How to Start an Abaya Business With Wholesale Abayas
Starting an abaya business can seem complicated at first.
You need designs.
You need a manufacturer.
You need inventory.
You need packaging.
You need a website.
And, most importantly, you need abayas that your customers actually want to buy.
The good news is that you don't necessarily need a huge collection to get started.
A carefully planned wholesale collection can be enough to launch your modest fashion business and begin testing the market.
1. Decide What Type of Abaya Brand You Want to Build
Before contacting a manufacturer, decide what your brand is going to offer.
Do you want to focus on:
- Everyday abayas?
- Luxury abayas?
- Summer abayas?
- Open abayas?
- Wedding and evening wear?
- Affordable modest fashion?
- Custom-designed abayas?
You don't need to sell everything.
In fact, having a clear niche can make it easier for customers to understand your brand.
2. Choose Your First Collection
Your first collection should be planned around your target customer.
For example, a new brand could start with:
Everyday Collection — simple styles for regular wear.
Summer Collection — lightweight and breathable options.
Open Abaya Collection — versatile pieces that can be styled with different inner outfits.
Occasion Collection — elegant designs for weddings, dinners and special events.
The goal isn't to have hundreds of products.
The goal is to have products that make sense together.
3. Find a Reliable Wholesale Abaya Manufacturer
This is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
A manufacturer isn't simply responsible for giving you products.
They're helping you create the inventory your business will sell.
That's why you should compare:
- MOQ
- Fabric options
- Custom designs
- Production time
- Quality
- Communication
- Packaging
- Shipping
- Payment terms
For brands looking for an abaya-focused wholesale and manufacturing option, Rubab’s Hijab is worth considering.
You can explore Rubab’s Hijab wholesale options and discuss your requirements directly.
4. Can You Start With 100 Abayas?
A first order of around 100 pieces can be a reasonable starting point for some new brands, depending on the manufacturer's current requirements.
You could divide the quantity across several designs, colours, and sizes.
For example, instead of buying 100 identical abayas, you might create a small collection with several complementary designs.
The exact quantity and breakdown should always be discussed with your manufacturer before production.
5. Consider Custom Abaya Designs
If you want to build a serious fashion brand, consider whether you want to sell existing designs or develop your own.
Custom designs can help your collection stand apart.
You can provide your ideas and discuss details such as:
- Silhouette
- Fabric
- Colour
- Sleeves
- Embroidery
- Embellishments
- Measurements
- Finishing
This can take more time than buying ready-made stock, but it can also give your brand a stronger identity.
6. Don't Forget About Fabric
Fabric can completely change how an abaya feels and performs.
A fabric that works beautifully for winter may not be ideal for summer.
Likewise, a lightweight fabric suitable for everyday wear may not create the structured appearance you want for an occasion collection.
Before manufacturing, understand the fabric options available and choose them based on your customer's climate and lifestyle.
7. Plan Your Sizes Carefully
One of the biggest mistakes new clothing businesses make is ordering sizes without understanding their customers.
Look at your target market.
Who are you selling to?
What size range do you need?
Do your customers prefer a loose fit?
Do you need different lengths?
Your manufacturer should receive a clear size breakdown before production begins.
8. Don't Ignore Production Time
Wholesale manufacturing takes time.
If you're creating custom abayas, there can be design approval, production, finishing, quality checks, packaging and shipping.
Depending on the order, the process may take around two months or longer.
That means you should plan your collection well before the date you want to launch it.
If you're preparing for Ramadan, Eid, summer, wedding season, or another major shopping period, start early.
9. Calculate Your Real Cost
Don't calculate your selling price using only the manufacturing cost.
Your actual cost may include:
Product cost + packaging + shipping + customs/import charges + website costs + marketing + payment fees
Once you know the real cost per abaya, you can set a retail price that gives your business enough room to operate and grow.
10. Build Your Brand Before the Shipment Arrives
Don't wait until your inventory reaches you before starting your marketing.
You can prepare:
- Website
- Product descriptions
- Social media pages
- Brand photography
- Email marketing
- Launch announcements
- Packaging
- Content
- Advertising strategy
By the time your inventory arrives, you should already be ready to sell.
11. Start Small, Learn and Expand
Your first collection doesn't have to be perfect.
Your first goal should be to learn.
Which designs sell fastest?
Which colours are popular?
Which sizes do customers request?
Which price points work?
Which styles receive the most attention on social media?
Use this information to make smarter decisions when placing your next wholesale order.
Why Consider Rubab’s Hijab for Your Abaya Business?
If you're searching for a wholesale abaya manufacturer, Rubab’s Hijab is an option worth exploring for businesses interested in abaya-focused wholesale and custom production.
The important thing is to discuss your exact requirements before placing an order.
Ask about your desired quantity, designs, fabrics, production timeline, and shipping arrangements.
You can learn more about Rubab’s Hijab wholesale manufacturing and contact the team about your collection.
Final Thoughts
Starting an abaya business doesn't necessarily require a massive inventory or hundreds of different designs.
Start with a clear customer.
Build a focused collection.
Choose your manufacturer carefully.
Understand your costs.
Plan production early.
And use your first collection to learn what your customers actually want.
The right wholesale manufacturing partner can make the process much easier—but your success will ultimately come from choosing the right products for the right customers.