houlya
Journal/2026-09-22
Linen, crepe or velvet: which cloth for summer
Which abaya or modest-dress cloth handles Moroccan heat. Linen, light sets, and when to keep velvet away.
Heat decides
From May to September the body needs air more than a heavy drape. Linen creases. That is normal. It dries fast after the commute. A linen set, tunic and long skirt, covers without clinging to the legs.
Light crepe falls cleaner than linen and packs better, as long as it is not lined with a second thick layer.
What to put away
Velvet, quilting and very warm house dresses wait until November. Worn in August they tire you and show sweat, however nice the fall.
A HOULYA summer dress stays long and covering. Summer means the cloth, not a short hem.
Fast care
Wash linen inside out, cold, and take it out while damp to limit creases. Hang the abaya on a wide hanger so the shoulders do not break.
Perfume goes on the hijab or wrists, not sprayed straight onto silk or velvet. A perfume-oil spot does not leave.
