Abaya Sets Explained: 2-Piece, 3-Piece, With Khimar or Hijab & Sizing

An abaya set takes the guesswork out of getting dressed. The pieces are made to go together, so the colour, fabric and length already match and you don't need to hunt for the right inner dress or scarf. This guide explains the main types of abaya set (2-piece and 3-piece, with a hijab or a khimar), how they compare, how to get the size right, and how to wear each piece on its own so the set earns its place in your wardrobe.

Want the hijab or khimar included? Browse our abaya, khimar & hijab sets.

What counts as an abaya set

"Abaya set" is a broad label, and shops use it for quite different things. In practice you will meet four families. Knowing which one you want is the fastest way to narrow down a search.

Abaya with inner dress

The classic 2-piece abaya set: an open-front abaya worn over a matching, usually plain, maxi dress. The inner dress solves the "what do I wear underneath?" problem for good, because it is the same colour and length as the abaya. Our abaya sets include this style in crinkled textured fabric, in floral lace over an opaque crepe dress, and in satin for evenings.

Open Abaya Set with Inner Dress – Black 772,00 kr Lace Abaya Set, 2-Piece – Navy 660,00 kr Satin Abaya Set with Butterflies – Chocolate 660,00 kr

Abaya with matching hijab or khimar

Here the second piece covers the head: a matching chiffon hijab, or a khimar (a longer, cape-like head covering that falls over the shoulders and chest). This is what most people mean by "abaya set with hijab", and in France the "ensemble abaya khimar" is one of the most searched modest outfits of all.

Tunic with skirt or trousers (co-ord abaya sets)

A long tunic or jacket with a matching maxi skirt or wide-leg trousers gives an abaya-like line in two pieces. It moves more easily than one long garment, suits work and travel, and each piece works with the rest of your wardrobe. You will find these under co-ord sets.

Prayer sets with khimar

A prayer set pairs a pull-on khimar with a wide elasticated skirt, made to slip over your clothes for salah. It is lighter and quicker than an abaya set, and the pieces are cut for prayer rather than for going out. If you are torn between a prayer set and a one-piece prayer dress, read prayer set vs prayer dress.

2-piece and 3-piece abaya sets compared

Most sets are 2-piece. A 3-piece abaya set usually means abaya, inner dress and hijab, or tunic, skirt and khimar. You can buy one ready-made or build it yourself by adding a matching hijab or khimar to a 2-piece. Here is how the types compare.

Abaya set with hijab or with khimar?

Both cover the hair and neck. The difference is how much more they cover and how they are put on.

• Hijab: a rectangular scarf you wrap and pin. It lets you choose your style, suits everyday outfits and occasions, and gives a softer, more tailored look. In a set it usually comes in chiffon or matching fabric.
• Khimar: a longer head covering, usually pull-on, that falls over the shoulders and chest and, in longer cuts, over the arms. It gives more coverage with no pins, which is why it is so popular for prayer, the mosque and Umrah.

Our abaya set with hijab pairs an open navy crepe abaya with a matching chiffon hijab, and the lace-trim abaya below comes with its own chiffon hijab. For khimar coverage, choose an instant khimar in a matching colour, or go all in with a one-piece jilbab with attached khimar.

Abaya Set with Hijab, Paisley Cuffs 660,00 kr Lace Abaya with Matching Hijab – Taupe 1 108,00 kr Instant Jersey Khimar – Stone 325,00 kr One-Piece Jilbab with Khimar – Plum 660,00 kr

Abaya set fabrics

Fabric decides how a set drapes, how warm it is and whether it survives a suitcase. These are the ones you will meet most often.

• Crepe and matte crepe: the everyday workhorse. Opaque, drapes well, hides light creases. A good choice for your first set.
• Crinkled or crinkle textures: made to look slightly creased, so they travel very well. Ideal for Umrah and holidays.
• Linen-look slub: a textured weave with the look of linen, cooler-feeling in warm weather. Our cardigan-style linen-look abaya set pairs a longline jacket with a maxi skirt.
• Lace: usually semi-sheer, so it should always come over an opaque inner dress. Best for Eid, weddings and evenings.
• Satin: fluid with a soft sheen; dressy, but it shows water marks and needs a cool iron.
• Jersey: stretchy and soft, the standard for khimars and prayer sets because it stays put without pins.
• Waffle or crinkle knit: comfortable and opaque, used for tunic-and-trouser sets you can wear all day.

If you shop French sites, you will also see jazz (a light, fluid, slightly stretchy fabric) and soie de Médine. Despite the name, soie de Médine is not silk: it is a matte, crepe-like synthetic that is prized for being opaque and easy-care. For hijab fabrics in detail, see our hijab fabric guide.

How to size an abaya set

Abayas are cut loose, so length matters more than width. Sets add a small twist: some are One Size, some come in letter sizes (S to XL), and the inner dress, skirt or trousers each have their own length. Follow these steps.

1. Measure your length. Stand straight in the shoes you will usually wear. Measure from the top of your shoulder, next to the neck, down to the floor. That number is the abaya length you need.
2. Match it to a size. Traditional abaya sizes (52, 54, 56, 58, 60) are lengths in inches. Use the height table below or our size guide. If you are between two, go longer for heels or a floor-sweeping look, shorter if you walk a lot.
3. Check bust and shoulders. For lettered sets, compare your bust measurement (around the fullest part) with the measurements on the product page. You want room to move and to pray. If you are between sizes, stay true to size for a full drape.
4. Check the sleeves. Measure from the shoulder point to the wrist bone with your arm slightly bent. Wide sleeves are easy for wudu; elasticated or cuffed sleeves keep arms covered when you raise them.
5. Check each piece. The inner dress should be the same length as the abaya or a little shorter so it doesn't peek out. Trousers and skirts should reach the ankle or floor with your shoes on.

