September 7, 2026
Caring for Nida, Chiffon and Zari
Most abayas are ruined by heat, not by wear. Fabric by fabric:
Nida. The workhorse. Cold machine wash on a gentle cycle, dry in the shade, press on a warm iron. It takes a crease well and releases it just as easily.
Chiffon and manjan. Wash cold and separately the first time — the dye can bleed on a first wash. Hang it dripping wet and most creases fall out on their own. Iron on low, never directly on a seam.
Zari crush. Do not press it. The crush is set into the cloth and a hot iron flattens it permanently. Wash cold, squeeze rather than wring, and hang it up while damp so it reshapes itself.
Beadwork and katdana. Turn the piece inside out before washing and keep it away from the drum edge. Press around the work, never over it.
All of them. No bleach, no direct sun for drying. Sun is what fades a black abaya to grey.
Nida. The workhorse. Cold machine wash on a gentle cycle, dry in the shade, press on a warm iron. It takes a crease well and releases it just as easily.
Chiffon and manjan. Wash cold and separately the first time — the dye can bleed on a first wash. Hang it dripping wet and most creases fall out on their own. Iron on low, never directly on a seam.
Zari crush. Do not press it. The crush is set into the cloth and a hot iron flattens it permanently. Wash cold, squeeze rather than wring, and hang it up while damp so it reshapes itself.
Beadwork and katdana. Turn the piece inside out before washing and keep it away from the drum edge. Press around the work, never over it.
All of them. No bleach, no direct sun for drying. Sun is what fades a black abaya to grey.
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