Most abayas today are made from polyester, a plastic fiber created from oil. It looks fine online but it traps heat, clings to the skin, and breaks down into microplastics that harm the planet. We built Zailarah on a different foundation: plant-based and natural fabrics that breathe, soften, and feel human again. This page explains exactly what we use, why we use blends, and what we will never use so you always know what is on your skin.
What it is: A fully natural fiber made from the flax plant, known for its airy weave and visible texture.
Why we use it: Linen breathes better than any synthetic fiber. It releases heat, absorbs moisture, and holds a clean structure that softens with wear.
Best for: Warm climates, travel days, and layering without weight.
Care: Wash gently in cold water and hang to dry. Expect it to soften naturally over time.
What it is: A soft, breathable fiber from the cotton plant. It has been the foundation of comfort for centuries.
Why we use it: Cotton is reliable, natural, and familiar. It feels fresh on the skin, moves easily, and balances breathability with structure.
Best for: Everyday wear that needs comfort, modesty, and ease in equal measure.
Care: Wash cold, tumble low or air dry. Iron lightly to restore smoothness.
What it is: A natural filament spun by silkworms, known for its smooth touch and graceful drape.
Why we use it: Silk has a quiet elegance that polyester imitates but never matches. It moves beautifully and regulates temperature naturally.
Best for: Special occasions or layering when you want lightness with refinement.
Care: Dry clean for best results or hand wash cold with silk-safe soap. Hang to dry.
What it is: A plant-based fiber made from purified wood pulp. It is processed by humans, but its source is nature, not oil.
Why we use it: Viscose bridges the gap between nature and comfort. It offers the softness and breathability of cotton with the drape and lightness linen sometimes lacks. Unlike polyester, viscose does not suffocate your skin or create static. It stays cool and fluid in movement.
Best for: Flowing abayas, hijabs, and lightweight designs that need movement and softness without plastic.
Care: Wash cold on delicate and hang to dry. Handle gently as viscose weakens when wet but regains strength once dry.
Why we blend fabrics: Every fiber has strengths. Linen holds shape, cotton adds softness, and viscose brings flow. When we combine them, you get clothing that feels natural but wears easier, without plastic or shortcuts.
Our promise: You will never find polyester hidden in a blend. Every material we use comes from plants, not petroleum.
Polyester is the imposter of the fabric world. It was made to imitate nature, but it never feels like it. At Zailarah, we choose real comfort over imitation. Every thread we use, whether linen, cotton, viscose, or silk, starts from the earth, not from oil. That is our definition of honesty in modestwear.