Journal

Front view of a grey-olive abaya with a high collar, three fabric-covered buttons, two flap pockets and long vertical seams, worn with a matching shayla
The Work Abaya: Everyday Abayas for the Office in Doha
A work abaya spends a long day on you: in the car, at a desk, in meetings and on the school run. Choose it for fabric, sleeves, pockets and length... Read more...
Front view of an ivory abaya with a high collar, a slanted overlapping front and a black fabric rose at the waist
How to Choose an Abaya for Ramadan and Eid
Ramadan asks a lot of one abaya: prayer, long evenings, family visits and Eid morning. Plan two or three pieces, each for a different hour, and order early if you... Read more...
Front view of a black textured abaya with large pale metallic roses, a shirt collar, a buttoned bodice and long sleeves
Occasion and Wedding Abayas: A Guide for Qatar
At many ladies-only weddings in Qatar the abaya comes off inside the hall. It still has to look right at the door, sit over an evening dress, and hang at... Read more...
Front view of a beige blazer abaya with black lapels, black side panels, a single button and two welt pockets
Made-to-Measure or Ready-to-Wear Abaya? How to Choose
A ready size suits you when your shoulders, sleeves and length match one row of the chart. Made to measure suits you when they do not. Check three measurements, then... Read more...
Front view of a black blazer abaya with wide lapels, closed at the waist above an inverted pleat, with two flap pockets
How to Measure Yourself for a Made-to-Measure Abaya
Five measurements decide how a made-to-measure abaya falls on you. Take them at home with a soft tape and a helper, then send them to Novella in Doha on WhatsApp. Read more...
Front view of a black abaya with a shirt collar, four fabric-covered buttons and vertical seams, worn with a black shayla
Black Abaya Care: How to Wash, Iron and Store It
Sun, hot water, detergent residue and perfume take the depth out of black. A few habits keep a black abaya dark: cold washes, shade drying, a pressing cloth and a... Read more...
Front view of a beige blazer abaya with black lapels, black side panels, a single button and two welt pockets
Abaya Trends 2026: What Qatar and the Gulf Are Wearing
Gulf fashion press spent 2026 writing about velvet, soft structure, blazer collars and black and white. We read the coverage and matched each trend to cuts and details in the... Read more...
Front view of a black blazer abaya with wide lapels, closed at the waist above an inverted pleat, with two flap pockets
Abaya Size Guide: XS to XL and Lengths 50 to 60
Two numbers decide your abaya: a size from XS to XL for the body and a length from 50 to 60 inches for the hem. Use the garment measurements and... Read more...
Front view of a grey pinstripe abaya with black thread floral embroidery, a high collar, a tied belt and black details at the shoulders, pockets and cuffs
How to Style an Abaya with a Shayla and Accessories
Two blacks rarely match. Pair a shayla with an abaya by fabric weight and undertone, then let one accessory lead: a belt, a brooch, a watch at the cuff or... Read more...
Front view of a black abaya with a V-neckline edged in black and white lace, three small metal buttons and lace cuffs
Best Abaya Fabric for Every Season: Crepe, Nida, Velvet Compared
Eight fabrics cover most abayas worn in Qatar. Each drapes, creases and handles the heat in its own way. Choose by the day ahead: a work week in August, a... Read more...
Front view of a black blazer abaya with two rows of gold buttons down the front and gold buttons at the cuffs, worn with a black shayla
Abaya Cuts Guide: Open, Closed, Flared, Bisht and Blazer
The cut decides how an abaya moves, how it sits in a car and how it looks across a room. A plain guide to eight cuts, with the Gulf names... Read more...
Front view of a navy abaya covered in a raised floral pattern, with a round neckline, covered buttons down the front and long sleeves
Abaya Colours Beyond Black: Navy, Grey, Beige and Olive
Black remains the norm in Qatar, and navy, grey, beige and olive each have their hours. Choose colour by undertone, season and setting, and know the moments that still call... Read more...