Custom abayas for Bahrain: building a small abaya wardrobe

A wardrobe that covers the week

One way to plan it, which you can adapt freely:

• The everyday abaya: a simple closed or snap-front shape in a washable, breathable fabric, with pockets, in black or a dark neutral.
• The work abaya: a cleaner, more structured cut with a cuffed sleeve and a defined shoulder, in navy, grey or a deep olive.
• The gathering abaya: a softer fabric with some sheen, a wider sleeve and delicate or detailed embroidery, lace or a border.
• The occasion abaya: an open front over a matching inner dress, with statement-level work for Eid and weddings.

Getting the measurements right once

A set of abayas magnifies any measuring mistake, so take your time. Measure in the clothes you usually wear underneath, note your height and the shoes you wear most, and write down any preferences, such as a little more room at the hips. Our common measuring mistakes article lists the usual slips.

If you have an abaya that already fits you well, it makes a useful reference. Our guide to using a garment that fits as a template explains which measurements to take from it.

Mixing services in one order

Each abaya in the set can follow a different route. Perhaps the everyday and work abayas use fabric we supply, through Fabric + Stitching in Bahrain, while the occasion abaya uses a special fabric you already own, sent to us through Stitching Only after we confirm it. The quote lists each piece, its fabric and its cost separately, so it is clear what you are approving.

Remember that Stitching Only production begins when your fabric arrives in Pakistan, so if you want everything to ship together, post your fabric promptly once we confirm it.

Making a set of abayas last

Rotating three or four abayas through the week is kinder to each one than wearing a single abaya every day. Fabrics recover between wears, seams take less strain, and colours fade more slowly. Wash the everyday and work abayas inside out on a gentle cycle or by hand, keep the embroidered occasion abaya for careful hand washing or specialist cleaning, and dry everything in the shade, because Bahrain’s strong sun can bleach dark dyes surprisingly quickly. Our article on making your clothes last longer has more ideas on rotation and simple repairs.

Currency, payment and delivery to Bahrain

Customers in Bahrain choose whether the quote is in US dollars, euros or pounds sterling. Payment for the whole order is in full and in advance, by bank transfer, Wise or a card payment link. Delivery to your Bahrain address is included, together with any import duties, taxes and customs or courier fees, so nothing is collected on delivery. Production takes 5 to 7 working days after approval and payment; courier time is added and varies.

Planning your set

List the abayas you want, with colour, purpose and any reference photos, and send them through the Bahrain quote form. If you would like to start with just one, our page on ordering one outfit explains that a single piece is a normal order. The custom abaya service describes what we make.