The abaya is a traditional loose-fitting outer garment worn by some Muslim women. While traditional abayas feature simple and modest designs, modern abaya fashion has seen the introduction of more varied and elegant hem styles. These modern hems add a touch of class and uniqueness to this iconic Islamic dress. The basic abaya dress is a long, loose black robe which in another word is called an Islamic clothing that covers the body except for the face, feet and hands. It is often worn over regular clothes as an outer layer. Abayas traditionally had a simple straight hem that went all the way down to the feet. But modern designers are experimenting with more stylish hems.
A popular hem style for modern abayas is the handkerchief hem. It features sharp and asymmetric edges that resemble the points of a handkerchief. This hem style adds drama and flair to plain black abayas. The handkerchief hem is very versatile as its points can be long, short or medium length. They flutter elegantly while walking, giving the abaya a very chic look.

Another modern abaya hem that has become hugely popular is the waterfall hem. As the name suggests, it cascades down the abaya dress like a waterfall. The gently swinging fabric adds graceful movement and bounce to abayas in contrast to stiff straight hems. Waterfall hems feature ruffled edges or slits on the sides as well. They are youthful, fun and lend a playful vibe to formal abayas.

The fishtail hem is inspired by the fishtail shape and is another addition to modern abaya designs. It is closely fitted at the hips and flares out towards the bottom in a fishtail silhouette. This graceful hem highlights a woman’s figure modestly while adding a formal flair. Fishtail hems balance modesty with elegance beautifully in modern abayas.

Tiered hems with two or three layers are also rising in popularity. They add volume and bounce to the abayas shape. The tiers are crafted from sheer, lightweight fabrics like chiffon or georgette that sway with each step. The delicate, fluttering fabric of tiered hems softens and feminizes the look of abayas.

Inverted hems are an edgy and modern twist on abaya hems. Unlike regular hems which are stitched on the inside, inverted hems are stitched on the outside. This exposes the inner lining and gives the hem an avant-garde look. Inverted hems add a contemporary edge to modern abaya fashions.
These modern abaya hem styles show how Muslim women can balance religious modesty with fashionable elegance. They allow women to express their personal style without compromising on their values and beliefs. The new abaya hems give the simplicity of the abaya an elevated, graceful twist making abayas effortlessly elegant. These innovations showcase that modest Islamic clothing can be stylish and classy. Modern abaya hem styles put the spotlight on craftsmanship and creativity rather than ostentation. With skilled designers continuously reimagining the abaya with flair and finesse, one can expect even more progressive hems in future to adorn this iconic dress.
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