From the beginning till now, clothing has been the most important human need. Have you ever considered why? 

Well, there are multiple factors that chime in. As human beings descended from heaven, they clothed themselves for the sole purpose of covering their bodies. However, as human life evolved, the purpose of clothing went through an evolution itself. What was once used for covering has multiple purposes to serve now. We wear garments to protect our bodies from environmental elements. Our clothes shield us from harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and wind. Some of us wear garments for comfort and functionality in various activities, such as athletic wear, work uniforms, and casual clothing.

When considering the importance of clothing, we shouldn't overlook its religious significance. Different religions have different traditional garments, which represent heritage, community, or ritual. Some specific clothes represent specific religions as well. While Cristian nuns are accustomed to wearing habits, Muslim women represent themselves with abaya clothing, or chaadar. 

Many women among us seek to excel in both their professional and religious lives. No matter the purpose or significance of the garment, we can't ignore the fact that neat and good-looking clothes boost a person's confidence and often leave a positive first expression, demonstrating that you are organized, and well-mannered. This is crucial especially in professional settings where early impressions can influence opportunities and interactions. Good-looking and neat clothes can project confidence and authority, which can enhance your credibility and influence in the workplace.

Now, if you’re someone wearing an abaya, you think this might not apply to you. However, it's the contrary. Just as an attire represents one’s personality, your abaya represents you as well. What if it's not clean, worn out, or not well-pressed?

So, take out your notepad and pen and start taking notes as we jot down some tips for maintaining abayas with basic do's and don'ts.

Let’s dive right in!

 

 

Abaya Care 101: Maintain Your Abaya Like A Pro

1.  Treat stains instantly

Abayas are often dark colored, which makes the stains even more noticeable. To prevent these stains from setting, it’s important to treat them instantly using natural stain removers. 

 

Natural stain removers are DIY and are usually quite friendly with all sorts of clothing material. To make your own effective stain removal, immediately apply vinegar to the affected area, then rub the spot with a paste made from equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Afterward, wash the stained area with cold water and you are all set. 

 

For daily maintenance, consider carrying this stain removal solution in a small plastic bottle in your bag and quickly apply it on the stains before they have a chance to damage your favorite abaya. Additionally, regularly inspect your abayas for any signs of stains and address them as soon as possible to keep them looking pristine.

2. Read washing instructions

 

All abayas come with a care label that tells you how to wash and maintain them. Following these labels carefully is important for maintaining the quality of your abaya and making sure they last as long as possible. These care labels contain do's and don'ts for your abaya clothing to ensure proper cleaning, avoiding damage, and preventing accidents. 

 

As different fabrics require different treatments, these care labels guide you on the best methods for each type of material. Some items may require special treatments, such as dry cleaning or cold water washing, while some would need warm water and a gentle hand wash. Care labels ensure you handle these items correctly to avoid accidents or damage.

 

 

3. Wash less, care more

For most people, washing abaya after just one wear has become their routine, regardless of the setting it was worn in. Washing abayas unnecessarily doesn't make them clean at all, rather it leads them toward weakening cloth fibers, making your abaya look dull and dusty and reducing its quality and shine. Each time you wash your abaya, the friction from the washing machine and dryer contributes to the wear and tear of the fabric. This can lead to pilling, stretching, and other forms of damage. By washing less often, you minimize this wear and keep your abaya looking new for longer.

 

If an item isn't visibly dirty but needs a refresh, instead of putting it in the washing machine, hang it in fresh air and sunlight, which can help remove odors and refresh the fabric. You can also hang your abaya in a steamy bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will help release wrinkles and freshen up the garment without washing it.

4. Ironing wisely

Have you ever wondered why ironing your abaya is important? 

 

Or more importantly, why does a million-dollar suit also need ironing?

 

Ironing removes wrinkles and makes the fabric more crisp and new-looking if done properly, but that's not enough. Ironing brings out the best version of the fabric. You might notice that after ironing, the abaya starts looking darker and newer. Ironing has the quality to remove dullness, color fades, and dust from the clothes. A person wearing a well-ironed garment looks more determined and hygienic which leaves a great impact on your social and professional contacts 

 

The best way to iron your abaya is to use iron on low heat settings or according to the recommended heat settings on the care label. This will ensure your fabric comes in contact with the right amount of heat and maintains its glamor. 

5. Wash inside out

Many might not know this, but you can keep your abayas looking new for longer by washing them inside out to prevent them from fading. 

 

This method is especially beneficial for dark-colored fabrics, printed abayas or abayas with some sort of special traditional designs on them. You can also use this method for air drying clothes to keep your clothes in perfect shape for a long period of time. 

6. Use a drying rack instead of a dryer

 

Electric dryers can cause your abayas to shrink or stretch. 

 

The best way to avoid this is to naturally let your abayas air dry. Anyone who pays for the electricity bill knows how much impact an electric dryer can have. Using a clothesline not only saves energy and reduces electricity costs, but it is also one of the best ways to ensure your abayas don’t wear out. 

 

 

7. Invest in quality abayas

It is as the saying goes, “buy nice or buy twice”.

 

If you buy only cheap, low-quality abayas, your abayas likely won’t last long. High-quality items can be a bit heavier on your pocket, but see it as an investment preventing you from needing to repurchase the same item next year. It’s the first step toward creating a more sustainable wardrobe. Better quality clothes last a lot longer than cheaper ones, so don’t be afraid to spend on abaya that you will love for years to come.

 

If you are seeking quality abaya clothing online, Malbus is the right place for you. Designed for hijabian where they can find solutions for every problem related to hijab or abaya, our job is to make sure that every hijabi who visits Malbus finds something that benefits her.

 

All in all, a properly washed, well-ironed, and well-maintained abaya can look better than any other garment. Follow these top-rated tips for maintaining abayas, and don’t forget to visit Malbus online store to get your hands on high-end abayas!