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Abaya
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The abaya is an overgarment worn by some women in Muslim-majority countries. It is the traditional form of hijab / Jilbab, or Islamic dress, for many countries of the Arabian peninsula. It is sometimes adopted in other parts of Islamic world. Traditional abayas are black, and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head, or a long black caftan. The abaya should cover the whole body save face, feet, and hands. It can be worn with the niqab, a face veil covering all but the eyes. Some women choose to also wear long black gloves, so their hands are covered underneath the abaya.
Saudi Arabia requires women to wear Abaya in public; the niqāb is optional. Abaya-wearing is enforced by the religious police, the mutaween(also known as the 'mutawa').
Contemporary Abaya are usually caftans, cut from light, flowing fabrics like crape, georgette, and chiffon. They are now made in colors other than black.