Quick answer: The most common abaya fabrics are Nida, Korean jorjet, crepe and textured fabrics. Nida is a smooth, lightweight everyday fabric. Jorjet is soft and flowing. Textured fabrics add depth to a plain colour. The best choice depends on the season, the occasion and how much care you want to give.
Fabric decides how an abaya drapes, how it feels in the heat and how easy it is to look after. This guide explains the fabrics you will see most often in Pakistan so you can read a product listing with confidence. Always check the care label on your own abaya, because blends and finishes vary between makers.
What is Nida fabric?
Nida is a smooth, lightweight fabric widely used for abayas in the Gulf and Pakistan. It falls cleanly, resists heavy creasing and has a soft, slightly matte finish, which is why it is popular for everyday and formal abayas. It also carries embroidery well. Browse embroidered abayas for Nida styles with detail.
A Nida abaya with embroidery on the sleeves.
What is Korean jorjet?
Jorjet, often sold as Korean jorjet, is a light, flowing fabric with a soft drape. It moves easily and feels airy, so it suits warm weather and relaxed styles. Because it is delicate, it is best washed gently and steamed instead of pressed hard. See our beige front open Korean jorjet abaya.
Jorjet gives a soft, flowing drape.
What is a self-textured abaya fabric?
Self-textured fabric has a pattern woven into the cloth itself, so a plain colour gains depth without any print. It looks refined, hides small creases and works well for daily wear. Explore the textured abayas collection.
What is crepe?
Crepe has a slightly crinkled surface and a structured drape. It resists clinging and keeps its shape, which suits straight-cut and office abayas. Check the label, since crepe can be made from different fibres.
Which fabric is best for summer?
Lighter, breathable fabrics such as jorjet are more comfortable in heat. Choose a loose cut like a kaftan abaya or a butterfly abaya so air can move around you.
Which fabric is best for office and daily wear?
Smooth, low-maintenance fabrics such as Nida and textured fabrics are practical. They hold their shape through the day. See office wear abayas and everyday abayas.
Fabric comparison at a glance
| Fabric | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Nida | Smooth, lightweight, falls cleanly | Everyday, formal, embroidered abayas |
| Korean jorjet | Soft, airy, flowing | Warm weather, relaxed and front open styles |
| Self-textured | Woven pattern, subtle depth | Daily wear, office |
| Crepe | Structured, slightly crinkled | Straight-cut and office abayas |
How do I care for these fabrics?
Wash gently in cool water, dry in the shade and iron on the reverse at a low to medium heat. Read our full guide on how to wash and care for your abaya.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for an abaya, Nida or jorjet?
Nida is smoother and more structured, which suits everyday and formal wear. Jorjet is lighter and more flowing, which suits warm weather and relaxed looks.
Is Nida fabric good for summer?
Nida is lightweight, but a very loose cut in a lighter fabric such as jorjet is usually more comfortable in peak heat.
Do textured abayas crease easily?
Textured fabrics tend to hide small creases better than smooth fabrics, though you should still follow the care label.
How can I tell what fabric an abaya is?
Check the product description and care label. If a listing does not name the fabric, ask the seller before you buy.
Ready to shop? Browse the newest abayas online in Pakistan from Libaya. Delivery is free on orders over Rs 5,000 and Rs 300 below that, with 20% advance and the remaining 80% on delivery.