Wear each piece separately

The best abaya sets are really two or three garments you would buy anyway. Counting the separate outfits a set gives you is the simplest way to judge its value per wear.

• Open abaya over other dresses: wear it as a long cardigan over any maxi dress, or over jeans and a long top on errand days.
• Inner dress on its own: a plain maxi dress is useful at home, under a different abaya, or with a long cardigan and hijab.
• Tunic with other bottoms: a long tunic works over wide trousers, a pleated skirt or any floor-length skirt.
• Skirt with other tops: a floor-length skirt pairs with a knit, a shirt or a tunic.
• Matching hijab with other outfits: a neutral chiffon hijab from a set becomes an everyday scarf.
• Khimar for prayer: keep the khimar from a set in your bag for salah on the go.

Our tunic top and A-line maxi skirt are sold separately but cut to match, so you can buy the full set, one piece, or two different colours. The tunic-and-trouser set works the same way.

Asymmetric Tunic Top – Black 660,00 kr A-Line Maxi Skirt – Olive 660,00 kr Abaya Set with Wide Trousers – Black 996,00 kr Abaya Set, Linen-Look 2-Piece – Cream 1 331,00 kr

Abaya sets for Umrah, Ramadan, Eid and every day

Abaya set for Umrah

Women have no fixed ihram garment. The widely held guidance is to wear loose, opaque clothing that covers everything except the face and hands, in any colour; white is popular but not required. In ihram, women generally don't wear a niqab or gloves. Check current rules with your scholar and the official Nusuk platform before you travel.

For Umrah, an abaya with a matching khimar, or a prayer set with khimar and skirt, is hard to beat. Choose crinkle or crepe that packs without ironing, sleeves that cuff or gather at the wrist, and a length that clears the floor so you don't step on the hem. Pack two sets so one can be washed. Our prayer dresses and the prayer and Umrah packing guide cover the rest.

Prayer Set with Jersey Khimar & Skirt – Black 549,00 kr Cotton Prayer Dress with Hood – White 504,00 kr One-Piece Jilbab with Khimar – Plum 660,00 kr

Ramadan

For taraweeh and iftar, easy beats elaborate. An abaya with inner dress in crepe or crinkle, plus a khimar for the mosque, covers most evenings. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, depending on the moon sighting. With 5–15 business days' tracked delivery and Chinese New Year (around 6 February) slowing suppliers, aim to order by about 15 January. See our Ramadan capsule wardrobe for a full plan.

Eid

Eid is when lace and satin sets shine: an open lace abaya over an opaque crepe dress, or satin with delicate details, finished with a matching chiffon hijab. Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected around 9–10 March, so order by about 1 February as a guide. Browse the Eid and Ramadan edit for occasion pieces.

Every day

For work, school runs and travel, choose opaque, easy-care fabrics and pockets where you can get them. A tunic with trousers or an abaya with inner dress in a dark neutral will be the set you wear most. Our open abayas give you more single pieces to mix with the set.

Caring for a set

The main risk with a set is that the pieces stop matching. Wash them together, the same way, so they fade and soften evenly.

• Follow the label; most crepe, knit and crinkle sets can be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle.
• Wash lace and satin inside out in a laundry bag, or by hand.
• Hang to dry rather than tumble drying; it keeps the length and drape.
• Don't iron crinkle fabrics flat; steam lightly or leave them as they are.
• Use a cool iron on satin, on the reverse.
• Store the pieces together on one hanger so you can grab the whole outfit.

FAQ

What is an abaya set?

An abaya set is two or more matching pieces made to be worn together, such as an abaya with an inner dress, an abaya with a hijab or khimar, or a long tunic with a maxi skirt or wide trousers.

What is the difference between a 2-piece and a 3-piece abaya set?

A 2-piece set has two garments, usually an abaya with an inner dress or with a hijab. A 3-piece set adds a third, typically abaya, inner dress and hijab or khimar. You can turn a 2-piece into a 3-piece by adding a matching scarf.

What size abaya do I need?

Measure from the top of your shoulder to the floor in your usual shoes; that is your abaya length in inches or centimetres. As a guide, 150–158 cm suits 52–54 inches, 158–166 cm suits 54–56, 166–174 cm suits 56–58 and taller suits 58–60.

What size abaya for 5'4"?

At about 163 cm, most women wear a 54 or 56 inch abaya. Choose 54 if you wear flat shoes and walk a lot, and 56 if you wear heels or like the hem to touch the floor.

Can I wear an abaya set for Umrah?

Yes. A loose, opaque abaya set with a khimar or hijab suits Umrah well. Women have no fixed ihram garment and may wear any colour, but generally don't wear a niqab or gloves in ihram. Check current guidance with a scholar and the official Nusuk platform.

Is a khimar or a hijab better with an abaya set?

A hijab gives you styling choice and suits everyday outfits and occasions. A khimar gives more coverage over the shoulders and chest with no pins, so it is often preferred for prayer, the mosque and Umrah.

What do you wear under an open abaya set?

Most open abaya sets include a matching inner dress, so nothing else is needed. With a lace or light-coloured set, make sure the inner layer is fully opaque.

For cuts, fabrics and fit beyond sets, read our complete abaya guide, and for layering tips see what to wear under an abaya.