An abaya is often the piece you reach for every day, and it is usually the one that creases fastest. Folded in a drawer, packed in a suitcase or crushed in the car on the way to work, the fabric soon picks up lines. Reach for a hot iron and you risk shiny patches, scorch marks and flattened embroidery.
Steam is the gentler option. Nothing presses down on the fabric, so creases relax instead of being flattened and the drape stays soft. This guide covers how to steam an abaya made from the most popular fabrics in the UAE, how close to hold the steamer, and what you should never steam.
Before you start
- Check the care label. If it says "do not steam" or "dry clean only", follow it.
- Use a good hanger. A wide, padded or shaped hanger keeps the shoulders in shape while the fabric hangs straight.
- Close zips and press studs. This helps the fabric hang evenly.
- Test a hidden area first. Steam the inside of a hem or seam for a few seconds and check for water marks or a change in sheen.
How to steam an abaya, step by step
- Hang it up. Let the abaya hang freely so its own weight helps pull out creases. An upright steamer such as the Fridja f1200 Clothes Steamer Pro lets you steam while the garment hangs, which suits long, flowing pieces.
- Choose the right setting. Start on a lower steam setting for light or sheer fabrics and only turn it up if the creases are not relaxing.
- Work from top to bottom. Begin at the shoulders and move down in slow, vertical strokes.
- Keep the fabric taut. Hold the hem gently with your free hand, wearing a heatproof glove, so the fabric is lightly stretched rather than pulled.
- Steam the inside too. For thicker fabrics, steaming from the inside helps with stubborn creases and protects the outer finish.
- Let it dry before wearing. Leave the abaya on the hanger for five to ten minutes so any moisture can evaporate and the fabric can settle.
Fabric by fabric
Crepe
Crepe has a fine, grainy texture that can lose its character if it is pressed flat, so steam suits it well. Use a medium setting, hold the steam head a few centimetres from the fabric and keep it moving. Avoid pressing the head against crepe for long, as this can leave a slight shine.
Nida
Nida is light and smooth and drapes beautifully, which is why it is so popular for everyday abayas. It also creases easily. A low to medium setting is usually enough. Light strokes, a gentle tug on the hem and a few minutes on the hanger will do most of the work.
Chiffon and georgette
Sheer fabrics need the most care. Use the lowest steam setting and keep the head a little further away, around 5 to 10 cm. Do not let water drip on to chiffon, as it can leave marks. If your abaya has a chiffon overlay on a heavier base, steam the base layer from the inside and pass only lightly over the overlay.
Embellished abayas
Beading, sequins, crystals and embroidery are often attached with glue or fine thread that heat can weaken. Steam the plain areas around the decoration, and steam decorated panels from the inside so the steam reaches the fabric without hitting the embellishment directly. Never press the steam head on to stones or sequins.
What not to steam
- Leather, suede and faux leather trims. Some of these materials are sensitive to moisture, so keep steam away from any panels or piping made from them.
- Glued embellishments. Heat and moisture can loosen the adhesive.
- Anything the care label says not to steam. When in doubt, test a hidden spot or ask your tailor.
Bear in mind that steam relaxes creases but does not create sharp lines. If your abaya has pressed pleats, a cool iron with a pressing cloth is still the better tool for those details.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Holding the steamer in one spot. Keep it moving to avoid damp patches.
- Steaming an abaya flat on the bed. Hanging lets the fabric fall naturally.
- Wearing it straight away. A few minutes to dry stops new creases forming.
- Skipping descaling. Limescale builds up over time and can affect the steam. Descale regularly to keep it clean and even.
For more, read the 3 most common clothes steaming mistakes.
Why an upright steamer suits abayas
Abayas are long, and a small handheld steamer can feel slow on a full-length garment. The f1200 Clothes Steamer Pro is an upright steamer with a 3 litre water tank and up to 100 minutes of continuous steam, so you can refresh several abayas, a kandura and a few shirts in one go. It heats up in 35 seconds and has adjustable steam settings for delicate fabrics such as silk, cashmere and chiffon, yet it is strong enough for curtains and coats. It comes with a fabric brush, a heatproof glove, descaling crystals and a flexible ironing board.
Keep your abayas looking their best
Steam little and often, store abayas on good hangers with space around them, and let each one air after wearing. For a wider guide, see what fabrics can be steamed, and if you are still deciding between tools, read clothes steamer vs iron. When you are ready to make abaya care easier, take a look at the Fridja f1200 Clothes Steamer Pro.