Types of Abaya Styles Explained: The Complete Guide (Open-Front, Butterfly, Kaftan & More)

Quick answer: The main abaya styles are closed (classic), open-front (kimono), butterfly (batwing), flared/A-line, kaftan, belted/fitted, and two-piece sets. Closed and open-front are the everyday best-sellers; butterfly and kaftan shine for occasions; belted and flared add shape and variety. A strong wholesale range mixes a few core everyday styles with one or two statement pieces.

"Types of abaya" and "abaya styles" are among the most popular searches from abaya wearers and buyers alike - because the category is far richer than a single black robe. Whether you are building a boutique range or just want to understand the options, here is every major abaya style, what it looks like, and when it is worn.

Everyday core styles

Closed / classic abaya

The traditional pull-over silhouette, closed all the way down. Timeless, modest and endlessly wearable - the backbone of almost every range. Works in nida, crepe or jersey for daily wear.

Open-front / kimono abaya

Opens down the front and is worn as an overlayer, usually over an inner dress or slip, often with a belt. Modern, versatile and hugely popular for its layering flexibility - a must-have in any current collection.

Statement and occasion styles

Butterfly / batwing abaya

Defined by dramatic, wide draped sleeves that create a butterfly shape when the arms are raised. Elegant and eye-catching - a favourite for events and photography, and a strong hero piece for a range.

Kaftan-style abaya

A relaxed, flowing cut with roots in Moroccan and Gulf dress, often with embroidery or embellishment. Comfortable yet occasion-ready - great for Eid, gatherings and resort markets.

Flared / A-line abaya

Structured volume that flares from the shoulder or waist for graceful movement. A flattering middle ground between fitted and loose.

Shaped and modern cuts

Belted / fitted abaya

A defined waist via a belt or tailored cut, offering a more shaped silhouette while staying modest. Popular with younger, fashion-forward buyers.

Two-piece and slip-plus-overlayer sets

An inner dress or slip paired with an open overlayer, sold together. Flexible, giftable and increasingly requested.

Coat / shirt-style abayas

Tailored, structured cuts inspired by coats and shirt dresses - a growing modern subcategory for workwear and transitional dressing.

How to build a balanced abaya range

For a wholesale or boutique buyer, a market-right mix usually looks like:

• 60-70% everyday core: closed and open-front abayas in neutral, breathable, opaque fabrics.
• 20-30% shaped/variety: belted, flared and kaftan styles for choice.
• 10% statement: butterfly and embellished occasion pieces to elevate the brand.

Then tune colours and fabrics to your climate and audience. The beauty of working with a real factory is that you can order every one of these styles under one brand, in your own fabrics and details.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of abaya?

Closed/classic, open-front/kimono, butterfly/batwing, flared/A-line, kaftan, belted/fitted, and two-piece sets, plus modern coat/shirt-style cuts.

Which abaya style is most popular?

Closed and open-front (kimono) abayas are the everyday best-sellers; butterfly and kaftan styles lead for occasions.

What is an open-front abaya?

An abaya that opens down the front and is worn as an overlayer over an inner dress or slip, often belted - prized for its layering versatility.

Can I get all these styles made under one brand?

Yes. A factory with in-house pattern-making can produce every style in your chosen fabrics, colours and details under your private label.

The bottom line

The abaya category is wide - and offering the right mix of everyday, shaped and statement styles is how a brand wins. Arisava is a 10-year Muslim hijab & abaya factory that produces every abaya style - closed, open-front, butterfly, kaftan, flared, belted and custom - in natural-fibre fabrics, under your private label, with a 50-piece MOQ and samples in 10-15 working days. Browse our abaya range, learn about custom abaya manufacturing, or request a quote for your range.