Why I chose the abaya- sometimes
Modest fashion means different things to different people. For some, it is connected to faith. For others, it is about personal values, identity, or simply a preferred style.
No matter the reason, modest fashion can be a powerful choice. It allows women to dress in a way that reflects who they are while feeling confident, comfortable, and true to themselves.
I did not grow up wearing an abaya. In the UK, where I was raised, it was not part of my everyday surroundings. In my community, abayas were something you saw at a religious gathering or on a family trip abroad. They were rarely part of daily life and often carried assumptions of being overly traditional or outdated.
I never disliked them, but they just did not feel like something for me. That changed when I moved to Qatar to join my husband.
Discovering Culture and Comfort in the Gulf
When I arrived in Qatar, one of the first things I noticed was how common abayas were. Most women wore them, not just as a symbol of tradition, but as a part of their lifestyle. It was not just about modest muslim fashion. It was about culture and convenience. Abayas were everywhere, in every shape and style, worn with pride by women who made them look modern, elegant, and effortless.
Even though I was new to it, I gave it a try. To my surprise, it felt incredibly liberating, and really easy. There was a quiet confidence in wearing something that offered comfort, coverage, and a timeless sense of style. In Qatar, I could step out in an abaya and feel completely in place. It took no time to see why so many women embraced it. Whether running errands, attending a family gathering, or simply going out for coffee, the abaya fit seamlessly into every part of life.
Later, I noticed the contrast in Dubai. The city is diverse, full of expats, and the abaya is not as prominent in daily wear. But when Khaleeji women wear it, there is a real sense of style. They wear it with pride, elegance, and individuality. The cuts are sharper, the fabrics are luxurious, and the look is always put together. Even when it is not worn by the majority, it still carries its place with strength and grace.
A New Wave in Iraq: Classy, Confident, and Cultural
When I started visiting Baghdad with my abayas, the response was immediate. Iraq is more conservative in many ways, and the abaya has long been part of everyday life there. But the style, the material, and the cuts I brought with me were different.
They were lighter, more refined, and more expressive. Women noticed it instantly. They told me how different these abayas felt from what was available locally.
Younger women in particular were drawn to them. They saw something they could connect with. It felt modern. It felt fresh. They wanted that Gulf elegance in their wardrobes too. They were excited to wear an abaya not because they had to, but because it looked and felt good. It gave them a way to express their values and their style at the same time.
That is what sparked the idea behind Minalkhaleej. It was not about starting a fashion brand. It was about sharing that feeling – of confidence, of cultural pride, of quiet luxury – with more women, especially in places where it was hard to find abayas of this quality.
Modest Fashion as a Global Expression
The abaya has become more than just a traditional garment. For many, it is a lifestyle. For others, it is a choice rooted in comfort, simplicity, and self-respect. What I have come to love most is that it can mean different things to different women. It can be worn every day or only on special occasions. It can be styled minimally or made bold with accessories. There is no one way to wear it.
Even when I go back to the UK, I now bring my abayas with me.
Not because I feel obligated to wear them, but because I want to.
They are part of how I feel most like myself. On certain days, when I want ease, elegance, and that feeling of being put together with little effort, the abaya is my go-to. It reminds me of what I learned in the Gulf. That comfort and class do not have to compete. That modest fashion can be incredibly empowering.
And now, through Minalkhaleej, I want to help bring that feeling to more women around the world. Whether you are in Doha, Dubai, Baghdad, or Birmingham, there is something special about wearing something that carries both meaning and style. This is modest fashion at its best — simple, strong, and full of identity.