Wearing an abaya might feel simple at first glance, but what you wear underneath makes a big difference. It’s not just about looking good. It’s about staying comfortable, modest, and confident throughout the day. If your underlayers are wrong, your abaya might cling, ride up, or feel too hot. Here’s what you should actually wear under your abaya to avoid all that fuss.
Why what you wear under your abaya matters
The right underlayers help your abaya flow better, keep you cool, and make sure nothing shows through. That’s the whole point. If your clothes underneath are bulky, clingy, or in the wrong fabric, the abaya won’t sit right. You’ll spend the whole day adjusting or sweating through it. But if you wear the right things, you’ll barely notice them at all.
Whether your abaya is open or closed, fitted or loose, what’s underneath controls how it looks outside. Most people won’t see your base layer—but you’ll feel it every second.
Best options to wear under an abaya
Slip dresses and inner dresses
Slip dresses are the easiest thing to wear under a closed abaya. They’re soft, light, and don’t bunch up. You can also find long inner dresses that are made to go underneath. They usually come in cotton, modal, or jersey fabric, which makes them perfect for all-day wear.
They prevent static cling and make sure the abaya doesn’t stick to your legs when you walk. Choose something slightly looser if your abaya is see-through or made from light chiffon. If it’s a dark, thick fabric, a fitted slip dress will do fine.
Tops, tunics, and long-sleeve shirts
Long-sleeve shirts or tunics are perfect when you wear an open abaya or want more coverage inside. Pick a top that’s not too tight but still shaped well. Think of it like layering for comfort, not for bulk.
The sleeves on your shirt should match or go beyond the length of your abaya sleeves. If they stop too early, your wrists might show every time you move. Go for colors that match or blend with your abaya so they don’t clash or stick out.
If you’re wearing a batwing or butterfly abaya, your arms might lift the outer fabric more than usual. These styles have wide sleeves that flow freely, so your inner top’s sleeves are likely to peek through. Stick to soft long-sleeve tops that hug the wrists without thick cuffs, so nothing bulky breaks the shape. Don’t forget to check out our exclusive abaya collection.
Bottoms: leggings, trousers, and wide-leg pants
The best bottoms are ones that don’t bunch, ride up, or make you sweat. Leggings win this round. They hug your skin, so they don’t twist or puff up under your abaya. Black leggings are a go-to choice, especially under thinner fabrics.
If you’re wearing an open abaya, wide-leg trousers or culottes can give a flowy look that matches the outer layer. Trousers are also better in cooler months when you need some warmth without looking bulky.
One-piece jumpsuits (if you want a simple base)
Jumpsuits make dressing easy. You just pull one thing on and you’re done. They’re a great match for open abayas since they give full coverage top to bottom. Choose a wide-leg, soft-fabric jumpsuit with sleeves. This way, you don’t have to worry about layering too many pieces.
If you wear them under a closed abaya, they can sometimes feel a little warm. Try to go for breathable fabric and avoid zippers that might press into your back or chest.
Fabric and fit tips for different weather
In hot weather, go for light cotton, jersey, or modal. For cold weather, layer with knits or soft thermals. What’s comfortable in Dubai isn’t going to work in London. Don’t fight the weather—dress for it.
Loose layers trap less heat. That means fewer sweat patches and less sticking. Dark colors feel hotter, so wear lighter inner layers when the sun’s out. In winter, you can still wear a slip dress—just wear thermal leggings under it or a fitted long-sleeve underneath.
Always choose clothes that move with you. Tight underlayers make the abaya shift around when you walk, and too-loose ones bulk up in weird places.
What to avoid wearing under an abaya
Avoid jeans, thick joggers, or anything with heavy seams and zippers. They ruin the abaya’s shape. They also feel uncomfortable for long wear and make you sweat in all the wrong places. Some denim can even make the abaya rise or catch when you sit.
Stay away from short tops that ride up or don’t cover your waist. You’ll spend all day tugging them back down. Also, anything too silky without an anchor layer can slide around under your abaya.
Skip shapewear unless you need it for something specific. Most of the time, abayas are already flowy enough to hide everything.
Tips for beginners learning to wear an abaya
Stick to solid colors underneath if you’re not sure what works. Black, beige, or white usually blend in. Don’t go for patterns unless they’re covered fully or you want them to peek out on purpose. Think about sleeve length and shoulder seams. If your abaya is wide at the armhole, your inner sleeve might show—so make sure it looks neat.
Always check the mirror from the back too. Sometimes the underlayer can bunch at your shoulders or waist. Do a little twirl and make sure the abaya glides, not clings.
If you’re worried about sweat or odor, look for moisture-wicking fabrics. Sports base layers work well for active days, like long travel or running errands in hot weather.
And if your abaya is thin or made from chiffon, hold it up to the light before you leave. You’ll know if you need an extra slip or thicker underlayer.
Final word
You don’t need fancy layers or expensive innerwear to look good in an abaya. You just need smart choices that help you feel relaxed and confident. Stick to soft, fitted layers that move with you, not against you. Once you figure out what feels right underneath, you’ll stop thinking about it—and that’s when you know you got it right.
