Classic Abaya in Modern Lavender Fabric

Turkey - Abaya Dress

Classic Abaya in Modern Lavender Fabric

Sizes: XL, 3XL

Opacity: 3

Sleeve: Fixed

Elasticity: This abaya has no elasticity in the fabric, although there is elastic fixing the sleeves at the wrists.

This dress is the quintessential closed abaya. I falls from the shoulders to the floor with ample fabric billowing out around the entire body. The sleeves are loose and only held in at the wrists with the use of elastic. This is very much the kind of abaya you throw over what you are wearing and you will never see your underclothes protruding through the abaya fabric as the abaya is so loose.

So what is this dress doing here being attributed to Turkish design if it is so classic? This is due to the fact that, while the shape of the abaya is unchanged, Turkish designers have long been playing with these every popular styles and adding new colours and new fabrics. In this case, the colour is a deep, rich lavender colour. It is still muted enough to satisfy those who like to wear muted colours in the name of modesty, but saturated enough to satisfy those who wish to exhibit positive emotions through colour. It really is very well considered for a modern modest market.

But the most interesting aspect of this garment is the fabric. This is a man-made polyester style fabric. It is smooth to the touch yet holds its form. In many way, it reminds us of the texture of organza. It is the rigidity in this fabric that allows it to keep its billowing appearance without collapsing in onto the wearer due to the weight of the fabric falling on itself. And this is the major advantage to this fabric in comparison to traditional crepes or even thick traditional organzas, this fabric is extremely light! As such, it is not hot. It slides across any clothes under it without getting caught as the fabric is smooth. And thus it is an airy abaya to wear. Our one criticism of these modern man-made fabrics is that they do make a crinkley sound (like organza) as it rubs against itself. However, this seems a minor price to pay for an abaya that is so light and cool and most importantly, an abaya that is highly resistant to creasing and never needs ironing. We are guessing this is the main reason such fabric remain popular, particularly with garments such as this, where it is taken on and off regularly throughout the day, and spends time hanging on the backs or doors or slung across chairs or beds etc.

A classic abaya with a modern colour palette and a modern fabric that addresses many of the constraints women experience when wearing traditional abayas. A very clever garment.

Garment Measurements in centimetres (bust, length)

XL - 106, 145

3XL - 126, 153