By the Libaya team, Islamabad. Prices in this guide were checked on the Libaya store on 25 October 2026.
Choosing an abaya for Umrah is one of the first practical decisions a woman makes when she starts packing. You will be walking, sitting on marble floors, praying, travelling by road and spending long hours in a crowd, so the garment has to be modest, loose and comfortable before it is anything else. This guide explains what official guidance says about women's Umrah clothing, how to choose the right cut and fabric, what to pack and what to leave at home, written for women shopping for hijab clothing in Pakistan.
What should a woman wear for Umrah?
A woman performing Umrah should wear loose clothing that covers the whole body, is free of ornaments and is not designed for decoration or attention. When Saudi Arabia published its women's Umrah dress guidance in September 2023, news reports quoted the Ministry as saying women may wear the clothes they prefer, provided they are loose-fitting, free of ornaments and cover the body.
That wording matters, because it means there is no single compulsory uniform for women. A plain, roomy abaya with a head covering is the most common and the most practical way to meet the guidance. Travel guides such as the one from Wego make the same points: no fixed ihram garment for women, no colour requirement is stated, and the garment should be modest and not made for adornment.
Rules and wording can be updated, so always check the latest instructions from the official Hajj and Umrah authorities, your tour operator or your scholar before you travel. This article is practical shopping advice, not a religious ruling.
Do you need a special abaya or a specific colour for Umrah?
No special abaya is required, and the guidance quoted by the sources above does not set one colour for women. What the guidance does describe is the quality of the clothing: loose, covering and plain. If you want a colour rule for your particular group or school of thought, ask your tour operator or scholar, because groups sometimes have their own customs.
In practice, many women choose a plain abaya in a dark or neutral shade because it hides dust and small marks during travel and is easy to match with scarves. Others choose lighter colours for comfort in warm weather. Both are reasonable. The better question is not "which colour" but "will I be comfortable in this for ten hours?"
Which abaya style is best for Umrah?
The best style is a loose, full-length abaya that stays closed and in place while you walk, bend and pray. Every Libaya abaya is hijab clothing, so the choice is mostly about how the front closes and how much movement you need. Here is a simple comparison.
| Style | Why women choose it for Umrah | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Closed abaya | Stays covered without any fastening to manage, which is helpful in crowds | Check that the neckline and sleeves are easy to put on and take off |
| Front open abaya | Easy to wear and remove, and practical for layering | Wear it fully closed or over a full layer so nothing opens while you walk |
| Travel wear abaya | Designed for moving around, so it suits airports and long days | Choose a plain design that fits the "free of ornaments" guidance |
| Everyday wear abaya | Simple cuts you can repeat across several days | Confirm the length before you order |
If you are not sure where to start, our guide to types of abayas explains each cut in more detail.
What fabric and fit work best for Umrah?
Choose a breathable, non-sheer fabric with a relaxed fit, because you will be outdoors and indoors, moving between hot and air-conditioned spaces. Avoid anything clingy, shiny, see-through or very stiff. A fabric that wrinkles heavily will look untidy after a few hours in a suitcase, so test how it behaves when you crumple it in your hand before you buy.
For fit, think in terms of movement rather than appearance. You should be able to raise your arms, sit on the floor, bow and rise from prostration without the abaya pulling across your shoulders, riding up at the knees or tightening at the waist. Sleeves should be wide enough to push back for wudu and long enough to stay in place afterwards.
Our abaya fabrics guide explains how common fabrics feel and behave, which helps you compare options on the product page.
How do you choose the right abaya length and size?
Measure from the top of your shoulder to the floor while wearing the shoes you will actually wear, then choose a length that clears your ankles without dragging. At Libaya, abaya sizes 52 to 60 are lengths in inches, so the number on the label tells you how long the garment is, not how wide.
A hem that is too long becomes a tripping risk on stairs, escalators and crowded walkways, and it collects dirt. A hem that is too short defeats the purpose of full coverage. Our abaya size guide for Pakistan shows step by step how to measure at home.
How many abayas should you pack for Umrah?
Most women are comfortable with three abayas for a trip of about a week: one to wear, one clean spare and one backup for spills or unexpected weather. Add more only if your trip is longer or you will not have laundry access. Repeating plain pieces with different scarves is easier than packing many different outfits.
