When in public in Saudi Arabia -- e.g., when in taxis, malls, souqs -- Saudi women wear a long black cloak, known as an abaya and they cover their hair.
Non-Muslim Western women often are taken aback at having to wear the abaya, and while they don't usually have to cover their hair, they complain about having to carry a scarf in case they are asked to cover. But really, it's not so bad. Here are the top 7 reasons that wearing an abaya isn't so bad:
- First about the scarf – bad hair day? Bad dye job? Bad cut? Roots showing? Just drape that scarf over your hair, and no one’s the wiser!
- Feeling bloated and your jeans are tight? Throw on the abaya!
- You threw on your grubby clothes, thinking you're only running to the supermarket, then you meet a friend who says, "Let's go to the restaurant in the golden ball at the Faisalyah for lunch"! No problem -- you don’t have to go home and change -- no one will know that you are dressed like a bum, because you're in an abaya!
- Having brunch in a restaurant in the women's and family's section and spilled hummus down the front of your shirt? No problem! Your abaya will cover it up!
- Bathrobe in the wash? No problem! Wear the abaya around the house!
- Clothes covered? Great opportunity to concentrate on those fancy shoes.
- And finally: Black is slimming …
