What to wear for Umrah: an abaya guide for women

What the ihram means for women

For women, ihram is a state, not a set of clothes. Any loose, modest clothing that covers the body is fine, in any colour. Most scholars say that while in ihram a woman should not wear a niqab or gloves, following the hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (1838). She may lower part of her scarf over her face when men are near. Ask a scholar you trust if you're unsure about your own case.

Choosing an abaya for Umrah

• Loose and opaque: you'll bend, sit and walk for hours, so it should never cling or show through.
• Easy to walk in: tawaf is seven rounds of the Kaaba and sa'i is seven walks between Safa and Marwa, about three kilometres. A closed abaya with room at the hem is easier than a tight one.
• The right length: slightly shorter than usual so it doesn't catch under your feet in crowds or on stairs. Flat shoes mean you can usually go one length down.
• Light colours stay cooler in the sun; black is practical because it doesn't show dust. Both are fine.
• Simple sleeves: for wudu you'll push your sleeves up often, so avoid heavy embroidery at the wrist for Umrah days.

What to pack (for a 10–14 day trip)

• Three or four abayas, so you always have a clean one while others are washed.
• Five or six hijabs, in a fabric that stays in place without many pins, such as jersey.
• Inner caps (under scarves) to keep the hijab from slipping.
• Comfortable flat shoes or sandals you've already walked in.
• A small cross-body bag for your phone, room key and a shoe bag.
• One nicer abaya if you'll also be there for Eid.

Weather and timing

Makkah is hot for most of the year, so breathable fabrics matter. In winter and early spring, including Ramadan in 2027, days are milder and evenings can be cool in Madinah, so pack one warmer layer.

Our abayas are stitched to order, so order at least two to three weeks before you travel, and earlier during Ramadan, when orders are heavier.

Questions