Our Story

A family legacy rooted in faith, crafted with purpose.

ab | abayasboutique.com was born from a moment of transformation. It was 1995, and our founders — husband and wife — had just returned from their honeymoon: their very first ‘Umrah. It was also the first time she wore the hijab. But what should have been a beautiful new chapter was quickly met with frustration — the options for modest wear were limited, the materials poor in quality, and nothing was suited to the UK climate.

So, we did what many wouldn’t: we created our own.

With a degree in marketing and business, she brought structure and vision. He, an emerging London fashion designer, had given up his promising career in luxury fashion for a halal income. Together, they crafted a raincoat-style abaya — modest, weather-appropriate, and truly practical. When she wore it to a conference, friends took notice. Everyone asked for one. They insisted we start selling. That was the moment everything changed.

We launched under the name Islamic Libas, travelling across the UK — not just to showcase our designs, but to seek knowledge and serve our community. For years, our pieces became a staple at Islamic events and conferences, resonating with seekers who were looking for what we had once struggled to find ourselves. From the very first UK jilbaab designs, to khimars and tailored abayas with pockets, crafted from Japanese crepes and English tweeds — even menswear, like kurta-style tops with cargo pant sets — our design-led approach helped shape modest fashion in Britain for over two decades.

Eventually, we expanded into hijabs too — from our signature rayon maxi square to printed wrap scarves. These were always created with real women in mind — pieces that were functional, timeless, and reflective of the needs of our community. From the beginning, we worked with skilled artisan women across the UK — many of whom were underprivileged, single mothers, or seeking flexible, dignified work from home. Our story has always been woven with theirs.

In 2009, after years of customers asking to shop beyond conferences, we launched our first website. And in 2011, we took a leap of faith: opening our very first physical boutique and rebranding as Abayas Boutique — a dream fulfilled.

As Khaleeji styles began influencing the UK modest fashion scene, we introduced abaya lines inspired by the silhouettes and trends of that era. Quietly but impactfully, we raised the bar. Our founder’s eye for quality and precision played a key role in shaping the abaya industry as we know it today.

Around that time, we opened a small factory in the UAE and began working with skilled craftsmen, carefully overseeing production to ensure every piece met the standard we had become known for. Our manufacturing moved abroad — but never at the expense of ethics, quality, or care.

In 2016, we relocated to our current home on Manchester’s Curry Mile, where the brand truly found its rhythm and continued to grow.

Today, their daughter joins them — continuing the family legacy with the same intention, sincerity, and care that started it all. Together, we design for women, by women — with your needs always in mind.

We’ve never followed fast fashion. In fact, some of the pieces we made in the early 2000s are still being worn today — a quiet testament to the quality, heart, and integrity behind every stitch.