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on 12/28/16Abaya's are not garments with zipper in the front. The zippered front open garments are typically called the Jilbabs. They can be in different fabrics from heavy to Light depending on locale. We have the wool Abayas which ae very heavy, followed by Denim, Cotton Twill, Kashibo and Rayon. We also have crepe, jersey, poly, cotton, satin, acetate, chiffon, georgette and Summer cool fabrics which are typically lighter.
Understand that terms are often regional. Just order the fabric you like. I like thin rayon abayas because they hang well and are cool in the heat. Abaya is a general term for a long dress. Stay away from the poly knot and order the lined abayas or the koshibo or twill. Maybe you want the fabric thicker. But it is still an abaya... just not a Palestinian abaya, for instance. I never called a top a kurti either. I call it a long top or tunic but I have ordered dozens of "kurtis".