My friend Ayesha walked into our cafe meeting last week wearing the most gorgeous coat style abaya I’d ever seen. Everyone stopped to compliment her.
“Is that a coat or an abaya?” someone asked. “Both,” she smiled. That’s the magic of coat style abayas they blur the line between traditional modest wear and contemporary fashion.
If you’re tired of basic abayas that all look the same, Coat Style Abayas might be exactly what you’re looking for. These modern designs combine the coverage and modesty of traditional abayas with the sophistication and style of designer coats.
They’re perfect for women who want to look elegant and fashionable while maintaining their values. When shopping for these stylish pieces, exploring dedicated collections helps you find the perfect match for your style.
Quality retailers like Abaya Store offer curated selections that showcase the versatility of modern modest fashion.
Their abaya collection features various styles including the increasingly popular coat designs that work for multiple occasions. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Coat Style Abayas from choosing the right one to styling it perfectly for different occasions.
What Makes Coat Style Abayas Special?
Coat Style Abayas are basically abayas designed to look like fashionable coats. Instead of the traditional straight cut flowing design, these feature elements you’d see in high end outerwear: lapels, buttons, belts, structured shoulders, and tailored fits.
The genius of coat abayas is their versatility. You can wear them as complete modest outfits or layer them over your regular clothes like an actual coat.
This dual functionality makes Coat Style Abayas incredibly practical for modern lifestyles where you move between different settings throughout the day.
Key features that define coat abayas
- Front opening (usually with buttons, zippers, or wraps)
- Structured shoulders and tailored cuts
- Belt or tie at waist for definition
- Collar, lapels, or distinctive neckline
- Often made from coat-appropriate fabrics like wool blends, crepe, or structured cotton
- Can be worn open or closed
- Various lengths from knee-length to floor-length
Unlike traditional abayas that drape loosely from shoulders to floor, Coat Style Abayas create shape and structure. They accentuate your silhouette in a modest way while still providing full coverage.
Types of Coat Style Abayas You’ll Find
1. Trench Coat Abaya
The trench coat style is probably the most popular among Coat Style Abayas. Inspired by classic British trench coats, these feature:
- Double breasted button design
- Wide lapels
- Belt at waist
- Sometimes epaulettes on shoulders
- Usually in neutral colors like beige, navy, or black
Trench coat abayas look incredibly sophisticated and professional. Perfect for work environments, business meetings, or formal events.
2. Blazer Style Abaya
These combine the formality of a blazer with the coverage of an abaya. The Coat Style Abayas in blazer design typically include:
- Sharp, tailored shoulders
- Single or double-breasted buttons
- Lapel collar
- Structured fabric that holds shape
- Often shorter length (midi or knee-length)
Blazer abayas work wonderfully for office wear, professional settings, and semi-formal occasions.
3. Kimono Coat Abaya
This style blends Eastern and Western aesthetics. Kimono coat abayas feature:
- Wide, flowing sleeves
- Wrap around front
- Tie belt closure
- Loose, comfortable fit
- Often in luxurious fabrics like silk or satin
Perfect for casual elegant occasions or comfortable everyday wear.
4. Duster Coat Abaya
Long, flowing duster coats adapted into abaya form create dramatic, elegant pieces. These Coat Style Abayas work beautifully for:
- Evening events
- Formal gatherings
- Making fashion statements
- Layering over fancy outfits
5. Military Style Abaya
Inspired by military coats, these feature:
- Double rows of buttons
- Structured fit
- Sometimes gold tone hardware
- Distinctive collar designs
- Usually in solid, strong colors
These make bold fashion statements while maintaining modesty.
6. Pea Coat Abaya
Short, fitted pea coat style abayas offer:
- Double breasted design
- Large buttons
- Shorter length (usually knee length)
- Perfect for layering
Great for cooler weather and casual chic looks.
