Summer is officially here — and with rising temperatures and long, sun-filled days, your abayas are working harder than ever. Whether you reach for yours daily or save it for special occasions, a little care goes a long way in keeping your pieces looking as beautiful as the day they arrived.

Here's our complete guide to caring for your abayas through the warmer months, so your favourites stay pristine season after season.

1. Know Your Fabric First

Not all abayas are created equal — and neither are their care requirements. Before you wash anything, check the label. The most common abaya fabrics and how to treat them:

• Chiffon & crepe: Delicate and fluid, these should always be hand-washed or machine-washed on the gentlest cycle in cold water. Never wring — lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight.
• Velvet: Steam, don't iron. Velvet pile can be crushed permanently by direct heat or pressure. Store hanging, never folded.
• Lace: Turn inside out, use a mesh laundry bag, and cold wash only. Air dry flat to preserve the structure of the lace.
• Structured fabrics (blazer styles): Spot clean where possible and dry clean when a full wash is needed. This protects the tailoring and shape.

Our Black Lace Chiffon Abaya and Black Velvet Abaya, for example, each have their own care needs — chiffon for lightness in summer heat, velvet for those cooler evenings or air-conditioned occasions.

2. Wash Less, Freshen More

One of the best-kept secrets of wardrobe longevity? Washing less. Every wash cycle puts stress on fabric fibres, especially delicate ones. Instead of washing after every wear, try:

• Airing your abaya out after wearing — hang it in a ventilated space overnight
• Using a fabric refresher spray to neutralise light odours
• Spot treating small marks immediately rather than running a full wash
• Steaming to remove creases and refresh the fabric without water

This is especially important in summer, when the temptation to wash more frequently increases. Your abaya will thank you for it.

3. Store Smart

How you store your abayas matters as much as how you wash them. A few rules to live by:

• Always hang, never fold — unless the garment specifically requires folding (like some heavily embellished pieces). Hanging prevents permanent creases and keeps silhouettes intact.
• Use wide, padded or velvet hangers — wire hangers can distort shoulder seams over time.
• Keep out of direct sunlight — UV rays fade fabric colour, especially blacks and deep tones. A wardrobe or garment rack in a shaded area is ideal.
• Allow breathing room — overcrowding causes creases and can transfer lint or colour between garments.

4. Handle Embellishments with Care

If your abaya has embroidery, beading, or lace detailing, extra attention is needed. Always turn embellished pieces inside out before washing. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing near embellishments, and check that any buttons or closures are fastened before washing to prevent snagging.

For abayas with hijab sets — like our Black Flare Abaya with Hijab Set — wash the hijab and abaya separately to prevent any colour transfer or fabric damage.

5. Summer-Specific Tips

The summer months bring specific challenges: sweat, sunscreen, and sand if you're travelling. Here's how to handle each:

• Sweat: Pre-treat underarm areas with a gentle stain remover before washing. Acting quickly makes all the difference.
• Sunscreen: Oil-based sunscreens can leave residue on fabric. Blot (never rub) as soon as possible, then treat with a small amount of dish soap before washing.
• Sand: Shake thoroughly and allow to dry completely before brushing away. Brushing wet sand can grind it into fibres and cause pilling.

A Wardrobe Worth Protecting

Your abayas are more than just clothing — they're an expression of your identity, your faith, and your personal style. Taking a little time to care for them properly means they'll stay with you longer, look better, and continue to feel as special as they did when you first wore them.

If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe with a new piece designed to last, explore the full CO-VRD collection — crafted with care, and made to be cared for.