Your abaya is an investment in quality and style. With proper care, these beautiful pieces will maintain their elegance and structure for years to come. At Kallyah, we craft our abayas from premium fabrics, each requiring specific care to preserve its beauty. Here's your complete guide to caring for your abaya based on fabric type.
Understanding Your Abaya's Fabric
Before washing any garment, always check the care label sewn inside. This provides specific instructions from the manufacturer. However, understanding general fabric care principles helps you make informed decisions about maintaining your wardrobe.
Crepe Fabric Care
Common in: Many of our classic abayas and dresses
Washing Instructions
Hand Washing (Recommended):
- Fill a basin with cool water (30°C/86°F maximum)
- Add a small amount of gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics
- Turn your abaya inside out to protect the outer surface
- Submerge and gently swish—avoid wringing or twisting
- Soak for 10-15 minutes maximum
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is removed
Machine Washing: • Use the gentle/delicate cycle only • Turn inside out and place in a mesh laundry bag • Use cold water (30°C maximum) • Select low spin speed to minimize creasing
Drying & Storage • Never wring crepe fabric—gently squeeze out excess water • Lay flat on a clean towel or hang on a padded hanger • Air dry away from direct sunlight • Avoid tumble drying—heat can damage crepe's texture • Store on padded hangers to maintain shape
Ironing • Iron on low to medium heat while slightly damp • Always use a pressing cloth between iron and fabric • Iron on the reverse side to prevent shine • Avoid steam if possible—it can leave water marks
Cotton & Cotton Poplin Care
Common in: Shirt dresses, casual abayas, everyday pieces
Washing Instructions
Hand Washing:
- Use cool to lukewarm water (30°C)
- Turn inside out
- Gentle detergent suitable for cotton
- Soak for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
Machine Washing: • Cotton is more durable—can handle regular wash cycles • Turn inside out • Use cold to warm water (30°C) • Gentle cycle recommended for structured pieces
Drying & Storage • Cotton can be tumble dried on low heat • Remove promptly to minimize wrinkles • Air drying is gentler and prevents shrinkage • Hang or fold neatly to prevent creasing
Ironing • Cotton irons beautifully at medium to high heat • Use steam for best results • Iron while slightly damp for easier wrinkle removal • Starch can be used for extra crispness on shirt-style pieces
Jersey Fabric Care
Common in: Comfortable everyday pieces, wrap pants
Washing Instructions
Hand Washing:
- Cool water (30°C) is best
- Very gentle handling—jersey can stretch when wet
- Mild detergent
- Don't soak too long—10 minutes maximum
- Support the weight when lifting from water
Machine Washing: • Gentle cycle only • Cold water • Turn inside out • Use a mesh bag for extra protection
Drying & Storage • Never wring jersey—it will stretch • Roll in a towel to remove excess water • Lay flat to dry to maintain shape • Avoid hanging while wet—the weight can cause stretching • Once dry, fold or hang as preferred
Ironing • Low heat only • Use a pressing cloth • Iron on reverse side • Steam setting is fine but not necessary
Polyester Blends Care
Common in: Structured abayas, wrinkle-resistant pieces
Washing Instructions
Hand Washing:
- Cool water (30°C)
- Turn inside out
- Gentle detergent
- Minimal agitation needed
- Rinse well
Machine Washing: • Gentle cycle • Cold water • Turn inside out • Low spin speed
Drying & Storage • Air dry or tumble dry on low heat • Remove promptly to prevent wrinkles • Polyester blends are naturally wrinkle-resistant • Hang on padded hangers
Ironing • Low to medium heat • Use a pressing cloth to prevent shine • Usually minimal ironing needed • Steam can be used safely
Special Care Considerations
Embellished or Detailed Abayas
If your abaya features lace, embroidery, beading, or other embellishments: • Always hand wash or use a professional dry cleaner • Turn inside out and place in a mesh bag if machine washing is absolutely necessary • Avoid direct contact between embellishments and other garments • Air dry only—never tumble dry • Store carefully to prevent snagging
First Wash • Wash new abayas separately the first time • Dark colors may release some dye initially • Use cold water to set colors • This is especially important for black and navy pieces
Color Preservation • Wash dark colors inside out • Use detergent designed for dark fabrics • Avoid prolonged sun exposure when drying • Separate lights and darks • Cold water helps preserve color intensity
General Care Tips for All Abayas
Storage • Use padded or wide hangers to maintain shoulder shape • Avoid wire hangers—they can create permanent creases • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight • Use garment bags for long-term storage or travel • Cedar blocks help prevent moths naturally
Stain Treatment • Address stains immediately for best results • Blot—never rub—to avoid spreading • Test any stain remover on an inconspicuous area first • For oil-based stains, sprinkle with cornstarch to absorb before washing • When in doubt, consult a professional dry cleaner
Professional Cleaning
Some abayas, particularly those with special finishes or embellishments, benefit from professional dry cleaning: • Dry clean 2-3 times per season for frequently worn pieces • Always dry clean before long-term storage • Choose a reputable cleaner experienced with delicate garments • Point out any stains or areas of concern
Between Wears • Air out your abaya after wearing • Hang in a well-ventilated area • Use a fabric refresher spray if needed • Spot clean minor marks rather than washing the entire garment • Most abayas don't need washing after every wear
Seasonal Care
Summer Care • Wash more frequently due to perspiration • Ensure garments are completely dry before storing • Use breathable garment bags • Air out regularly
Winter Care • Less frequent washing needed • Steam to refresh between wears • Store away from heating vents • Use moisture absorbers in closets
The Kallyah Quality Promise
Every Kallyah piece is crafted to last. By following these care instructions, your abayas will maintain their beauty, structure, and elegance season after season. Quality fabrics deserve quality care—and the result is a wardrobe that serves you beautifully for years.
Questions about caring for a specific piece? Contact us at orders@kallyah.com and our team will provide personalized care advice.