Most wardrobes in the UAE have at least a few abayas that rarely come out: the embroidered one bought for a wedding, the one that's a size too long, the style you've moved on from. They're often well made and barely worn, which makes them easy to sell if you list them in the right place and describe them properly.
Here's how to sell pre-loved abayas and other modest fashion online in the UAE, from getting them ready to photographing, sizing and pricing.
Where to sell abayas online
Big international resale apps mostly don't have categories for abayas, so pieces get lost under “dresses” or “other”. That's why so much of this market happens on Instagram resale pages and WhatsApp groups. They work, but you handle every message, arrange a meet-up or a delivery yourself, and get paid by transfer from someone you don't know.
Khaznati was built with the Gulf market in mind, so modest fashion has its own categories rather than being squeezed into Western ones:
- Abayas: everyday, open and kimono, closed, farasha, embroidered and occasion
- Jalabiya and kaftans, including Khaleeji jalabiya, Moroccan kaftans and takchita
- Jilbabs and khimars, prayer wear and isdal, modest co-ord sets and activewear
- Hijabs and shaylas, plus pins, magnets and clips
- Kanduras and thobes, and South Asian ethnic wear such as sarees, for men and women
When an abaya sells, a courier collects it from your door and delivers it to the buyer. There's no meet-up, and payment goes through the app. Sellers pay zero commission, so you keep the full price you list at. Buyers pay a small protection fee at checkout.
Get it ready before you photograph it
- Clean and press it. A steamed abaya looks worth twice the price of a creased one. Dry-clean delicate or embellished pieces.
- Check the details. Loose beads, pulled threads, a stuck zip or missing press studs are quick to fix now and put buyers off in photos.
- Find the matching pieces. An abaya with its original shayla or inner slip sells better as a set.
- Air it out. Stored pieces can pick up the smell of bakhoor or the wardrobe. Some buyers love oud, others don't, so it's worth airing it and mentioning it if a scent remains.
Photos that sell
Black on black is hard to photograph, and it's the reason many abaya listings look flat. A few things make a big difference:
- Use daylight from a window, never a flash, so the fabric's texture and sheen show
- Hang it on a door or a rail against a light, plain wall rather than laying it on a dark bed
- Take one full-length photo, then close-ups of the embroidery, cuffs, neckline and fabric
- Show the back and the inside label, including the brand and size if there is one
- Add a photo of any flaw, however small. It builds trust and prevents returns
Sizing: measure, don't guess
Abayas are sold by length, usually in inches from the top of the shoulder to the hem. Sizes typically run from around 50 to 62, and buyers choose by their height. Labels vary between boutiques, so lay the abaya flat and measure it yourself.
On Khaznati you pick the length size when you list, shown in both inches and centimetres (for example 56 · 142 cm), with a free-size option for flowing cuts. In the description, add anything that affects fit:
- Width of the cut (fitted, straight, wide or farasha)
- Sleeve style and length
- Whether it's open-front, closed or has a belt
- The fabric, for example nida, crepe, chiffon, linen or jersey
How to price it
Everyday abayas
Plain everyday abayas are plentiful, so price them to move: usually a quarter to a third of what they cost new. Bundling two or three together works well.
Embroidered, occasion and designer abayas
These hold their value far better, especially if they've been worn once or twice. Mention the designer or boutique, include the original receipt or tags if you have them, and price with the retail cost in mind. If you're not sure where to start, try the free price estimator or read our general guide to pricing second-hand items.
List before Ramadan and Eid
Demand for occasion abayas, jalabiyas and kaftans rises sharply in the weeks before Ramadan and before each Eid. List those pieces four to six weeks ahead so buyers find them when they start looking. Everyday abayas sell steadily all year.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I sell my used abayas in the UAE?
Instagram resale accounts and WhatsApp groups are popular but mean lots of messaging, meet-ups and payment by transfer. Khaznati has dedicated categories for abayas, jalabiyas, kaftans, hijabs and shaylas, a courier collects from your door, and sellers pay zero commission.
How should I describe an abaya's size?
Abayas are sized by length, usually in inches from the shoulder to the hem (for example 54 or 56). Measure it yourself rather than relying on the label, give the length in inches and centimetres, and mention the sleeve style and how wide the cut is.
How much can I sell a second-hand abaya for?
Everyday plain abayas usually sell for a quarter to a third of their original price. Embroidered, occasion and designer abayas hold value much better, especially in excellent condition and close to Ramadan and Eid, when demand peaks.
Is there a good time of year to sell modest fashion in the UAE?
The weeks before Ramadan and before each Eid are the busiest, as people look for new occasion abayas, jalabiyas and kaftans. List your occasion pieces four to six weeks ahead so they're visible when buyers start looking.