Pressing and storing abayas: steam, hangers and travel

Steaming a long garment

Hang the abaya on a sturdy hanger from a door frame or rail, high enough that the hem hangs free. Start at the shoulders and work down in vertical strokes, holding the fabric taut at the hem with your free hand. Keep the steamer head moving and a little away from delicate fabrics, so water does not spit and spot them. Let the abaya cool and dry on the hanger for a few minutes before wearing, otherwise new creases form straight away.

Steam suits almost every abaya fabric, including nida, crepe, chiffon and jacquard. It is gentler than an iron and does not flatten texture.

Ironing by fabric

• Nida and polyester: low heat, on the reverse. Too hot and the surface melts or turns shiny. See what nida fabric is.
• Crepe: low to medium heat on the reverse, under a pressing cloth, so the pebbled texture is not polished flat.
• Chiffon and georgette: coolest setting, or steam only. Use a cloth and never let the iron rest.
• Linen and cotton: higher heat, slightly damp fabric, pressed on the reverse to protect dark colours.
• Jacquard and embroidery: face down on a folded towel, so the raised pattern is not crushed.

Hanging or folding

Most abayas are happiest hanging on a wide, shaped hanger that supports the shoulders. Thin wire hangers leave peaks and, over time, stretch light fabrics. Make sure the hem does not pool on the wardrobe floor, where it creases and gathers dust. Fold an extra-long abaya over a padded hanger bar if your wardrobe is short.

Very heavy abayas, such as heavy crepe, wool or velvet, can stretch on a hanger over months, and heavily embellished ones can pull at the shoulders. Fold these flat with acid-free tissue in the folds, and refold them along different lines occasionally to stop permanent creases.

Moths, damp and light

Wool and wool-blend abayas attract moths, especially if stored unwashed. Clean them before storing, and keep cedar blocks or lavender sachets nearby. Use breathable cotton garment bags rather than plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mildew in humid climates. Light fades dark dyes even inside a wardrobe if the door is often open near a window. Our article on storing dupattas and embroidered suits covers moths and damp in more detail.

If you live somewhere humid, like the coast around Dammam, air the wardrobe regularly and consider a moisture absorber. In damp UK homes, the same applies through the winter.

Packing an abaya for travel

Rolling crease-resistant fabrics like nida and polyester crepe works well: lay the abaya flat, fold the sleeves in, fold in half lengthways, and roll from the hem. For linen, lustrous fabrics and embroidered abayas, fold around a layer of tissue instead, and pack them on top. Unpack and hang them as soon as you arrive; steam from a hot shower helps if you have no steamer with you.

When choosing a fabric for a made-to-measure abaya, think about how much pressing you are willing to do. Customers in cities like London who commute daily often ask for a crease-resistant fabric through Fabric + Stitching in the UK. Mention it on the quote form.