How to Care for an Embroidered Abaya: Simple Steps to Protect the Embroidery and Keep It Like New
How to Care for an Embroidered Abaya: Simple Steps to Protect the Embroidery and Keep It Like New
An embroidered abaya is a special piece. The embroidery and fine threads are what give it its beauty, and they are also what need a little attention when washing, ironing, and storing. The good news? Caring for it is not hard at all. With a few simple steps you can keep the pattern clear, the threads secure, and your abaya looking new every time. Let's go through it step by step.
Before washing: check it and turn it inside out
Before you put the abaya in water, take a minute to check the embroidery. Look for any loose thread or a spot that has started to come undone, because washing can make it worse if you leave it. If you find a small loose thread, secure it or stitch it lightly before washing.
Then turn the abaya inside out. This is the most important step and the easiest one at the same time. When the embroidery is on the inside, it does not rub against the basin or other clothes, which protects it from pulling and snagging. If you have a mesh laundry bag, put the abaya in it for extra protection.
The right way to wash: cool and gentle
Hand washing is best for an embroidered abaya. Fill a basin or bathtub with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent made for delicate fabrics. Swirl the water with your hand and dip the abaya in slowly. Do not rub the embroidery against itself, because rubbing weakens the threads and pulls them out of place.
If you have to use the washing machine, choose the "delicate" or "wool" programme with cold water and a very gentle spin, with the abaya inside a laundry bag. The key points in every case:
- Always use cold water, because hot water fades the colour and loosens the threads.
- Never use bleach or strong detergent, because they damage the embroidery and the colour.
- Do not soak the abaya for a long time. A quick wash and a good rinse is enough.
Drying without damaging the threads
This is where many people go wrong. Do not wring or twist the abaya to get the water out, because that is what ruins the embroidery. Instead, gently press it between your hands or inside a clean cotton towel to soak up the extra water.
Then hang it to dry inside out, in a place with good airflow and away from direct sun. Strong sun fades colours quickly, especially light shades like cream. If the fabric is light and soft, it is better to lay it flat on a towel so it does not stretch out of shape.
Ironing safely: never touch the embroidery directly
Embroidery does not like direct high heat. So iron the abaya inside out, on a low to medium setting. If you need to iron from the front, place a thin cotton cloth over the embroidery and iron over it, so the iron never touches the threads.
An easier and gentler way: use steam. Hang the abaya and steam it with a garment steamer, or with your iron on the steam setting from a short distance. Steam smooths out creases without pressing on the embroidery.
The right storage makes it last longer
How you keep your abaya in the wardrobe makes a big difference. Hang it on a wide padded hanger so it does not get marks at the shoulders, and avoid thin wire hangers that pull the fabric. Leave some space between it and your other clothes, because crowding causes rubbing and the threads can snag on nearby accessories or zips.
If the abaya has raised embroidery or beads, it is better to fold it gently with soft tissue paper between the folds instead of hanging it, so the weight does not pull on the threads. Cover it with a breathable fabric bag, and do not use sealed plastic because it traps moisture.
How often should you wash it?
An embroidered abaya does not need washing after every wear. The less you wash it, the longer the embroidery and colour last. If you wore it for a few hours and nothing got on it, just air it out and hang it up. Wash it only when it is really dirty or has an odour. And if there is a small stain, clean just that spot instead of washing the whole abaya; it is kinder to the threads and quicker for you.
If the embroidery is heavy or has beads, consider dry cleaning at a trusted laundry, and let them know it is a delicate embroidered piece so they handle it gently.
Quick everyday tips
- Put on perfume and moisturiser before you wear the abaya and let them dry, because alcohol and oils can affect the threads and colour.
- If something spills on the abaya, dab the stain quickly and gently with a cotton pad dipped in cold water. Do not rub.
- Watch out for bracelets, rings, and nails when putting it on and taking it off, because they are the most common cause of snagged embroidery.
- Let the abaya rest between wears: hang it in an airy place before putting it back in the wardrobe.
- If you are travelling with it, fold it gently and place it on top of your clothes in the suitcase, then hang it as soon as you arrive so the creases fall out on their own.
- Keep the abaya out of the sun when storing it too, because constant light fades light shades over time.
A piece worth this care
One of the pieces that shows off the beauty of embroidery at F.Lounge Dubai is the Flower Abaya. It comes with a floral pattern in calm tones, puffed sleeves, and a fabric belt that defines the shape, in a soft fabric that is comfortable to wear. With the care steps above, a piece like this keeps its pattern clear and elegant for a long time.
And if you love soft looks with fine details, also see the Flower Lace Abaya and the Braided Lace Abaya. The same care tips apply to them so the lace and details stay as lovely as day one.
