Where to Buy an Abaya in South Africa: A Buying Guide
You can buy an abaya in South Africa online from Cii Stores, with delivery across the country for R160 in 3 to 5 business days. Cii is an Islamic department store with a physical shop in Ormonde, Johannesburg, and its Abayas collection covers everyday abayas, kimonos, salah burkhas and children's styles in one place. This guide explains how to choose between them.
Where can I buy an abaya in South Africa?
Online, the simplest route is a store that shows real sizes, prices in rand and stock by colour. Cii Stores lists its abayas with prices from R 80.00 for a girls' short burkha to R 599.00 for a piped abaya, and delivery is free on orders over R1500. If you would rather see the fabric first, the Ormonde shop is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00, closed on Friday from 12:00 to 14:00 for Jumuah. For sizing questions, WhatsApp 076 666 5009.
Which abaya style suits which occasion?
An airflow abaya suits everyday wear and travel, a piped black abaya suits the masjid and work, a kimono suits layering for gatherings, and a salah burkha suits prayer at home or on the go. The table compares what Cii stocks, using the details on each product page.
| Style | Best for | Fabric and detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airflow Sleeveless Abaya | Everyday wear, travel, gatherings | Lightweight airflow textured fabric, 14 colours, sizes 52 to 60 | R 399.00 |
| Hayaat Cobra Abaya (Black) | Masjid visits, work, occasions | Lightweight fabric, white piping on the front and sleeves, sizes 52 to 60 | R 599.00 |
| IST Kimono with Bow and Pockets | Layering over a dress or an abaya | Linen, two side pockets, cold wash, sizes 52 to 58 | R 499.00 |
| Ladies Salah Burkha with Stone | Salah at home, work or in your bag | Worn over everyday clothes, Medium, brand Jilbab | R 599.00 |
| Girls Short Burkha | Madrassah, salah, occasions | Spandex that stretches, short cut made for children | R 80.00 |
Which abaya fabric is best for warm weather?
A lightweight textured fabric is the better choice for warm weather, because it drapes loosely and breathes. The Airflow Sleeveless Abaya is made from lightweight airflow textured fabric with a relaxed modest fit, and it comes in 14 colours including Black, Navy, Maroon, Teal, Beige and Sage.
What should I look for in a black abaya for the masjid or work?
Look for a relaxed, modest cut, a lightweight fabric that does not cling, and a finish that stays neat all day. The Hayaat Cobra Abaya in black has a flowing silhouette with white piping on the front and sleeves, and it comes in sizes 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60.
What is a kimono, and how do I wear it over an abaya?
A kimono is an open layer worn over a dress, an abaya or a coordinated modest outfit. The IST Kimono with Bow and Pockets is made from linen in a relaxed, flowing cut, with contrast piping, bow accents along the sleeves and two side pockets. It comes in Light Grey, Green, Brown and Grey, and the care instruction is a cold wash.
What is a salah burkha and when do I need one?
A salah burkha is a prayer covering worn over everyday clothes, so you are ready for salah without changing. The Ladies Salah Burkha with Stone is the Medium size from Jilbab, and it is easy to keep at home, at work or in your bag.
What do I buy for a girl who needs a madrassah or salah covering?
A short, stretchy cut is the practical answer, because a child needs to walk and sit without managing the length. The Girls Short Burkha is cut in spandex so it stretches and moves, in black, at R 80.00.
Do I need an inner under an open abaya?
An open or lightweight abaya is usually worn over an inner layer. Cii stocks a Sleeveless Abaya Inner Slip Dress at R 290.00, made from a textile and spandex blend and designed to be worn underneath an open or lightweight abaya. You will find it in the Ladieswear collection.
How do I choose the right abaya size?
Abaya sizes at Cii run in even numbers, 52 to 60 for the Airflow and Cobra abayas and 52 to 58 for the kimono. Check the size on the product page against an abaya that already fits you, then pick the matching number. Stock changes by colour and size, so choose your colour first and the available sizes will show.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy an abaya in South Africa?
You can buy an abaya in South Africa online from Cii Stores, an Islamic department store with a physical shop in Ormonde, Johannesburg. Cii delivers across South Africa for R160 in 3 to 5 business days, and delivery is free on orders over R1500.
What sizes do abayas come in at Cii Stores?
The Airflow Sleeveless Abaya and the Hayaat Cobra Abaya come in sizes 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60. The IST Kimono with Bow and Pockets comes in 52, 54, 56 and 58. Stock changes by colour and size, so check the product page for what is available.
Which abaya fabric is best for hot weather?
A lightweight, textured fabric such as the airflow weave is the more comfortable choice in warm weather, because it drapes loosely and breathes. The Airflow Sleeveless Abaya at Cii is made from lightweight airflow textured fabric and costs R 399.00.
What is the difference between an abaya, a kimono and a salah burkha?
An abaya is a full length outer garment worn over clothes. A kimono is an open layer worn over a dress or an abaya. A salah burkha is a prayer covering worn over everyday clothes so you are ready for salah without changing.
Do I need an inner slip dress under an open abaya?
An open or lightweight abaya is usually worn over an inner layer. Cii stocks a Sleeveless Abaya Inner Slip Dress at R 290.00 in a textile and spandex blend, made to be worn underneath an open or lightweight abaya.
Can I see an abaya in person before buying?
Yes. Cii Stores is at Shop No.4, Ormonde Shopping Centre, 18 Crownwood Road, Johannesburg, open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00, with a break on Friday from 12:00 to 14:00 for Jumuah.
Where to browse next
- Abayas: abayas, kimonos, burkhas and children's styles
- Ladieswear: inners, scarves and modest accessories
- Women: the full modest wear range for women
- Kids: children's modest wear and books
Questions about a size or a colour? WhatsApp 076 666 5009 and the Cii team will help.