houlya
Journal/2026-09-28
How to care for an abaya so it lasts
Washing, drying and storing a HOULYA abaya or modest dress so the colour and cut stay.
Wash less, wash right
An abaya worn one day over clean clothes does not need a machine every night. Air it for two hours. Wash for a stain, a smell, or after two or three wears.
Cold water, gentle cycle, that colour alone the first time. Black can tint beige. Turn the piece inside out to protect visible seams.
Drying
No tumble dryer. Heat shrinks knits and shines the cloth. Hang in the shade. Direct sun greys a black after a few summers.
Iron on the reverse, medium heat, never on a print or a plastic belt. Keep steam off velvet.
Storage
A wide hanger, a cotton cover if the room is dusty. Skip a sealed plastic bag: damp makes a cupboard smell.
A small hem repair early costs less than a frayed abaya. A prayer piece is washed more often because it meets the floor.
