Packing for a summer holiday as a modest dresser can be tricky. You want to stay cool but also maintain the right level of coverage. The key is choosing smart abaya fabrics, layering the right way and packing travel friendly modest pieces that won’t take up too much space.
Whether you’re heading to a halal beach resort, exploring a city or visiting family in a hot country, this guide will help you plan your outfits so you can stay comfortable, stylish and dressed modest.
Why Fabric Breathability Matters for Your Comfort
The abaya fabric you wear in the heat can completely change how comfortable you feel. Some materials trap heat and make you sweat more, while others let your skin breathe and keep you cool.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are the best choices for summer travel. They absorb moisture and allow airflow, making them ideal for hot destinations. If you’re packing abayas or inner slips, look for lightweight chiffon or jersey blends. These drape beautifully while still feeling airy.
Thaqafa Mauve Open Abaya
- Colour: Mauve
- Stripe design
- Lightweight fabric
- Tie back stitched on
- No buttons
- Cuff sleeves
- Everyday piece
Avoid thick polyester and synthetic blends as they don’t let your skin breathe. A simple test before packing is to hold the fabric up to a light source. If some light passes through, it’s breathable. If not, it might feel too heavy in the heat.
How to Layer Without Feeling Too Warm
Layering is essential for modest outfits, but in hot weather, too many layers can feel overwhelming. Instead of heavy cardigans or thick closed abayas, buy sheer open abayas, lightweight kimonos or flowy dusters. These provide coverage while allowing air to circulate, keeping you cool. If you’re wearing a sheer abaya, pair it with a breathable inner slip for added modesty without extra bulk.
White Inner Slip Dress
- White Inner Slip Dress
- NEW Thicker Non-Transparent Material
- Buy 2 for £25
- Abaya Underdress
- Short half sleeve inner slip
- Abaya & belt not included
- See all our abaya inner slip dresses
If you’re heading somewhere with strict dress codes, a packable travel abaya is useful. It can be folded up easily and thrown on when needed. Some lightweight abayas come with attached slip dresses, making them perfect for hot days.
Quick Change Hijab Bonnets & Hijab Caps
Struggling with a long hijab wrap in the heat can be frustrating. Instead, pack easy-to-wear bonnets and hijab caps that don’t require constant fixing. Slip on hijabs or one piece pull-over styles can be lifesavers when you’re rushing out the door.
A good trick is to keep a fresh hijab bonnet in your handbag. Long travel days can leave your hijab feeling sweaty and swapping it out for a fresh one can make you feel instantly better. Look for moisture-wicking fabric that absorbs sweat and keeps your head cool.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, hijab-friendly sun hats with a wide brim can give you extra protection while still fitting comfortably over your hijab.
Travel Friendly Abayas & Modest Summer Dresses
Packing bulky abayas can take up a lot of space in your suitcase. Instead, go for packable, wrinkle resistant fabrics that fold down easily. Jersey abayas, crinkle chiffon maxi dresses and lightweight kaftans are great options for travel.
If you need an abaya for special occasions, shop for abayas with subtle embellishments that work for both casual and dressy settings. a belt or a statement brooch can transform a simple abaya into an elegant evening outfit with minimal effort.
Sky Blue Essential Open Abaya
- Colour: Sky Blue
- Tie belt included
- Comfortable fit
- Breathable fabric
- Everyday wear
Two-piece abaya sets with a coordinating inner slip also give you multiple outfit options with just one piece. Pair the slip dress with a light kimono during the day and throw on the matching abaya in the evening.
A Small Refresh Kit for Hot Days
When travelling in a hot country, a small refresh kit can help you stay fresh throughout the day. Keep a few essentials in your bag:
- Cooling facial mist – instantly refreshes your skin.
- Travel size dry shampoo – keeps hair fresh under hijabs.
- Unscented wet wipes – perfect for freshening up after long walks.
- Roll on sunscreen – easy to reapply without making a mess.
- Deodorant wipes – compact and perfect for travel days.
These little things can make a big difference when you’re out all day exploring.
Maximising Luggage Space for Modest Clothing
Modest clothing often means extra layers, which can take up a lot of space in your suitcase. The best way to pack efficiently is by using compression bags and packing cubes.
Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space and prevents wrinkles. Mesh packing cubes help you separate items so you don’t have to dig through your suitcase every time you need something.
To save space while keeping your outfits fresh, use scented drawer liners or fabric sachets in your suitcase. Packing cubes can sometimes trap odours, especially in humid climates, so tucking in a lavender or cedarwood sachet helps keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Alternatively, a small fabric refresher can quickly freshen up your abaya or hijab without needing a full wash. This trick is especially useful for long trips where access to laundry might be limited.
Magnetic Hijab Pins for Easy Adjustments
Traditional hijab pins can be annoying to use when travelling. They sometimes get lost, or worse can poke holes in delicate hijabs. Magnetic hijab pins are a great alternative. They hold your hijab securely in place without damaging the fabric.
If you’ll be on long journeys, having a few extra pins in your travel pouch can save you from any hijab mishaps.
Sun Protection Without Carrying a Huge Hat
Big sun hats aren’t always practical when you’re travelling. Instead, pack a foldable sun hat that fits easily in your bag. Some designs can be rolled up without losing shape.
For extra sun protection, bring a UV-blocking scarf or shawl. These not only keep you modest but also help prevent sunburn without needing to carry a bulky sun hat.
Lightweight Prayer Essentials for Travel
Performing prayers while travelling can sometimes be challenging. Bringing a lightweight, foldable prayer mat makes it easier to pray anywhere. Some travel prayer mats come with a built-in qibla compass, which is useful if you’re in an unfamiliar location.
Carrying a small mist spray bottle is also helpful for quick wudu refreshes on the go. Instead of searching for water, you can use the mist spray for a quick cleanse.
Final Travel Tips for a Modest Summer Holiday
- Check the weather at your destination before packing. Some places have unpredictable temperatures.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Look for insulated bottles that keep water cool.
- Bring a crossbody bag for daily essentials, so you don’t have to keep reaching into your suitcase.
- Plan outfits in advance to see what works best, then pack them together to stay organised.
- Leave some space in your luggage in case you buy local modest fashion pieces while travelling.
Packing for a hot weather holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right abaya, smart layering and travel friendly modest essentials, you can enjoy your trip while staying cool and covered.
What are your favourite modest fashion travel tips? Share them in the comments below!
The thing is with hijab pins its soo cheap to replace and you can just buy them in bulk. The magnets are still kinda expensive compared to £1 pins.
All you need to do is pre plan what youre going to wear and i mean the full outfit including footwear per day. If you go for 7 days have 7 outfits. Take light neutral colours so you can mix and match if needed. Works everytime for me 🙂
Whats the best fabric for extreme heat? Even in loose clothes I always end up sweating too much.
Yes to carrying extra hijab bonnets my scalp always feels so sweaty after a long flight and changing it makes a huge difference just to feel refreshed.
Scented sachets in the luggage is such a good tip! My hijabs always smell a bit stale after being packed for too long.