Here is a short checklist you can adapt to your own plan.
| Item | Suggested quantity | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Plain loose abayas | 3 | Rotate them, and keep one for the flight |
| Head coverings | 3 to 4 | Soft, secure and easy to re-pin |
| Spare pins and clips | A small pouch | Wego's guide also suggests carrying extra pins |
| Comfortable socks | 4 pairs | Useful for long hours on foot |
| Light inner layer | 2 to 3 | Keeps the abaya from clinging |
| Small laundry bag | 1 | Keeps worn clothes separate |
What should you avoid wearing for Umrah?
Avoid anything tight, transparent, heavily decorated or likely to draw attention. The quoted guidance specifically asks for clothing that is free of ornaments, so leave heavy embroidery, stones, sequins and dramatic detailing for another occasion. Our Eid wear collection is better suited to festive days at home than to Umrah.
Also be careful with the following points.
- Face coverings and gloves during ihram. Travel guidance such as Wego's says women should not wear a niqab or gloves while in the state of ihram. Check with your scholar or group leader for your own situation.
- Very long trailing hems. They are a hazard on stairs and in crowds.
- Stiff or heavy fabrics. They become tiring after hours of walking.
- New clothes you have never worn. Wear your abaya at home for a few hours first so you know how it behaves.
- Anything you cannot fasten or adjust quickly. You may need to fix your clothing in a busy space without privacy.
How much does an Umrah-friendly abaya cost?
On 25 October 2026, the plain Simple Abaya in the Travel Wear collection was listed at Rs 4,000. Prices change, so always confirm the current price and available lengths on the product page before you order.
Here is how ordering works at Libaya, so you can plan around your travel date.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Courier delivery | 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, 4 to 5 working days |
| Delivery fee | Rs 300 on orders under Rs 5,000, free delivery over Rs 5,000 |
| Payment | 20% advance, the rest on delivery |
| Returns and exchanges | 10 days for unused items with tags; sale items are exchange only |
| Working hours | Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM |
Because delivery takes 4 to 5 working days and you will want time to try the abaya at home, place your order well before your flight rather than in the final week. Remember that the exchange window is 10 days for unused items with tags, so try your abaya on indoors without removing the tags until you are sure.
How can you prepare your abayas before the trip?
Try each abaya on at home with the shoes, scarf and inner layer you will actually use, and walk up and down a staircase in it. Sit on the floor, bend forward and raise your arms. If anything pulls, slips or rides up, you have found the problem while you still have time to exchange it.
Pack abayas folded loosely or rolled rather than pressed flat, and keep one in your hand luggage in case your suitcase is delayed. After the trip, follow the advice in our guide to washing and caring for an abaya so the garment lasts for years.
Frequently asked questions about abayas for Umrah
Can I wear any abaya for Umrah?
Most plain, loose, full-length abayas meet the general guidance, which asks for loose clothing that covers the body and is free of ornaments. Check your group's own instructions and the latest official guidance before travelling.
Does an abaya for Umrah have to be white?
The sources we checked do not state a colour requirement for women. If your group or scholar asks for a particular colour, follow that instruction.
Is a front open abaya suitable for Umrah?
Yes, as long as it stays fully closed or is worn over a full layer, and it is loose and plain. Make sure it cannot open while you walk or pray.
How many abayas should I pack for Umrah?
About three for a week-long trip is a comfortable number: one to wear, one spare and one backup. Increase the number if you will not have laundry access.
How do I know which abaya length to order?
Measure from the top of your shoulder to the floor in your travel shoes. Libaya abaya sizes 52 to 60 are lengths in inches, so match your measurement to the closest length and check our size guide if you are between sizes.
How long will delivery take?
Courier delivery takes 4 to 5 working days, Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM. Delivery costs Rs 300 on orders under Rs 5,000 and is free over Rs 5,000.
Need help choosing?
If you are shopping for hijab clothing in Pakistan for your Umrah trip and want a second opinion on length or style, message us on WhatsApp at +92 321 8556215 (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM) or visit us at G-10/1, Islamabad. You can browse the Travel Wear collection or the Front Open collection to compare plain, practical designs. Our abayas are hijab clothing for everyday modest wear, and we are happy to help you pick an abaya hijab combination that stays comfortable for the whole journey.