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I guess they should be black! Regarding the head-covering you don't have to if you don't normally do!

Thanks Calm Guy, I'm just wondering if they have to be completely black or if a bit of embroidery/sequins would be OK... the girls wear them here in the UAE, and most of the shops sell them, the guy in the shop told me they would be fine but I also think he would say anything if  it meant he'd sell an abaya!

Probably if you could send me some pictures of the abayas you found it would be easier for me to tell you exactly. In general, if the predominate color is black, you're fine, even if it contains decorations of other colors!

sizzles wrote:

Hi Everyone!

More questions from me about living in Saudi! I was just wondering what kind of Abayas are acceptable, do they have to be totally black or am I able to wear ones with some detail (i.e different color material and/or sparkles on the sleeve and sheila)?

Ok I reread this. It is OK to wear those you described. I wish you a safe trip

The abaya has to be "mainly" black.

A little colour, emboidery, stones is acceptable.

acually.. it should not be only black... but i have seen some dark color one. and inside the compound i think you can wear whatever you want. that what you need to ask the people around you when you get there... but in general DARK COLORS are accepted... I did see some Brown or navy blue abay's in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Yes like sam said there are blues and browns too.. but then why do you raise the risk of being caught by the muttawah( religious police)? stick to plain black.
Avoid as much trouble as you can.. and its not like you will be wearing it inside the house or something..

take a hint from KimKardashian! abayas fashion is also a trend. im not saying go all bedazzled, but a nice blingy abaya is called for! as for the color. the base color is black but ive seen some pretty high fashion colored "abayas" out here which are becoming popular too!

Thanks borntobemild! I am planning on getting some nice abayas that have some detailing and a bit of style, but I thought that maybe it wasn't allowed in Saudi, the girls here (UAE) wear them all the time but I thought maybe because Saudi is more conservative there may be regulations on accessories on the abaya, good to know its allowed! Thank you for all your answers

wanna take them off and walk around in Rio?
get in some trouble?
lol jk i just wanted 2 say i hope u will enjoy ur stay in KSA

There is a Saudi lady who is a TV presenter here in Saudi, and along with her mother design and make the most beautiful abayas I have ever seen.
We had a fashion show at one of our Corona meetings here and they were really stunning. They had fitted abayas, abayas with  different coloured sleeves, abayas for expectant mothers, and abayas that we western ladies would love to wear anywhere, not just Saudi.

If you wear predominantly black abayas during the day with just a little detail you will be fine but for something special for the evening you could liven things up with one of these designer abayas

Anyway if you are interested and for anyone else, the lady's name is
Eman al-Maneel and her design studio is called Desert Scorpion Establishment, based in Riyadh.

Your ideas about Saudi abayas will definitely change.

BTW. I don't have any interest in the company, just thought you might like to know.