Abaya fabric names can be confusing. The same fabric is spelled three different ways, and some names describe a finish rather than a fibre. Here's a plain guide to the terms you'll see when shopping for an abaya in Pakistan.
Nida, nidha and nada
The same fabric, spelled three ways. Nida is the classic abaya fabric: light, matte, soft and flowing. You'll see it written as nida, nidha or nada depending on the seller. At Zayana we call it nada silk.
What matters is the grade, not the spelling. A good nida is smooth, fully opaque and holds its drape. A cheap one is thin, can be see-through, and goes limp after washing.
Korean nida
A name sellers use for one type of nida, usually with a smooth, fluid finish. Like any nida, quality varies widely, so "Korean" on its own tells you little. Judge it by the weight, the opacity and how it falls.
Crinkle nida
Nida with a pressed, crinkled texture. It hides creases, which makes it easy to wear and to travel with.
Crepe
A fabric with a fine, grainy surface. It drapes well, resists creasing and is very practical for travel and Umrah. Shimmer crepe has a subtle sheen woven in.
Georgette
A light, airy fabric with a slightly rough, matte feel and a lovely movement. Thin georgette can be sheer, so look for a premium, heavier weight. Emozin georgette is one of the heavier varieties.
Crush and self-crush
Fabrics with a permanently crushed, textured finish. Creases disappear into the texture, and they're light and easy to look after. "Self-crush" usually means the crush is part of the fabric itself rather than added later.
Silk and mulberry silk
A natural fibre with a beautiful sheen and a soft, smooth hand. Mulberry silk is the highest-quality everyday silk. It's comfortable and elegant but more delicate, and usually needs dry cleaning.
Jacquard
Not a fibre but a weave: the pattern is woven into the fabric rather than printed on. Jacquards are heavier and structured, and suit cooler weather and formal occasions.
Quick comparison
| Fabric | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Nida / nidha / nada | Light, matte, flowing | Summer, Umrah, everyday and occasions |
| Crepe | Fine grain, crease-resistant | Travel and Umrah |
| Georgette | Airy, light movement | Summer, if it's a heavier grade |
| Crush / crinkle | Textured, easy care | Everyday |
| Silk / mulberry silk | Smooth, soft sheen | Weddings, nikkahs, dawats |
| Jacquard | Structured, woven pattern | Winter and formal events |
How to judge any abaya fabric
- Hold it to the light. It should stay opaque.
- Feel the weight. Light isn't the same as thin.
- Watch it fall. A good fabric drapes cleanly and doesn't cling.
- Look at the seams. Neat, even stitching tells you as much as the fabric does.
Read our guide to the best abaya fabric for summer, or browse our signature abayas.