Abaya vs Abaya Dress: What's the Difference and Which Should You Buy?

Search "abaya dress" and you get two very different things: long closed abayas, and open ones styled over a dress. No wonder people get confused. I get asked this all the time, usually by someone about to buy her first piece online. So here is how I explain the difference between an abaya and an abaya dress, and how I decide which one to wear on a given day.

What an abaya is

An abaya is the outer layer. Traditionally it opens at the front, or closes with snaps or buttons, and you wear it over your own clothes. Today the open abaya works much like a long coat: the outfit underneath is part of the look, and the abaya frames it.

The Alyaana Side Tie Front-Open Abaya is a good example. It opens at the front, with side ties you can adjust, so it hangs loose over a dress or sits closer to the body when you want more shape.

Featured Product: The Alyaana Side Tie Front-Open Abaya

What an abaya dress is

An abaya dress is a closed abaya cut to wear as one piece. It closes fully at the front, often with a wrap, buttons or ties, so you do not need to plan what shows underneath. Pull it on, fasten it, go. On a busy morning, that is the whole appeal.

The Sheikah Tailored Wrap Collar Closed Abaya is exactly this. The wrap collar and tailored line make it look finished on its own, with no outfit planning required.

Featured Product: The Sheikah Tailored Wrap Collar Closed Abaya

The Marwa Grace Balloon Sleeve Tie Abaya sits in the same family with a softer feel. The bow-tie front closes the abaya, and the balloon sleeves give it the shape of a dress.

Featured Product: The Marwa Grace Balloon Sleeve Tie Abaya

Abaya vs abaya dress: the real differences

Here is how I sum it up for friends:

• Front: an abaya is usually open; an abaya dress closes fully.
• What goes underneath: with an open abaya, your outfit shows. With an abaya dress, a light inner layer is enough.
• Styling time: an open abaya takes a little more thought. An abaya dress is one decision.
• Versatility: an open abaya changes with every outfit. An abaya dress changes with shoes, bags and jewelry.

Names in shops blur this a lot. Some pieces in the abaya dresses category are actually open. The Rawa Luxe Tie Sleeve Abaya is one: it sits with the dresses because of its soft shawl collar and fluid shape, but it opens at the front. Always check the product description for "open front" or "closed".

Featured Product: The Rawa Luxe Tie Sleeve Abaya

What to wear under each one

With an open abaya, the under abaya dress is part of the outfit, so pick it on purpose. A simple inner dress in a matching tone makes the abaya look longer and cleaner. The Mira Waist Button Detail Inner Dress works under almost anything, with a small button detail at the waist that shows when the abaya moves.

Featured Product: The Mira Waist Button Detail Inner Dress

With a closed abaya dress, all you need is something light to keep the fabric from clinging in the heat.

So which should you buy first?

If you want one piece that works with no thinking, start with a closed abaya dress. If you already own dresses, trousers and co-ords you love, an open abaya will get more wear because it changes with everything you put under it. Most women I know end up with both, and reach for each on different days. Since every TAL piece is made to order, you can start with the one that fits your week and add the other later.

Related reading

• How to Choose the Perfect Abaya for Your Body Type
• Flowy vs. Structured: Which Summer Abaya Works for You?
• How to Mix and Match Abayas With Your Existing Wardrobe

An abaya frames an outfit; an abaya dress is the outfit. Once you know which one your days need, choosing gets much easier. If the one-piece route sounds like you, take a look at the Abaya Dresses Collection and check the front of each piece before you add it to your basket.