How Do You Care for a Pleated Abaya Without Losing the Pleats?

To care for a pleated abaya without losing the pleats, wash it cold on a gentle cycle (or by hand), never wring or twist it, and hang it to dry so the folds fall back into place on their own. When it needs pressing, use low heat with a cloth on top or a handheld steamer held a few centimetres away — never drag a hot iron straight across the pleats. Store it on a hanger, not folded in a drawer. That routine keeps the pleats sharp for years.

Pleated abayas are a favourite for a reason. The folds add movement and a soft, elegant shape without any heavy detailing. But those same folds need a little care, because the pleats are pressed into the fabric and the wrong wash or a hot iron can relax them. Here is exactly how to keep yours looking fresh.

Why pleats lose their shape

Pleats are not sewn in line by line — they are set into the fabric with heat and tension. Three things undo that: high heat, hard friction, and weight pulling on wet fabric. A hot dryer, scrubbing at a stain, or leaving a soaked abaya bunched in a laundry basket will all loosen the folds. Once you know that, the care routine almost writes itself: keep it cool, keep it gentle, and let it hang.

How to wash a pleated abaya, step by step

Hand washing is the safest choice, and it only takes a few minutes.

1. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Skip anything with bleach or strong brighteners.

2. Turn the abaya inside out and lower it in. Press it gently up and down — do not scrub, rub, or twist. The pleats stay flat when you let the water do the work.

3. Rinse in fresh cool water until the water runs clear.

4. Lift it out and support the whole garment with both hands. Never hold it by the shoulders while it is heavy with water, as that stretches the top.

If you prefer the machine, place the abaya in a mesh laundry bag, choose the coldest, gentlest cycle, and set the spin to low. A mesh bag keeps the folds from catching on anything.

Drying without flattening the pleats

Drying is where most pleats are won or lost. Skip the tumble dryer completely — the heat and tumbling are exactly what pleats hate. Instead, hang the abaya on a padded or wide hanger and let it air dry in the shade. Gravity does something lovely here: as the water drains out, the folds pull themselves straight again.

While it is still damp, run your fingers down each pleat to line it up. If a fold looks out of place, pinch it gently from top to bottom and it will set as it dries. Keep it out of direct sun, which can fade colour and bake in creases.

Ironing and steaming the right way

Most pleated abayas do not need an iron at all if you hang them to dry. When they do, be gentle:

A handheld steamer is your best friend. Hang the abaya up, hold the steamer a few centimetres away, and let the steam relax any creases while the pleats stay vertical. Work from top to bottom so the folds hang true.

If you must iron, turn the heat to low, lay a thin cotton cloth or tea towel over the fabric, and press lightly in the direction of the pleats — never across them. Lift and place the iron rather than dragging it. For a taffeta piece like our Squared Taffeta Abaya, this is all it takes to bring the crisp, squared folds back to life.

How to store a pleated abaya

Always hang a pleated abaya — folding it into a drawer presses in flat creases that fight the pleats. Use a wide or padded hanger so the shoulders keep their shape, and give it a little breathing room in the wardrobe so the folds are not crushed against other pieces.

For travel, roll the abaya loosely from the hem up instead of folding it in squares, then hang and steam it as soon as you arrive. Delicate pieces appreciate the same gentle handling — if you also own a lace or evening style such as our Braided Lace Abaya, treat it the same careful way and it will stay just as beautiful.

Quick care for everyday Dubai wear

You do not need to wash an abaya after every single wear. In the Gulf heat, airing it out does most of the work. Hang it somewhere with good airflow for a few hours after wearing, spot-clean small marks with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, and only do a full wash when it truly needs it. The less you wash, the longer the pleats and the colour last.

A quick refresh before you head out keeps it looking its best: a light pass with a steamer, a hand down each fold, and you are ready.

The simple version

Cool water, gentle hands, no tumble dryer, hang to dry, steam instead of iron, and store on a hanger. Follow that and a pleated abaya holds its shape wear after wear — soft, structured, and effortless every time.

Shop the look → Keep your pleats crisp with the black Squared Taffeta Abaya.