If you search for an abaya in Montreal you will find two kinds of options: small boutiques in Saint-Laurent, Côte-des-Neiges and Laval that stock imported occasion wear, and the big online marketplaces shipping from overseas. Both have their place. Neither is great if what you want is a light, well made abaya for everyday wear in a Montreal summer, delivered in days rather than weeks.
What to check before you buy
- Fabric content. Most imported abayas are nida or crepe, which are polyester. Fine for an evening; warm in July. Look for linen or cotton blends for daytime. Our fabric guide explains the difference.
- Sheerness. Light fabrics can turn transparent in direct sun. Ask, or look for a dense weave.
- Length in your size. Sizing from overseas runs long or short unpredictably. Check the garment length against your height; our size guide shows how.
- Returns and shipping from Canada. A return to an overseas seller often costs more than the abaya. Buying from a Canadian brand means local shipping, local returns and no customs surprises.
Where HAYAR fits
HAYAR is a Montreal based modest wear label. We design here and ship from here, so an order placed in Montreal, Laval, Toronto or Vancouver arrives without duties and can come back within 14 days if the size is not right. We do not have a shop floor; everything is sold on this site, which is how we keep a three piece linen set at $175.
The collection is deliberately small:
- The Linen Set: open abaya, inner dress and hijab in one breathable linen blend, in Olive, Oat and Dusty Blue, sizes S to L/XL.
- Liquid Jersey: an ultra soft jersey hijab in ten colours, $35.
Montreal, in linen
Our photos are shot around the city, because that is where these pieces get worn: on the metro, in the park, at a hotel lobby in Laval with a cart that was definitely meant to be returned after use. See the about page for the story, or write to us through the contact page if you want sizing help before you order.