The summer abaya is a breed of its own and should be treated as such. Especially in the UAE, where it has to survive heat, air-conditioning, car-to-lunch dressing, evening plans and the daily negotiation between coverage and comfort. The best pieces this season are lighter, fluid and detailed without demanding heavy styling. Think breathable crepe, soft linen, barely-there sheers, open-front cuts, loose sleeves, pale neutrals, summer black and, yes, sorry Miranda Priestly, florals.
Invest in silhouettes that work with sandals by day and statement accessories by night, and you have the summer abaya at its best. These are the UAE-based labels getting it right.
343 Studio
Based on the idea of “3 abayas for 3 occasions”, similar to how we need 3 meals a day, 343 Studio designs abayas for the 3 relevant moods—everyday, occasion, and formal. So you can find their pieces go from casual, minimalistic designs to structured silhouettes for formal settings and statement pieces for nights out.
Al Mraikn
Established in 2010, Al Mraikn has been dominating the regional modest fashion scene for 16 years now. Their designs are rich with subtle details that provide the blink-and-you-miss-it moments, which in itself offers up a statement look.
Atelier Sidra
Centred around the beauty of femininity, Atelier Sidra was founded as a passion project to bring bespoke designs to life. Delicate beading, premium fabrics, timeless patterns, and sharp tailoring are what you can expect from this atelier.
Fdeit
Born with the vision to make modest fashion a space for glamour and luxury, Fdeit works with rich fabrics, loose, breathable silhouettes, and intricate detailing that’s testament to their craftsmanship. Whether it’s a subtle sparkle for dinner or a lace trim to elevate a typical casual outfit, Fdeit adds oomph with each abaya.
Faairywear
With a name that suggests ethereal pieces, Faairywear works on trendy pieces design to be timeless. Expect to find lace accents, geometric patterned trims, and elevated colour-blocked designs made to take you from desk to dinner.
Khaleeji Abayas
Based in Sharjah, Khaleeji Abayas make simplistic designs pop with intricate details. A pastel blue abaya in floral appliques, a cream white abaya in red heart accents, a butter yellow abaya in a subtle pink piping; each piece comes with fascinating details that tell their own story.
Manal Designs
Chances are, you might have already come across this designer because she has been an influencer favourite! With pieces that take pleated designs, geometric 3D cuts, gradients, and sheer accents, Manal Designs expertly blends trends into a modest silhouette.
Roua AlMawally
For those who like their abayas on the voluminous side, Roua AlMawally creates that effect with side ruffles that ultimately gather into a train. Their pieces can also shift into power dressing mode, where lapels and precise tailoring come together to make pieces for formal occasions. Either way, Roua AlMawally cates to the woman navigating every mood.
LAMÆYA
Lamaeya is for the girl who plans the look before the plan. With a demi-couture feel, fluid cuts and refined details, these are abayas made for styling with sculptural earrings, sleek sandals and a very intentional summer dinner outfit. Type A girls, rejoice.
