Buying an abaya online has pros and cons, including convenience and access to a wider selection, but also the risk of buying the wrong size and the possibility of fraud. It may be the only option for some, but caution is advised when choosing a reputable dealer.
The pros and cons of buying an abaya online are no different than buying any item of clothing online. The advantages of buying an abaya online include convenience, particularly if someone lives in an area where there are few Islamic clothing stores, as well as the possibility of being able to get the lowest price on the abaya. Disadvantages include not being able to try the garment on to see how it looks, fits, and feels. Also, if someone is not used to selecting and wearing traditional Islamic clothing styles, they may not have the advantage of working with a store clerk who can explain how to wear unfamiliar clothing. Other disadvantages include the possibility of Internet credit card fraud, as well as shipping delays.
For some, purchasing an abaya online may be the only way to purchase the garment. Even if there is an Islamic clothing store in someone’s community, it may not have a wide selection of sizes or colors. Also, some women prefer more elaborate abayas for formal wear, which also may not be available in a single store. By purchasing an abaya online, a woman has access to numerous styles and can quickly and easily compare prices between merchants.
There are difficulties that result from selecting an abaya online as well. The main problem is sizing. Not all garment manufacturers use the same sizing guidelines, and as a result, a woman may end up buying an abaya that doesn’t fit her well. If she doesn’t fit, she is forced to tailor it or mail it back to the online merchant. Both options are time consuming, and the former can also be expensive. It is also difficult to determine the quality of an abaya simply by looking at photos online.
Buying an abaya online also carries the small risk of identity theft and fraud. Some mail order distributors may take a long time to ship items or may simply take the customer’s money and not deliver the garments they have ordered. Unscrupulous employees can misuse customer personal or credit card information, and hackers can break into a company’s database and steal information as well. As such, those who choose to purchase an abaya or any other type of clothing through an online merchant should take care to work with reputable dealers who have sufficiently secure websites.
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