Ask Ali: What clothing is worn underneath an abaya?

In this week's Ask Ali we learn about the clothing that may be typically worn underneath an abaya.

Dear Ali: I hope my question is not too embarrassing. What do Emirati ladies usually wear under their abayas? Is it something traditional or normal dress? GG, Abu Dhabi

Dear GG: Abaya questions always bring me trouble, because my dear Emirati sisters will be either with or against my way of thinking, but I think I can keep both parties happy.

Many people don’t know that a black abaya is not a creation of Islam, but more of a traditional aspect of our culture.

In our region, historically, an abaya was simply a robe that was very light and used to cover the body, sometimes from head to toe, but there are also tribes that never had the abaya as an essential piece of clothing. In the past, abayas were closed and you could only see some colourful mukhawwar showing underneath the black.

Today, abayas have become more revealing, basically to show that they’re different from other abayas. Now, it could be shorter, other colours than black, opened at the front or even a little transparent so you can see the clothes that are worn under it. Not that I approve of this last style, because it contradicts the abaya’s purpose, which is to cover the body and to not attract attention.

In short, the answer to your question is that anything could be worn underneath an abaya. Even pyjamas. Yes, really.

Despite all that, I’m happy that traditional clothes remain in fashion within a modest limit.

Ladies still love wearing their mukhawwar (a traditional woman’s dress) underneath, which has a pure Emirati identity. It can be of any colour, but talli embroidery on the chest and wrists are the most essential features. Every souq in the UAE should sell them, but they’re never sold ready-made. You have to come to the shop, pick your favourite design and then give it to a tailor to stitch it for you.

There are many shops that publish their unique mukhawwar designs on social media. You can browse the latest collection in the comfort of your home, order your choice, get it stitched by a tailor and have it delivered without needing to leave your house. Or you could pay a visit to our great Qasr Al Hosn Festival, which runs until Saturday (for more information, visit www.qasralhosnfestival.ae), and check out some of the items sold at the traditional souq corner.

Mukhawwar is a popular dress during Ramadan and Eid. I think it’s a perfect outfit to be worn under an abaya on a daily basis – but unfortunately women never listen to us men on what to wear.

Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.