The abaya is a traditional Arabic garment characteristic of Arab women from the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf region. Black in color and floor-length, the abaya is designed to cover the woman’s curves. It can slide over the head, but usually opens at the front, closing with snaps, a zipper or overlapping layers.

Traditional abayas are simple, pure black in color, while in recent years we have increasingly come across various decorations, customized cuts, crystals, gold threads, sequins, lace and more and more popular designed abayas behind the most famous fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Versace -, Elie Saba, Zuhair Murad, Dior, and there are “haute couture” abayas.

However, if we look back at history and religion, nowhere in the Holy Book of the Koran will we find a verse in which the wearing of this traditional clothing is ordered.

In fact, the very origin of the abaya comes from pre-Islamic times when women from Persia who remained widows covered themselves so that other men would not know that they were left without husbands, and Arab women, taking care of their safety, took this way of protection.

It is certain that today the abaya is a symbol of submission, modesty and protection, but also a breath of prestige and luxury in the Arab way.

Of course, men also have their traditional costume, which is associated with the countries of the Gulf, and it is the kandura, also known as dishdasha, which is a man’s dress that reaches the length of the toes. It usually has long sleeves and is white in color.

It symbolizes purity and modesty, since they all look the same and judging by it you cannot judge the status of the person who wears it.

However, in recent years, wealthy Arabs have been adding expensive cufflinks to their kandurs, in order to stand out from their average compatriots.