Abayas · 4 October 2026 · 5 min read
Winter abayas for UK and US weather
How to choose a winter abaya for cold, wet UK and US weather: warm fabrics and linings, rain-proof hems, wearing it with a coat, and ordering before the cold.
InspirationWarmth, weight and weather
A good winter abaya for the UK or the US is made from a dense, wind-blocking fabric such as heavy crepe, wool crepe or a weighty jacquard, often with a lining, and is worn over warm layers rather than relying on the abaya alone. Wet weather adds a second need: a hem and a fabric that cope with rain and splashes. Most people end up with a winter abaya that is quite different from their summer one.
Winter itself varies. Damp, grey London is not the same as a Chicago January or a Toronto snowstorm, so think about your own coldest month as you read.
Fabrics that keep you warm
- Heavy crepe: dense, opaque and wind-resistant, with a neat drape. The most common winter choice. See our crepe abaya guide.
- Wool crepe and wool blends: naturally warm, breathable and springy. They need gentle care but reward it.
- Jacquard: heavier jacquards add body and quiet pattern. See jacquard abayas.
- Karandi and khaddar: textured Pakistani winter fabrics with a hand-woven feel. Read about karandi and khaddar.
- Velvet: warm and rich-looking, though heavy over a full length. Many people use it for cuffs or bands. See our velvet guide.
Linings and layers
A lining traps a layer of air and blocks draughts through the fabric, which can make a medium-weight abaya wearable in cold weather. Viscose or cupro linings feel smooth and breathe; a brushed or slightly heavier lining adds more warmth. Our lined or unlined abaya guide compares the options.
Underneath, thermal tops and leggings, a long-sleeved jersey dress or a fine wool layer do far more than a heavier abaya alone. Keep the inner layers thin and close to the body so the abaya still hangs well over them.
Rain, wind and hems
In wet weather, a floor-length hem collects water and dirt. Many people in rainy cities like Glasgow prefer a winter abaya that sits just clear of the ground with the boots they actually wear in winter, rather than the heels they might wear indoors. Mention your winter footwear in your notes when you order.
Dark and mid colours hide splashes well. Smooth, tightly woven fabrics shed light rain better than open weaves, and polyester dries faster than wool if you are caught in a shower. Wind tends to catch wide, light fabrics, so a denser cloth is easier to manage on exposed streets.
An abaya and a coat
There are two common approaches. One is a lighter abaya worn under a long coat, which needs sleeves narrow enough to slide into coat sleeves without bunching. The other is a heavy abaya worn as the outer layer itself, more like a coat, with a lining and warm layers underneath. If you live somewhere with real cold, such as Chicago or Toronto, you may want both.
Our general article on autumn layering with kurtas has ideas that translate well to abayas.
Ordering before the cold
We make abayas to measure in Pakistan and ship them to the UK, the USA, Canada and worldwide. UK customers are quoted in pounds; in the USA you choose dollars, euros or pounds. The written quote includes delivery and any import duties, taxes and customs or courier fees. Production takes 5 to 7 working days after approval and full payment, and shipping time is added, so ask in early autumn rather than in the first cold snap.
See Fabric + Stitching in the UK, or start a UK abaya quote and describe the coldest weather you need it for.
Common questions
What is the warmest abaya fabric?
Wool crepe and wool blends are among the warmest, followed by heavy crepe, dense jacquard and textured winter fabrics such as karandi. A lining adds further warmth to any of them.
Can I wear an abaya under a winter coat?
Yes. Choose a lighter abaya with sleeves that slide easily into your coat, or treat a heavier lined abaya as your outer layer in milder cold.
How long should a winter abaya be?
Many people prefer a winter abaya that sits just clear of the ground in their winter boots, so the hem stays out of puddles. Tell us the footwear when you send your measurements.
