Korean Nidah (Korean silk) and Chinese silk: choosing the right fabric for your abaya
The fabric makes up 80% of an abaya. Before the cut, before the color, it is what determines the drape, the comfort, and the look. At Miss Chadou, we have made a choice: to work with only one silk, the one we consider the most beautiful — Korean nidah, also known as Korean silk. Here is why, and how it stands out from the other silk you will come across on the market.
Korean nidah — our signature silk
A matte, dense, and structured silk. Korean nidah drapes straight without clinging to the body, with a majestic look and remarkable wrinkle resistance. It is the silk for both elegant everyday wear and special occasions — and it is the only one we sew, by hand, in our Dubai workshop.
- Feel: matte, silky, slightly heavy
- Drape: structured, ample, majestic
- Opacity: total, no transparency
- Ideal for: from everyday wear to weddings and major ceremonies
And Chinese silk?
You will come across it often. We do not work with it — but it is good to know how to distinguish it from nidah:
Chinese silk (Chinese crepe) — a fine grain and a satin sheen that catches the light. More shiny and more formal, but also more delicate and more prone to creases.
Comparison at a glance
| Silk | Feel | Drape | Opacity | Sheen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean nidah (ours) | Matte, dense | Structured, majestic | Total | Matte, noble |
| Chinese silk | Fine grain | Fluid | Variable | Satin, shiny |
Why we chose nidah
Because it combines what no other silk does at the same time: total opacity, a majestic drape, wrinkle resistance, and that noble matte finish that never turns flashy. An abaya that suits every occasion, can be worn in any season, and lasts for years.
Caring for silk
Silk is a living natural fiber: it deserves a little care, and it will reward you by lasting for years.
- Avoid direct contact with perfume and deodorant — alcohol stains silk. Apply your fragrance before getting dressed.
- Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent, or dry clean gently. Never tumble dry.
- Iron at a low temperature, inside out, on silk that is still slightly damp.
- Store away from direct light to preserve the intensity of the colors.
Frequently asked questions
Does Korean nidah keep you warm?
No. It is a matte silk with an airy weave: it regulates temperature and remains comfortable in all seasons. For extreme heat, opt for the most fluid cuts.
Is Korean nidah transparent?
No, its opacity is total — no undergarment is necessary, even with light colors.
How to recognize real silk?
By feel (soft and warm, never plastic), by drape (fluid and lively), and by its temperature regulation: real silk keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, which a synthetic fabric cannot do.
Can you machine wash a silk abaya?
No. Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent, or dry clean gently. Never tumble dry or spin-dry.
Discover our Korean nidah abayas
Find all our models in the Dubai Abaya collection, our most elaborate pieces in Dubai Luxury Abaya, and our lace abayas.