Fabric Guide for Coat Style Abayas
| Fabric Type | Season | Characteristics | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wool Blend | Winter | Warm, structured, holds shape | Formal wear, cold weather | High |
| Crepe | Year round | Flowy, wrinkle resistant, comfortable | Daily wear, versatile use | Mid range |
| Cotton Blend | Spring/Summer | Breathable, comfortable, washable | Casual wear, everyday | Budget friendly |
| Linen | Summer | Very breathable, lightweight, natural | Hot weather, casual | Mid range |
| Nida | Year-round | Easy care, durable, maintains shape | Daily wear, practical | Budget friendly |
| Polyester Blend | Year-round | Affordable, low maintenance | Everyday wear | Budget friendly |
| Silk/Satin | Special occasions | Luxurious, elegant, delicate | Formal events, evenings | High |
| Velvet | Winter | Rich, warm, luxurious | Special occasions, weddings | High |
Choosing the right fabric for your Coat Style Abayas depends on where you live, when you’ll wear them, and your budget. For everyday wear in moderate climates, crepe or cotton blends work beautifully. For special occasions, silk or velvet creates that wow factor.
Styling Your Coat Style Abaya
The beauty of Coat Style Abayas lies in their styling versatility. Here’s how to make them work for different occasions.
1. For Office and Professional Settings
The Look
Sophisticated, polished, authoritative
Choose blazer or trench style coat abayas in neutral colors black, navy, grey, beige, or burgundy. Pair with:
- Simple hijab in matching or complementary color
- Structured handbag or professional tote
- Closed toe shoes (pumps or flats)
- Minimal jewelry simple earrings, watch
- Keep makeup natural and professional
Pro tip
Darker colors look more formal. If your workplace is creative, you can experiment with patterns or lighter shades.
2. For Casual Everyday Wear
The Look
Comfortable, effortless, relaxed
Kimono or duster style Coat Style Abayas work great for daily activities. Style with:
- Casual hijab style (jersey or cotton)
- Comfortable flats or sneakers
- Crossbody bag or backpack
- Minimal accessories
- Natural makeup or none
Pro tip
Choose easy care fabrics like nida or cotton blend for daily wear. You want something machine washable and wrinkle resistant.
3. For Evening Events and Parties
The Look
Elegant, dramatic, fashionable
Opt for luxurious fabrics and embellished designs. Pair your coat abaya with:
- Dressy hijab (silk, chiffon, or embellished)
- Heels or elegant sandals
- Clutch or small evening bag
- Statement jewelry (earrings, bracelet)
- Full makeup if desired
Pro tip
Metallic colors (gold, silver, bronze) or rich jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy) photograph beautifully and look stunning at evening events.
4. For Weddings and Formal Occasions
The Look
Sophisticated, celebratory, elegant
Choose Coat Style Abayas with special details embroidery, sequins, lace, or unique cuts. Complete the look with:
- Fancy hijab with embellishments or metallics
- High heels
- Elegant clutch
- Statement jewelry
- Full glam makeup
Pro tip
Coordinate with the wedding color scheme if possible, but avoid white unless it’s culturally appropriate in your community.
5. For Travel
The Look
Practical, comfortable, stylish
Long duster or kimono coat abayas work perfectly for travel. They’re comfortable for long flights and create complete outfits easily. Pack with:
- Comfortable shoes
- Practical bag with good storage
- Simple hijabs
- Minimal accessories
Pro tip
Choose wrinkle resistant fabrics. Crepe and nida travel beautifully without needing ironing.
Color Guide: Choosing the Right Shades
Classic Neutrals (Black, Navy, Grey, Beige)
- Most versatile colors
- Work for any occasion
- Easy to accessorize
- Professional and timeless
- Every wardrobe needs at least one
Earth Tones (Brown, Camel, Olive, Rust)
- Warm and sophisticated
- Very on-trend currently
- Flattering on most skin tones
- Great for autumn/winter
- Easy to style
Pastels (Pink, Lavender, Mint, Peach)
- Perfect for spring/summer
- Romantic and feminine
- Best for casual or semi formal occasions
- Photograph beautifully
- Younger, fresher vibe
Jewel Tones (Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, Amethyst)
- Rich and luxurious
- Excellent for evening wear
- Make statements
- Flatter darker skin tones particularly well
- Perfect for special occasions
Metallics (Gold, Silver, Bronze):
- Festive and celebratory
- Best for evening events
- Eye catching and glamorous
- Work well with neutral accessories
- Special occasion pieces
When building your Coat Style Abayas collection, start with 2-3 neutral colors for versatility, then add special occasion pieces in bolder shades.
