Where to buy an abaya - to travel to KSA

[Frogium]

Anyone who has travelled there or any Muslim women on MN can help me locate where to buy one? I did a quick google, but haven't seen any of the shops previously. Would like something that is reasonably good quality and not polyester

There's masses online eg eastessence.com/products/black-jersey-drawstring-attached-abaya-aj-ee7480?variant=39960350392368.

I lived in Saudi for six months. I'd go for something like this one - mine were this style but without the gold braid.

www.amazon.co.uk/GladThink-Womens-Muslim-Kaftan-Abaya/dp/B071YLFZW3/ref?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Sorry meant to say, get one with front fastening then you just take it of when appropriate like a coat, rather than an over the head kaftan.

@Westfacing

Sorry meant to say, get one with front fastening then you just take it of when appropriate like a coat, rather than an over the head kaftan.

I second this; get one like this and wear a separate headscarf. I got an over-the-head one and it was annoying. If you google "prayer abaya" you'll get an idea what mine was like.

However, there are only limited times / places when you will need to wear one. If you are going to a big city (Riyadh and especially Jeddah) you would be OK not wearing one at all, although obviously if you feel more comfortable then it's your choice. Things are changing rapidly. I did a tour round quite a bit of the country and there were only two or three days when we were in much more traditional villages etc. where we were told to wear them.

Also you can buy one after you get there, unless you need it immediately. Do you have a contact there who can take you to a shop there after you arrive?

@Westfacing thanks, that's the style I am looking for. but as I am short the amazon one is going to sweep the floor probably. Did you have to wear a head cover also? I am told is not necessary, but I don't want to be stared at.

What material should I look for?

My sister has just returned from KSA and you won't need one for most of the cities. The mood has changed completely and the religious police have been disbanded. Sensible modest clothing is fine, except in very traditional smaller towns.

I was there 12 years ago so not up to date with specific requirements but it's always best to err on the side of caution.

I'd get one before you go then you just slip it on over your clothes before you get off the plane, and have a scarf ready in your bag. Even back then headscarves weren't required but you kept one with you in case you find yourself somewhere a bit sensitive.

Why not go to your nearest Muslin area and buy one rather than online, if you're short, although online shops will have various lengths.

I used to wear good quality polyester!

I was there last week, and although I took one, I didn’t wear it. Unless you’re going away from Riyadh or Jeddah, there’s probably no need. And if you want one, buy one there.

Echoing the others, doyou really need one? Where are you going?
You almost certainly don't need to cover your hair - I only did round the mosques near Ramadan.

Buy one when you are there. Nearly all are polyester tho.

I worked in Saudi for a couple of years, traveling back and forwards with work.

After spending loads buying lovely looking linen ones online and then looking all creased, I discovered that polyester is what most people wear - easy to wash and dry, doesn’t crease!

If you are in London try Edgeware road - I think it was Al Misbah I went to.

No harm in getting a headscarf but unlikely you’ll need to wear it. I would just sometimes put it on when out alone so that I could blend in with everyone else - but this was a few years ago now so probably less needed these days.

Also, remember it’s Ramadan in April. I’ve never been then, but I imagine it will be pretty strictly enforced.