I've invested in abayas I genuinely love, and I want them to last. Proper care is what keeps them looking the way they did when I first took them out of the box: good drape, rich colour, no sad fabric moments after a few washes.
TAL abayas are made to order from fabrics chosen for both look and durability. Here's the care routine I follow to keep them in good shape.
Quick Care Summary
For anyone who needs the short version:
- Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
- Turn inside out before washing
- Mild detergent, no bleach
- Hang to dry, away from direct sunlight
- Iron on low heat while slightly damp
- Store hanging in breathable garment bags
The detail is below if you need it.
Understanding What Your Abaya Is Made From
Different fabrics need different handling. Here's what I look out for:
Premium Polyester Blend (Most TAL Abayas)
- Feel: Soft, breathable, excellent drape
- Durability: Very durable, resists wrinkles
- Care: Easy. Machine washable.
- Note: Minimal ironing needed
Crepe
- Feel: Slightly textured, elegant flow
- Durability: Holds colour well
- Care: Easy to moderate
- Note: Can be steamed
Chiffon / Lightweight
- Feel: Sheer, delicate, flowing
- Durability: Requires gentle care
- Care: Use a garment bag
- Note: Air dry only, no wringing
Nida / Structured Fabrics
- Feel: Structured, maintains shape
- Durability: Very durable
- Care: Easy
- Note: Great for daily wear
Check the product page or care tag for the specific fabric in your abaya.
How I Wash My Abayas
Before First Wear
I always wash a new abaya before I wear it. It removes any production residue and helps set the fabric.
- Turn inside out
- Machine wash cold on gentle cycle
- Wash dark colours separately
- Hang to dry
Regular Routine
How often:
- Every 2 to 3 wears if there are no visible stains
- Immediately after any spills
- Before storing for the season
Step 1: Prep (2 minutes)
- Check pockets and remove anything inside
- Close all zips and buttons
- Turn inside out to protect the outer fabric
- Separate darks (black, brown, navy) from lights (white, cream, beige)
Step 2: Machine Wash (30 to 45 minutes)
- Temperature: Cold water (30C or less)
- Cycle: Gentle or delicate
- Spin: Low to medium
- Detergent: Mild liquid (Tide Free and Gentle, Woolite). Less than you'd use for heavier items. No bleach, no fabric softener.
- Optional: Mesh garment bag for delicate fabrics
Step 3: Drying (2 to 4 hours)
- Remove from washer straight away to prevent wrinkles
- Gently shake out excess water
- Hang on a padded hanger
- Hang in a well-ventilated spot, away from direct sun
- Let it air dry fully
Never: tumble dry, wring or twist, hang in harsh sunlight, use wire hangers.
One trick I use: hang the abaya in the bathroom while I shower. The steam works out wrinkles naturally.
Stain Removal
Fresh stains are always easier to deal with. Act fast.
Oil-Based Stains (food, makeup)
- Blot with a paper towel. Don't rub.
- Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the stain
- Leave 30 minutes to absorb the oil
- Brush off the powder
- Apply dish soap directly and work it in gently
- Wash as normal
Water-Based Stains (coffee, tea, juice)
- Blot the excess liquid
- Run cold water through the back of the stain
- Apply a small amount of detergent and rub gently
- Rinse with cold water
- Wash as normal
Never use hot water on a stain. It sets it permanently.
Makeup Stains (foundation, lipstick)
- Apply makeup remover or micellar water to a cotton pad
- Gently dab the stain
- Rinse with cold water
- Wash as normal
Prevention: apply makeup before putting on your abaya, or use a makeup cape.
Perfume Stains
Alcohol-based perfumes can discolour fabric. I always spray perfume on my skin and let it dry before putting on my abaya. Never directly on the fabric.
If staining happens: mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water, dab gently, rinse, and wash normally.
Ironing and Steaming
Most TAL abayas need minimal ironing, but when I do iron:
Ironing
- Low to medium heat
- Steam on if available
- Iron while slightly damp
- Always iron inside out
- Use a pressing cloth on delicate areas
- Never leave the iron in one spot
- Hang immediately after
Steaming (My Preference)
Steaming is gentler, faster, and there's no risk of shine marks. I hang the abaya on a sturdy hanger, hold the steamer about 15cm away, and move it downward in slow passes. I wait 10 minutes before wearing it.
A portable steamer is one of the more useful wardrobe investments I've made.
Storage
Daily
- Padded or wooden hangers only
- Give each abaya space in the wardrobe
- Away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Seasonal
- Wash and dry completely before storing
- Check for any damage and deal with it now
- Use breathable garment bags (cotton or canvas)
- Add cedar blocks as a natural moth repellent
- Store somewhere cool and dry
Avoid plastic bags (can cause yellowing), mothballs (strong odour), and vacuum-sealed bags (can damage fabric).
Folding for Travel
- Lay face-down on a clean surface
- Fold sleeves inward toward the centre
- Fold in half lengthwise
- Fold again from bottom to top
- Store in a cotton dust bag
Keep folding time short to avoid permanent creases.
Travel Tips
- Pack as few abayas as possible and choose versatile colours
- Use tissue paper between folds
- Pack on top of the suitcase
- Consider a garment bag for flights
- Hang immediately on arrival
- Use the hotel shower steam trick for quick wrinkle removal
Embellishment Care
Buttons
- Check regularly for loose buttons
- Hand-wash if heavily embellished
- Use a garment bag if machine washing
Embroidery
- Always turn inside out
- Gentle cycle only
- Never wring or twist
- Iron on reverse side only
Beading / Sequins
- Hand-wash recommended
- Garment bag if machine washing
- Air dry only
- No iron on embellished areas
Common Issues and Fixes
- Wrinkles that won't shift: Steam while slightly damp or hang in a steamy bathroom
- Pilling: Use a fabric shaver gently. Wash inside out and don't over-wash.
- Colour fading: Wash cold, inside out, away from sun
- Lost shape: Hang on padded hangers and steam to restore
- Odour after washing: Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle and hang in fresh air
- Static cling: Light mist of water or anti-static spray
When to Go Professional
I take abayas to the dry cleaner for:
- Heavily embellished pieces
- Silk or specialty fabrics
- Stubborn stains I can't shift at home
- A deep clean once a year
When I drop off, I always point out stains, ask for gentle cleaning, and use a cleaner experienced with modest wear.
TAL's Quality Promise
Every piece in TAL's Classic Abayas Collection is made with reinforced seams, quality buttons and closures, colour-fast dyes, and pre-washed fabrics. I made this guide because I want these pieces to last for you the way they last for me.
A Few Pieces Worth the Extra Care
If you're building a wardrobe worth this routine, here are a few pieces across the fabrics covered above:
-
The Hessa Butter Yellow Bow Abaya
Featured Product: The Hessa Butter Yellow Bow Abaya -
The Mira Dusty Blue Front Tie Abaya
Featured Product: The Mira Dusty Blue Front Tie Abaya -
The Noor Chikan Hot Pink Abaya
Featured Product: The Noor Chikan Hot Pink Abaya -
The Maitha Luxe Satin Abaya
Featured Product: The Maitha Luxe Satin Abaya
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