How to wash an abaya without fading or damage

Before the first wash

• Check the fibre: polyester is easy-going; viscose, wool and silk shrink or mark more readily.
• Test deep colours: dab a hidden inner seam with a damp white cloth. If colour transfers, wash alone in cold water. See the colour-fastness test.
• Close fastenings: do up press studs, hooks and zips so they do not snag the fabric.
• Look at embellishment: embroidery, lace and trims need gentler handling than plain fabric.
• Empty pockets: a forgotten tissue leaves lint all over a black abaya.

Hand washing step by step

Fill a clean basin with cool water and dissolve a small amount of mild detergent. Turn the abaya inside out and press it gently under the water. Let it soak for a few minutes, then move it through the water with your hands, paying extra attention to the cuffs, neckline and underarms. Avoid scrubbing, which roughens the surface and fades colour.

Drain and rinse in fresh cool water until no suds remain. Press the water out by squeezing gently, or roll the abaya in a clean towel. Do not twist or wring, because it stretches the fabric and sets creases.

Machine washing and drying

If the label allows it, put the abaya inside out in a mesh laundry bag and use a delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a low spin. Wash dark abayas with similar colours only, and use a detergent made for darks to slow fading. Skip bleach entirely, and use fabric softener sparingly or not at all, since it can dull some finishes.

Dry on a wide hanger or over a drying rack, out of direct sun, which fades black and bright dyes. Smooth the seams and hem with your hands while damp; this saves pressing later. Our guide to pressing and storing abayas picks up from here.

Stains, sweat and special cases

Treat stains promptly with cold water from the back of the fabric, blotting rather than rubbing. Deodorant marks on black usually lift with a damp cloth before washing. Make-up on the inside of the neckline responds to a little mild detergent worked in with a fingertip. Our article on removing common stains covers more.

Wool crepe, silk and abayas with heavy embroidery are safer with a professional dry cleaner. Linen and cotton can go a little warmer than synthetics, but cool water still protects colour and limits shrinkage. For sheer and embroidered pieces, our existing guide to washing chiffon and embroidered suits applies just as well to abayas.

Planning care when you order

Care starts with the fabric choice. If you want an abaya you can wash at home every week, ask for an easy-care fabric when you request a made-to-measure abaya through Fabric + Stitching. If you are sending your own fabric for Stitching Only, tell us its fibre and whether it has been pre-washed.

Customers in busy cities such as New York often ask for a washable everyday abaya plus a dressier one that goes to the cleaner. Start on the quote form and mention how you prefer to wash it.