All about: Qamis and Abaya

The men's qamis and the women's abaya are two of the most popular traditional outfits in Arab and Muslim cultures . They are often associated with dignity, tradition and religion. In this article, we'll explore the characteristics, history, and meaning of these two outfits, as well as the different styles and tips for wearing and caring for them.

The Qamis man

The qamis is a traditional outfit for men in Arab and Muslim countries. It is usually a long robe that covers the body and legs. It is often worn daily for formal and informal occasions. It is considered respectful attire and is often associated with dignity and wisdom. There are different styles of qamis , each with its own characteristics and history.

Saudi qamis , for example, usually have a high collar and are often worn with a keffiyeh (traditional scarf) tied around the neck. Emirati qamis usually have short sleeves and are often worn with an agal (traditional headband) to hold the keffiyeh in place. Pakistani qamis are often looser and more relaxed, and can be worn with a turban. Egyptian qamis have more fitted cuts and can be worn with a tarbouch (traditional hat). There are also qamis of different colors, materials and patterns, to adapt to all styles and all occasions.

It is important to note that in some countries the qamis is considered formal wear, while in others it is considered casual wear for everyday use . It is therefore important to understand the local conventions before wearing a qamis.

To choose the right size for your qamis , it is important to take into account your morphology and to make sure that it is comfortable and well adjusted. It is also important to consider the occasion for which you will be wearing the qamis. If it's for a formal occasion, it's better to choose a slimmer fit and a more premium material, while a casual occasion might go for a looser fit and a lighter material .

Regarding maintenance, the qamis is generally made from materials such as cotton, linen or silk, which are easy to maintain. It is recommended to wash it by hand or in the washing machine at low temperature, and hang it to dry. It is also important to iron the qamis to maintain its shape and hold. It is also important to check the care instructions on the label to avoid any damage to the material.

The Abaya woman

The abaya is a traditional attire for women in Arab and Muslim countries . It is usually a long dress that covers the body and legs. It is often worn daily for formal and informal occasions. It is considered respectful dress and is often associated with dignity and wisdom . There are different styles of abayas, each with its own characteristics and history .

Saudi abayas , for example, are generally straight in shape and often made from materials such as honeycomb, while Emirati abayas generally have more fitted cuts and can be made from materials such as satin or silk . Pakistani abayas are often more colorful and may be embellished with embroidery and beading.

It is important to note that in some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, wearing the abaya is compulsory for women . However, even in countries where it is not compulsory, it is considered a symbol of modesty and respect for religion and traditions.

When it comes to choosing the abaya, it's important to consider your body type and make sure it's comfortable and well-fitting. It is also important to consider the occasion for which you will be wearing the abaya. If it is for a formal occasion, it is better to choose a slimmer fit and a more premium material, while a casual occasion may choose a looser fit and a lighter material.

When it comes to care, the abaya is usually made from materials like cotton, linen, or silk, which are easy to care for. It is recommended to wash it by hand or in the washing machine at low temperature, and hang it to dry. It is also important to iron the abaya to maintain its shape and fit. It is also important to check the care instructions on the label to avoid any damage to the material.

In summary, the qamis and abaya are important traditional garments for Muslim men and women, which are often associated with modesty, respect, and cultural identity. It is important to consider body type, occasion and care instructions when choosing and caring for these garments.

Discover our collection of Pakistani qamis and our collection of abaya kimono .