Abaya, Jilbab and Kaftan get used interchangeably online, which makes shopping confusing — especially when a listing calls the same silhouette three different names. Here's what actually separates them.

Abaya

An Abaya is a loose, flowing outer garment worn over regular clothes, traditionally black, though now made in every colour. It's usually full-length, open or closed at the front, and worn primarily across the Gulf and South Asia as the standard modest outer layer for daily wear, prayer, and formal occasions alike.

Jilbab

A Jilbab is also a loose, full-body covering, but the term traditionally refers to a more structured, often two-piece garment — a long tunic-style top over a matching skirt, or a single-piece cloak that covers from head to ankle without being fitted at any point. It leans more conservative and modest in cut than many modern Abaya styles, with less emphasis on shape or embellishment.

Kaftan

A Kaftan is different in purpose more than shape — historically a loose, wide-sleeved robe worn across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, not originally a religious modest-wear garment at all. Today it's often styled as loungewear or occasion wear, and while it's loose and full-length like an Abaya, it's usually more decorative, with wide sleeves and looser tailoring meant to stand alone rather than as an outer layer.

Quick way to tell them apart

  • Purpose: Abaya and Jilbab are worn specifically as modest outer layers; a Kaftan is a standalone garment that can be worn with or without an inner layer.
  • Structure: Jilbab tends to be the most conservative in cut; Abaya varies widely from plain to fitted and embellished; Kaftan is usually the most relaxed and decorative.
  • Occasion: Abaya works for daily wear through to formal events; Jilbab leans everyday and prayer wear; Kaftan leans occasion and loungewear.

In practice, brands (including us) don't always use these terms with textbook precision — a "Kaftan-style Abaya" is a common, perfectly reasonable listing. If you're ever unsure what a specific piece from our video actually is, just ask on WhatsApp and we'll describe the cut properly.