if you drive or work at a desk.

You can narrow any of these on the open abayas page and click through to the brand's own store.

Closed Abaya Styles Worth Knowing

Closed abayas look simple, but the finishing details separate a good one from an average one.

• Plain closed abayas are the easiest to wear often. A plain black closed abaya is a reliable base for any wardrobe. See Avyaana's Cream Closed Abayah or AbayaButh's Plain Closed Abaya in Pistachio, which comes in several colours.
• Closed abayas with embroidery suit Eid and events. The embroidery does the styling for you. AbayaButh's Bronze Cuff Closed Abaya in Cocoa Blush shows how cuff detail can lift a simple cut.
• Closed abayas with pockets are the practical pick for work, errands and travel. Always check the product description, as pockets are not standard on every piece.
• Luxury closed abayas are worth looking for when the difference is visible: fabric weight, seam quality, a clean hem and a good lining. Our guide to telling a good abaya from a cheap one lists what to check.
• Closed abayas in linen are a good warm-weather option when you want full coverage in a lighter fabric.

If you're buying closed abayas online, our closed abayas page lists 76 pieces from 11 independent houses, so you can compare before you click through to a brand.

Where to Buy Open and Closed Abayas

The Modesty House doesn't sell abayas itself. Every listing sends you to the brand that made it, so shipping, returns and sizing are set by that brand. Here are brands that sell each style, taken from our directory:

Open abayas

• Bayt El Hayat: crinkle and satin open abayas, including a Farasha cut
• Nour Al Houda (BNAH): satin open abaya with a lapel collar

Closed abayas

• Avyaana: plain closed abayas
• AbayaButh: plain and detailed closed abayas in several colours

Before you pay anywhere, check the size chart, the fabric and lining details, the shipping cost to your country and the return policy. Our guide on how to vet an online abaya store has the full checklist.

How to Style Each One

Styling an open abaya

1. Start with a base that suits the occasion: a sleeved dress, or a long top with a skirt or trousers.
2. Match tone first, then fabric weight. A satin open abaya looks best over a smooth inner layer.
3. Add a belt if you want shape, or if the front won't stay in place.
4. Finish with a hijab or scarf in a matching or contrasting tone.

Styling a closed abaya

1. Wear light, breathable layers underneath, since no one will see them.
2. Let the abaya be the focus. Keep accessories simple.
3. Add a belt, a bag or shoes in a contrasting colour for a different look.
4. Match your scarf to the abaya's tone, or use it as the one accent.

Frequently Asked Questions