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Eid outfits get planned weeks in advance, and your abaya is usually the centerpiece. Whether you’re drawn to soft pastels or sticking with a classic black, here’s how to choose your Eid abaya, style it well, and wear it open with confidence.

Pastel vs. black: which suits Eid better?

Both are completely on-trend for Eid this year, and the right choice really comes down to the occasion and your personal style.

• Pastels (blush pink, sage green, soft lilac, buttery beige) feel fresh, festive, and photograph beautifully for daytime Eid gatherings, family visits, and outdoor celebrations. They pair naturally with gold or rose-gold jewelry and lighter makeup looks.
• Black remains the timeless choice, especially for evening Eid events. A black abaya with detailed embroidery, embellishment, or lace panels feels elevated without losing that classic, versatile appeal. Black is also more forgiving if you’re moving between multiple events over the holiday.

If you can only pick one, consider your Eid schedule: pastels for daytime family gatherings and photos, black if your Eid is mostly evening dinners and formal visits.

How to style an open abaya

Open-front abayas are an Eid favorite because they let you show off what’s underneath while keeping the classic silhouette. A few tips to wear one well:

• Coordinate, don’t clash: wear a well-fitted inner dress or two-piece set in a complementary color or fabric, since it will be visible through the front opening.
• Add a belt or clasp: a thin belt at the waist or a decorative front clasp gives the open style more shape and keeps it from looking shapeless in photos.
• Balance the detail: if your inner outfit is heavily embellished, keep the abaya itself simpler, and vice versa, so the overall look doesn’t compete with itself.
• Mind the length: open abayas should still graze the floor evenly on both sides when closed loosely, so double check the hem sits right for your height.

Whichever color or style you choose, we have Eid-ready abayas in pastels, black, and open-front cuts, in sizes S to XXL, with delivery across the UAE and Cash on Delivery available. Need help picking the right one for your event? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you choose.

Summer in the UAE means long hours of heat and humidity, and what you wear underneath (and over) everything else matters. Nida fabric has become the go-to choice for abayas here, and for good reason. Here’s what makes it different, and how to pick the right lightweight abaya for the months ahead.

What is nida fabric?

Nida is a lightweight, matte-finish synthetic fabric (usually a polyester blend) developed specifically for abayas. It has a soft drape, doesn’t crease easily, and doesn’t cling to the body the way some thinner fabrics do. Unlike heavier crepe or velvet abayas, nida breathes well and feels noticeably cooler against the skin, which is why it’s become the standard fabric for everyday abayas across the Gulf.

Why it works for UAE summers

• Breathability: nida allows air to circulate, reducing that trapped-heat feeling you get with thicker fabrics.
• Lightweight: it sits comfortably over clothes without adding bulk or weight in the heat.
• Low maintenance: it resists wrinkling, so it still looks sharp after a day of errands, work, or travel between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor heat.
• Opacity: despite being lightweight, quality nida is fully opaque, so you don’t lose coverage for the sake of comfort.

Styling tips for hot days

Pair a lightweight nida abaya with a breathable cotton or jersey underlayer rather than synthetic fabrics, which trap heat. Lighter colors like beige, sage, dusty pink, and soft grey reflect heat better than black and are a popular summer alternative if you want a break from the classic look. An open-front style also helps air circulate as you move between air-conditioned indoor spaces and the heat outside.

Browse our current nida and lightweight abaya collection, with sizes S to XXL and delivery across the UAE with Cash on Delivery available. Not sure which piece suits you? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you choose.

Buying an abaya online means you can’t try it on first, so getting the size right matters. This guide walks you through how abaya sizing works, how to measure yourself at home, and how to pick the right size from Zoya Fashion’s range.

Why abaya sizing is different

Abayas are looser and longer than everyday clothing, so they don’t follow the same size logic as a fitted dress or top. Length matters as much as width: an abaya that’s too long drags on the floor, and one that’s too short looks awkward. Most abayas are designed to be worn open or closed over regular clothes, so there’s naturally more room than you’d expect from your usual dress size.

How to measure yourself

You’ll need a soft measuring tape and a few minutes. Take these three measurements:

• Height: measure from the top of your shoulder to the floor (barefoot) to find the right abaya length.
• Bust: measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level.
• Shoulder width: measure across your back from one shoulder edge to the other.

Choosing your size at Zoya Fashion

Once you have your measurements, compare them to the size chart listed on each product page. As a general guide: Small suits most petite to average heights, Medium and Large fit most average to taller frames, and XL/XXL give extra room through the chest and shoulders. If you’re between two sizes, size up: a slightly looser abaya always looks better than one that’s too tight.

Still not sure which size to pick? Message us on WhatsApp with your height and bust measurement and we’ll recommend the right size for you before you order.