Abayas · 4 October 2026 · 4 min read
Nursing-friendly abayas: openings that stay discreet
How to plan a nursing-friendly abaya: front, side and hidden openings, how to measure for them, and what to note in your quote so feeding is easy and discreet.
InspirationWhat makes an abaya nursing friendly
A nursing-friendly abaya has an opening at the bust that lets you feed without taking the abaya off or lifting it, and that closes flat so it is invisible the rest of the time. The usual choices are a full front opening, a hidden zip or placket at the bust, or openings in the side seams. Pick the one that suits your inner clothes and your baby’s age, then measure carefully so the opening falls exactly where you need it.
With a made-to-measure abaya, the opening is placed for your body rather than a standard one, which is what makes the difference between a neat feed and a fiddly one.
Common types of opening
These are widely used approaches. Ask for the one you want in your quote, and we confirm what works with your design and fabric.
- Open front: an abaya worn open, or fastened with buttons or press studs down the front. Simple, and it works with a nursing top underneath.
- Vertical bust openings: one or two zips or plackets on the front, hidden by a seam, pleat or panel.
- Side-seam openings: discreet slits in the side seams at bust level, often with an overlapping layer so nothing shows.
- Overlay or cape panel: a layer across the bodice that lifts to give access and falls back to cover.
Measuring for the opening
The key extra measurement is the distance from the highest point of your shoulder, next to the neck, down to the fullest point of your bust. That tells us where an opening should start and end. Measure while wearing the nursing bra you use most, because it changes the bust position. Add the distance between your bust points if you want two openings rather than one.
Your bust may change over the months of feeding, so allow a little extra ease at the bust and say so in your notes. Our article on abaya shoulder and bust ease explains how to describe it, and the guide to maternity and adjustable fits covers planning for a changing shape.
Fastenings, fabric and practicality
Think about how you will open it one-handed. Zips are quick and secure; press studs are quiet; buttons look tidy but take longer. A soft fabric that does not crease easily hides an opening better than a crisp one, and a dark or printed fabric hides the odd milk mark. If you are buying your own fabric for Stitching Only, our guide to choosing fabric is a good starting point.
The same ideas work in kurtas and kameez too; see nursing-friendly kurtas if you want matching everyday pieces.
Planning around a due date
If you are ordering before your baby arrives, measure as close to the time of wearing as is practical, and tell us in your notes that the abaya is for nursing. Allow time for production and shipping: 5 to 7 working days of making after approval and full payment, plus shipping to your country, which varies. Our article on planning ahead for made-to-measure explains why earlier is easier.
Start on the quote form, describe the opening you want and add a photo or sketch. We ship worldwide, from London to Muscat, with delivery and any import charges included in your written quote.
Common questions
Can any abaya style have a nursing opening?
Most can, but the right method depends on the cut and fabric. Describe what you want and include a photo; we confirm what is possible in your written quote.
Where should the nursing opening be placed?
It should sit over the fullest point of the bust. Measure from the top of your shoulder next to the neck down to that point, wearing your usual nursing bra, and send it with your other measurements.
Will the opening show when it is closed?
A well-placed opening hidden by a seam, pleat or overlapping layer is very discreet. Mention that discretion matters to you so the design is planned with it in mind.