Size and Fit Guide
Getting the right fit is crucial for Coat Style Abayas since they’re more structured than traditional flowing abayas.
Measuring Yourself
Length: Measure from your shoulder to where you want the abaya to end (usually ankle-length for full coverage).
Shoulder Width: Measure across your shoulders from one edge to the other.
Bust/Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
Sleeve Length: Measure from shoulder to wrist for full sleeves.
Standard Sizing
| Size | Bust | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32-34″ | 54-56″ | Petite builds |
| S | 34-36″ | 56-58″ | Small to average |
| M | 36-38″ | 58-60″ | Average build |
| L | 38-42″ | 60-62″ | Plus size |
| XL | 42-46″ | 60-62″ | Plus size |
| XXL | 46-50″ | 60-62″ | Plus size |
Important notes
- Coat abayas should fit comfortably at shoulders
- Allow room for layering underneath
- Sleeves should reach wrists when arms are down
- Too tight loses the modest silhouette
- Too loose looks sloppy rather than elegant
Where to Buy Quality Coat Style Abayas
Finding quality Coat Style Abayas requires knowing where to shop and what to look for.
Online Shopping
Advantages
- Huge variety and selection
- Compare prices easily
- Shop from home
- Read customer reviews
- Often better prices than physical stores
What to check
- Clear product photos from multiple angles
- Detailed fabric and size information
- Return/exchange policy
- Customer reviews with photos
- Seller reputation
Physical Stores
Advantages
- See and feel fabric quality
- Try before buying
- Immediate purchase
- Personal styling advice
- No shipping wait
What to look for
- Quality stitching and finishing
- Fabric weight and texture
- How it drapes on you
- Comfort when moving
- Color accuracy in different lighting
Price Expectations
Budget Range (PKR 3,000-6,000)
- Basic fabrics (nida, polyester)
- Simple designs
- Limited embellishments
- Good for daily wear
Mid Range (PKR 6,000-15,000)
- Better quality fabrics (crepe, good quality cotton)
- More design details
- Some embellishments
- Versatile pieces
Premium Range (PKR 15,000-35,000)
- Luxury fabrics (silk, velvet, high quality wool)
- Designer pieces
- Elaborate embellishments
- Special occasion abayas
Luxury Designer (PKR 35,000+)
- High end designer brands
- Exclusive designs
- Premium materials
- Hand embellished details
The Coat Style Abayas you invest in should match your actual lifestyle and budget. Start with versatile mid range pieces, then add special occasion items as needed.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the life of your Coat Style Abayas significantly.
Washing Guidelines
Machine Washable (Cotton, Nida, Polyester)
- Cold or lukewarm water
- Gentle cycle
- Turn inside out
- Zip or button closed
- Air dry or low heat
Hand Wash (Silk, Delicate Fabrics)
- Cool water
- Gentle detergent
- Don’t wring or twist
- Roll in towel to remove water
- Air dry flat
Dry Clean Only (Wool, Velvet, Embellished)
- Professional cleaning recommended
- Worth the cost for expensive pieces
- Protects fabric and details
Storage
- Hang on padded hangers
- Store in breathable garment bags
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Ensure completely dry before storing
- Use cedar or lavender to prevent moths
Maintenance Tips
- Address stains immediately
- Steam instead of iron when possible
- Check care labels before washing
- Repair loose buttons or threads promptly
- Store seasonal pieces properly
Building Your Coat Abaya Collection
You don’t need dozens of Coat Style Abayas. Start smart and build gradually.
