How to Care for an Embellished Abaya: Simple Steps for Pearls, Beads, and Sequins
How to Care for an Embellished Abaya: Simple Steps for Pearls, Beads, and Sequins
An embellished abaya feels special the moment you slip it on — the little pearls, beads, and sequins catch the light and turn a simple silhouette into something quietly luxurious. To keep that shine, you don't need expensive tools or long routines. You just need to treat the fabric a little more gently than usual. Here is a simple, honest guide you can follow at home.
Why embellished pieces need a softer routine
Every embellishment is attached to the fabric with a small thread or a tiny drop of adhesive. Hot water, harsh detergents, and rough machine cycles can weaken those threads and dull the finish of the stones over time. The good news: a slow, low-effort routine is usually enough to keep an embellished abaya looking new for years.
Before you wash: give it a quick check
Turn the abaya inside out and run your hand along the embellished areas. If you feel a loose pearl or bead, place a small stitch through it with a matching thread before you wash — one minute now saves a whole row later. Close all zips and buttons, empty any pockets, and fasten inner cuffs so nothing rubs against the beadwork during cleaning.
Hand washing, step by step
For most embellished abayas, hand washing is the safest choice. Fill a clean basin with cool water — never hot. Add a small amount of a mild, non-bleach detergent (a gentle wool or silk wash works well). Turn the abaya inside out to protect the embellishments, then lower it into the water and press it up and down for a minute or two. Do not twist, wring, or scrub. Let it soak for about ten minutes, then rinse in fresh cool water two or three times until the water runs clear.
If a piece is only lightly worn, you can often skip the full wash and spot-clean instead (more on that below).
Drying without losing the shape
Never wring an embellished abaya. Instead, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel, roll the towel gently to soak up extra water, then unroll and re-lay it flat on a fresh dry towel to air-dry. Keep it out of direct sun — strong Dubai sunlight can fade fabric and yellow white pieces. A shaded balcony, an air-conditioned room, or a flat drying rack all work well. Once the abaya is almost dry, you can move it to a padded hanger to finish drying in its natural shape.
Ironing and steaming safely
Sequins, pearls, and heat do not mix. Set your iron to the lowest setting, turn the abaya inside out, and iron only the plain fabric — never directly on the embellishments. A pressing cloth (a clean cotton napkin works) between the iron and the abaya adds extra protection.
A handheld steamer is often the easier option. Hold it a few centimetres away from the fabric and let the steam do the work. Move steadily so the heat never sits on any one bead for long.
Storing at home
The right hanger matters more than most people think. Use a padded or wide wooden hanger so the shoulders keep their shape. Give each embellished abaya a little breathing room in your wardrobe — pressed too tightly against other clothes, the beads can catch on nearby fabric and pull threads. A soft, breathable garment bag (cotton, not plastic) protects the piece from dust and keeps the fabric fresh.
If you are storing an abaya for a full season, place a small silica sachet inside the bag to absorb humidity, and refold occasionally so no crease becomes permanent.
Travelling with an embellished piece
To pack, turn the abaya inside out and fold it loosely with a layer of tissue paper between the folds — tissue keeps the beadwork from rubbing against itself. Place it on top of everything else in your suitcase so it stays flat. When you arrive, hang it in the bathroom during a warm shower for five minutes; the steam will release small creases without any ironing.
Quick spot-cleaning
Small marks (a drop of coffee, a bit of makeup near the neckline) are easier to lift right away. Dab — do not rub — with a clean white cloth dipped in cool water and a tiny drop of mild soap. Then blot with a dry cloth to lift the moisture. If the stain is stubborn or the piece is heavily embellished, a trusted dry cleaner who works with delicate garments is the safer choice.
A piece worth the extra care: Coco Pearl Abaya
If you love the feel of a pearl-detailed abaya, our Coco Pearl Abaya is a beautiful place to start — soft, elegant, and quietly detailed. For more delicate pieces from the same family, take a look at our Garden Lace Abaya for lace lovers, or the Flower Organza Abaya for a light, floral look. Each one loves the same gentle care routine you just learned.
