The
abaya "cloak", sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose
over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts
of the Islamic world including in Turkey, North Africa and the Arabian
Peninsula.Traditional abayat are black and may be either a large square
of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. The abaya
covers the whole body except the face, feet, and hands. It can be worn
with the niqāb, a face veil covering all but the eyes. Some women choose
to wear long black gloves, so their hands are covered as well.The
Indonesian and Malaysian women's kebaya gets its name from the abaya.
Abayat are known by various names but serve the same purpose,
which is to cover. Contemporary models are usually caftans, cut from
light, flowing fabrics like crepe, georgette, and chiffon. Styles differ from region to region: some abayat have embroidery on black fabric while others are brightly coloured and have different forms of artwork across them.article source
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