Does the Abaya Have to Be Black?

No, the abaya does not have to be black. While black is a traditional and commonly worn colour for abayas, especially in traditional Islamic cultures, there is no strict rule dictating that it must be black.

Abayas come in a variety of colours, designs, and styles to suit individual preferences and cultural differences. Some women choose to wear abayas in different colours such as grey, navy blue, brown, beige, and even pastel shades. The choice of colour often depends on cultural norms, personal taste, and the occasion for which the abaya is being worn.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of abayas being designed in various colours, patterns, and even embellishments, while still adhering to the modest and covering nature of the garment. Many modern abayas are now available in different shades and can feature diverse designs, allowing for individual expression while maintaining the core principles of modesty and humility.

It’s important to note that different cultures and communities may have varying expectations or traditions regarding the colour and style of abayas, so the acceptance of different colours might vary depending on where you are.

Here at Khaleeji Abaya most of the abayas we stock abayas are black because we follow the cultural norms of the Khaleeji, or Gulf region. In these countries black is the predominate colour of outerwear worn by women. However, this norm seems to be changing and we are increasingly seeing other modest colours being worn, such as dark blues, greys and shades of brown.