Abayas are traditional Islamic garments that were originally made for women but are now also available for men. They are typically black with embroidery and are worn as a covering garment. Abayas are popular in Southwest Asia, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Iran. Men’s abayas are usually loose but tailored and made from cotton, with black being the preferred color. They can be shaped like a caftan or a vest and are often worn as an alternative to a jihab. Some manufacturers also produce fashion-oriented abayas in a variety of materials and colors.
An abaya is a popular article of clothing in traditional Islamic culture. In the past, these items were made primarily for women, but lines of abayas for men have become more common over time. Designed as a covering garment, the particular structure of a men’s abaya often consists of black fabric with embroidery. While their use has traditionally acquired religious significance, abayas have also become a menswear trend in some regions.
Forms of clothing related to the religion of Islam, such as abayas, are perhaps the most prominent in Southwest Asia. Muslim culture particularly influences the regions around the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia and Iran are the main occupants of this region and therefore the main outlets for abaya clothing.
A man’s abaya functions as a kind of layering garment. As such, it should be loose but tailored to a suitable size. Specifically, the men’s abaya is usually fitted over a dishdasha: a long garment worn by many men in the Arab region.
During manufacturing, a man’s abaya is often made from cotton. Black is generally preferred, although other colors ranging from brown to ivory are also available. In any case, neutrality generally defines the color choice. Additionally, gold trim or other forms of beaded embroidery may be part of the finished product. Manufacturers tend to place embroidery on the front of the men’s abaya or on the sleeves.
Shapes for a man’s abaya vary. Some varieties retain a traditional caftan structure. These abayas resemble robes, with loose-fitting fabric that can extend to the lower part of the body. Front buttons and long sleeves can also characterize caftan-like abayas. Abayas can be shaped into a square shape and thus also resemble a vest.
The abaya can sometimes be worn as an alternative to a jihab, which is a garment that covers most of the body. Both the abaya and the jihab are part of a modest overall Islamic dress code, sometimes called the hijab. Believers interpret certain verses in the Qur’an as instructions to men and women to cover as much of their bodies as possible in public.
Although men’s abayas were originally designed as a garment for Muslim men, some manufacturers now produce fashion-oriented abayas. These types are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and can be made from materials ranging from cashmere to silk. Fashion abayas are also available in a wide range of colors. Additionally, intricate design patterns populate many forms.
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