Head abaya vs shoulder abaya: how each one is worn

How a head abaya hangs

The head abaya rests on top of the head, usually over a scarf, and drapes down past the shoulders to the ankles or floor. Traditional versions are often a large, light cloak with little or no shaping, held closed at the front by hand or with a fastening under the chin. Many have no set-in sleeves; the hands come through the front opening or through small openings at the sides. Some modern versions add sleeves or arm openings to free the hands.

Because the weight hangs from the head, head abayas are typically made in light, fluid fabrics that do not pull backwards. The outline is soft and enveloping rather than tailored.

How a shoulder abaya hangs

A shoulder abaya is cut like a long, loose garment with a neckline, shoulders and sleeves, much like a coat or a dress. The weight sits on the shoulders, which makes it more stable and allows a wide range of shapes and weights. Open-front, closed, butterfly, bisht-style, A-line and coat styles are all shoulder abayas.

The scarf is separate, so you can change it to suit the outfit, and the abaya itself can be tailored with seams, cuffs and pockets in a way a head abaya usually is not.

Side by side

The main practical differences come down to where the weight sits and how much the cut can be shaped.

• Weight: a head abaya needs light fabric; a shoulder abaya can be light, medium or heavy.
• Sleeves: often absent or minimal on a head abaya; standard on a shoulder abaya.
• Closing: a head abaya is held or fastened at the front; a shoulder abaya can be open, snapped, zipped, buttoned or wrapped.
• Hands: a shoulder abaya leaves both hands free; a traditional head abaya may need one hand to hold it closed.
• Scarf: worn under a head abaya; worn with and over a shoulder abaya.

Measuring for each

For a shoulder abaya, the key length is from the top of the shoulder at the neck down to the floor with your shoes on, plus bust, hip, shoulder width and sleeve length. Our guide on how to measure for an abaya walks through them, and abaya length to the floor explains the hem.

For a head abaya, measure from the crown of your head, over the scarf you will wear beneath it, down to the floor. Width matters more than fitted measurements: note your shoulder width and how far the front edges should overlap when held closed.

We make abayas to measure. Send a photo of the style you have in mind through Send Your Design, and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design in the written quote.