Articles
How to keep your abayas and dresses looking new
Abayas and dresses are essential pieces in every woman’s wardrobe, whether for university, work, or special occasions.
Each piece has its own fabric, embroidery, or embellishments that add beauty, which makes proper care essential to keep them elegant, soft, and long-lasting.
Sorting clothes before washing
Before washing, separate garments by color, dark with dark, light with light.
This prevents color transfer and keeps fabrics looking fresh.
For new pieces, it’s best to wash them separately the first time to ensure they don’t bleed onto other clothes.
Choosing the right detergent
Use a gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
Make sure the detergent is fully dissolved in the water before adding your abayas or dresses to avoid leaving residue.
Harsh chemicals or undissolved detergent can damage the color, shine, embroidery, and embellishments.
Hand washing is best
Hand washing helps preserve the shape, texture, and details of your garments, especially those with crystals, beads, or delicate stitching.
Use lukewarm water, wash gently, and avoid scrubbing.
For long dresses or abayas, wash piece by piece to prevent damage.
Drying properly
Avoid hanging garments directly in the sun, as it can fade colors. Hang them in a shaded, well-ventilated area, or use a clean towel to gently absorb excess water before hanging. For heavy or long garments, support them from the inside to prevent stretching or distortion.
Ironing with care
Use a low heat setting on your iron and place a thin cloth between the iron and the garment to protect delicate fabrics and embellishments.
For embellished abayas or dresses, using steam ironing is highly recommended instead of direct ironing. Steam helps remove wrinkles gently, protects delicate embroidery and beads, and keeps the fabric soft without any risk of burning.
Proper storage
Store abayas and dresses on wide hangers to prevent creases.
For delicate or embellished pieces, use a cloth garment bag to protect them from dust and insects.
Long garments can be hung straight or gently folded to avoid damage at the bottom.
Treating stubborn stains
For tough stains, use a mild cleaning solution designed for delicate fabrics before a full wash. Avoid using strong stain removers directly on embroidery or delicate fabrics.
Dry cleaning at a professional laundry
Some abayas and dresses made from very delicate fabrics or decorated with crystals and embroidery require professional dry cleaning. Specialized laundries provide optimal care by :
Using gentle cleaning solutions safe for delicate fabrics.
Preserving color and preventing fading.
Protecting embroidery and embellishments from damage.
Helping heavy or long garments maintain their shape without wrinkles or distortion.
Golden tips
Daily care is more important than frequent washing.
Avoid wringing garments; gently press to remove excess water.
Consistent and careful care, including proper washing, drying, ironing (especially with steam), storage, and professional dry cleaning when needed, will ensure your abayas and dresses last longer, stay elegant, and look as beautiful as the day you bought them.
Even if you buy the most expensive abaya or dress in the world, without proper care, it will lose its beauty.
