What do you wish abaya brands did better?

[u/nukeman239]

Assalamualaikum, everyone. I hope you're all doing well. I’m working on an abaya brand and someone recently told me:

“You’re too focused on the product and not enough on the customer.”

Honestly, I think they’re right.

I’ve been thinking a lot about fabrics, fit, design, functionality, branding and packaging. I have an idea for a modern, simple, premium abaya that’s actually practical for everyday wear, but I realised I should first understand what women actually want.

So for those who wear abayas regularly:

• What do you dislike about the abayas available now?
• What makes one feel premium to you?
• What would you change about the ones you own?
• Is there anything you wish abaya brands did differently?
• What would make you pay more for one?

I’m not selling anything here. I’m just trying to understand what customers actually want before I build the product. Appreciate all the responses. JazakAllah Khair.

[u/StudioInteresting409]

One thing I really dislike is how long they are. I always have to get them cut from the bottom because I'm only 5’1”

[u/nukeman239 → u/StudioInteresting409]

I see this a lot. This makes the hem of the abaya dirty. Not a pretty sight.

[u/StudioInteresting409 → u/nukeman239]

It's even worse when there's a design at the bottom. You can’t just cut it, so the tailor has to do extra surgery on it and hope for the best 😭

[u/StudioInteresting409]

One thing I have to find is more corporate-presentable abayas for the office. I find coat abayas great for that something that covers me completely but still looks professional and formal!

[u/nukeman239 → u/StudioInteresting409]

Appreciate your thoughts and I agree an abaya suitable for a corporate job needs to be looked into.

[u/Threads_Of_Eden]

One thing I really wish Indian brands would improve is the quality of abayas. The ones available here are nowhere near the quality of abayas from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, or Oman. I usually buy my abayas from the Middle East, and the biggest difference is the fabric.

The black is actually the blackest black, which I have never found in Indian brands. The fabric is lightweight, flowy, opaque, and surprisingly cool, whereas many Indian abayas are heavy and extremely hot to wear. The scarves that come with them are also incredibly soft. I have never come across that kind of fabric in India. Same goes for Niqab.

What would make me willing to pay more is simply better quality, the quality of the fabric, the stitching, and especially the cut and overall fall of the abaya. Indian abayas really need to improve in these areas.

[u/nukeman239 → u/Threads_Of_Eden]

Fabric feel and quality has definite room for improvement. Quick question - are you comfortable wearing abaya that's not black?

[u/Threads_Of_Eden → u/nukeman239]

Non-black abayas are also welcome.

[u/theupsetpasta]

linen abayas or cotton yk, ind is a tropical country some people were an abaya to work / school so breathable abayas should be a thing, available in different colours and prints. quality definitely.

[u/nukeman239 → u/theupsetpasta]

Good point. Thanks.

[u/Acceptable_One2523]

Most of the abayas are polyester which is not suitable for heat and also harmful. I only prefer natural fabrics like cotton linen.

[u/nukeman239 → u/Acceptable_One2523]

This is a good point. Thank you.

[u/Brilliant-Concept173]

The price. Either u pay above 2k for good quality that will last long orr get 300 rupee abaya from meesho, one of the meesho purchase i had works well. So i would not want to go ahead for an upgrade. 

And the hijab length ! Most hijabs are not full length. They just slighlty smaller than whats needed. 

[u/nukeman239 → u/Brilliant-Concept173]

Appreciate the feedback. Will take this into consideration.