Essential Starter Collection (3-5 pieces)
- Black formal coat abaya: Your go to for professional settings and formal events
- Neutral everyday piece: (beige, navy, or grey) Daily wear workhorse
- Casual kimono or duster: Comfortable for weekends and errands
- One special occasion piece: Embellished or luxe fabric for events
- Seasonal option: Light summer piece or warm winter coat abaya
This gives you coverage for most situations without overwhelming your wardrobe or budget.
Expanding Your Collection
After establishing basics, add:
- Statement colors that suit your style
- Different styles (if you have all trench, try blazer)
- Seasonal variations
- Travel friendly pieces
- Work appropriate variety
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying wrong size: Always check measurements, don’t guess based on regular clothing sizes.
Ignoring fabric care: That dry clean only silk abaya won’t work for daily wear if you need machine-washable options.
Choosing style over comfort: If it’s uncomfortable, you won’t wear it regardless of how beautiful it is.
Not considering your lifestyle: A white linen coat abaya looks amazing but isn’t practical if you have small children or a messy job.
Forgetting about shoes: Coat Style Abayas work best when your whole outfit coordinates, including footwear.
Buying too many special occasion pieces: Most of life is everyday moments. Your collection should reflect that.
Conclusion
Coat Style Abayas represent the perfect marriage of tradition and modernity. They honor the principles of modest dress while embracing contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, attending a wedding, or traveling, there’s a coat abaya that fits your needs.
The beauty of these pieces lies in their versatility. One quality Coat Style Abayas can work for multiple occasions when styled differently. Pair it with professional accessories for work, dress it up with heels and jewelry for events, or keep it casual with sneakers and a simple bag for everyday wear.
Building your collection doesn’t require buying everything at once. Start with essential neutral pieces that work for your daily life, then gradually add special occasion items and statement pieces.
Focus on quality over quantity a few well made Coat Style Abayas in fabrics that suit your climate and lifestyle will serve you better than a closet full of pieces you never wear.
Coat style abayas prove that modest fashion can be contemporary, elegant, and endlessly versatile the perfect choice for the modern Muslim woman.
FAQs
What are Coat Style Abayas?
Coat Style Abayas are modern abayas designed to look like fashionable coats, featuring structured cuts, buttons, belts, and tailored fits while maintaining modest coverage.
Can I wear coat abayas in summer?
Yes, choose lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or light crepe; avoid heavy wool or velvet which are better for winter.
How do I style Coat Style Abayas for work?
Pair with professional hijab, structured bag, closed toe shoes, and minimal jewelry; choose blazer or trench styles in neutral colors.
Are coat abayas suitable for formal events?
Absolutely, choose luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet with embellishments; they work beautifully for weddings and formal occasions.
What’s the difference between coat abayas and regular abayas?
Coat abayas have structured, tailored cuts with coat-like features (buttons, lapels, belts) while regular abayas are typically loose fitting and flowing.
How much do quality Coat Style Abayas cost?
Prices range from PKR 3,000 for basic pieces to PKR 35,000+ for designer abayas; mid-range quality pieces cost PKR 6,000-15,000.
Can plus size women wear coat abayas?
Yes, many brands offer plus sizes; coat abayas can be very flattering with proper fit and styling, especially with waist defining belts.
How do I care for embellished coat abayas?
Most embellished pieces require dry cleaning to protect decorative details; check care labels and handle gently.
What shoes work best with coat abayas?
Closed toe pumps or flats for formal wear, comfortable flats or sneakers for casual looks, heels or elegant sandals for evening events.
Are Coat Style Abayas comfortable?
Yes, when properly fitted choose appropriate fabrics for your climate and activity level for maximum comfort.
Can I wear coat abayas open?
Yes, many are designed to be worn open over other modest clothing or closed for full coverage.
What colors are most versatile for coat abayas?
Black, navy, grey, and beige work with everything; these neutral colors suit all occasions and seasons.
How long should a coat abaya be?
Most are ankle length for full coverage, though midi length (calf-length) works for casual or modern styling.
