Abayas

[LisaJohnsonsFacebookMole]

Where online can I find some inexpensive, preferably elegant but not too dressy, abayas?

I'm going on holiday to Saudi and, whilst tourists only need to cover their knees and elbows, I usually have a couple of more conservative options when travelling in socially conservative places. I also find that local-style outfits tend to match the weather better in terms of comfort and it sometimes helps to reduce the annoyances that tourists can face (in any country I hasten to add!). I have seen open abayas that women wear over a long dress? I quite like that look too. Hit me with your recommendations please!

You don't need to wear an abaya or hijab anymore in Saudi if you are not a Muslim. The weather is still quite warm at the moment so wearing an abaya will add another layer of clothing that will make you hot, just an observation.

I don't know about the internet but if you're planning on coming to Riyadh, hit up Kuwaiti souq which is abaya heaven and you can haggle to your heart's content.

You don't need to but if you want to get something there

An open abaya isn't a conservative outfit. It's only going to add another layer on top of a long one underneath. Buy one when there if you feel you need to.

If you want an actual abaya then check out abayabuth online. Usually I wear a long kimono over my regular clothes as they tend to be more thinner. As long as you’re dressed conservatively then you’ll be fine and don’t necessarily need an abaya unless you want to wear one.

Buy one out there if that's what you want to wear.
Depending on how you want to wear it, I found the standard popper fronted ones weren't the most reliable at staying closed. I prefer a zip front unless you are guaranteed to be wearing sonething appropriate underneath ie not shorts if there is a risk of unpoppering the bottom half by having kids grab at you.....

If you’re in London, there is at least one shop on Edgware Road. I got a couple there before I went to work in Saudi for the first time, although this was many years ago now. Much cheaper than abayabuth and lasted well. It was on the left about 5 minutes walk north from Edgware road station.

Try Tooting market if you’re in London. Heaven.

Amazon and eBay also sell abayas

Hi, I was just about to post something like this as also going to Saudi soon (Dammman, Riyadh and Bahrain!).@LisaJohnsonsFacebookMole did you buy one in the end? If you have been to Saudi how did find it clothing wise?

Assuming by Dammam you mean Al Khobar, you won't need an Abaya in Khobar or Bahrain. Dammam is less expat-y and so you are more likely to stand out without an abaya there - but not required.
I can't comment on Riyadh.

Thanks @DoublePeonies ! I'll play it by ear and wear loose clothes. Then buy an abaya when there if it feels uncomfortable.