What Do You Wear Under an Open Abaya?
One of the most common questions from women new to abaya styling is: what exactly do you wear underneath an open abaya? Unlike a closed abaya that covers everything on its own, an open abaya is designed to be layered — and what you wear underneath makes all the difference to the final look.
The short answer: a full-length slip dress or maxi dress is the most practical, elegant, and versatile inner piece for an open abaya. Here's everything you need to know.
Why a Slip Dress is the Best Choice Under an Open Abaya
A sleeveless maxi slip dress is the ideal base layer for an open abaya because:
- It provides full-length modest coverage without adding bulk
- The smooth fabric sits flat under the abaya without bunching
- It creates a clean, polished silhouette when the abaya flows open
- It is versatile — wear it alone at home or layer it under any open abaya
- It keeps you cool since it is lightweight and close-fitting
The Sleeveless Slip Dress by Hazal Studios is crafted from premium silky satin and designed specifically as a capsule wardrobe layering piece. Its smooth, lustrous finish sits beautifully under any open abaya without adding unnecessary volume.
Can You Wear Trousers Under an Open Abaya?
Yes — wide-leg trousers or straight-cut modest trousers paired with a long-sleeve top work well under an open abaya, especially for a more casual or contemporary modest look. This works particularly well with the Malaika Hand-Embroidered Abaya, which features hidden buttons allowing you to wear it fully open as a layering piece over trousers.
What Colours Work Best as an Inner Layer?
The most versatile inner layer colours are:
- Black — works under any abaya colour, creates a sleek, elongating effect
- Nude or ivory — ideal under lighter-coloured abayas
- Navy — a sophisticated alternative to black that pairs beautifully with navy or dark abayas
Matching your inner layer to your abaya colour creates a monochromatic modest look that feels intentional and elegant.
What About Sleeves? Do You Need Long Sleeves Under an Open Abaya?
If your open abaya has wide or three-quarter sleeves, you may want to wear a long-sleeve inner layer for full arm coverage. If the abaya has full-length sleeves, a sleeveless slip dress underneath is perfectly modest and far more comfortable — especially in warm weather.
How to Complete the Look
Once you have your inner layer sorted, the rest of the outfit comes together easily:
- Add a matching hijab or scarf — many Hazal Studios abayas like the Silky Jacquard Open Abaya come with a matching Italian chiffon scarf included
- Choose simple, elegant footwear — heels for occasions, flats or sandals for everyday
- Keep jewellery minimal to let the abaya be the statement piece
Summary: What to Wear Under an Open Abaya
- A full-length sleeveless slip dress is the most practical and elegant inner layer
- Wide-leg trousers with a long-sleeve top work for a casual, contemporary look
- Black, nude, and navy are the most versatile inner layer colours
- Match sleeve coverage to your abaya's sleeve length for comfort and modesty
Shop the Abaya collection and the Sleeveless Slip Dress at Hazal Studios to build your perfect modest layering wardrobe.