BENGALURU: Come Ramzan, and the streets are bustling with women who want to lay their hands on the latest burqas.

With the plain black outer garment undergoing a number of fashionable changes, wardrobes are also keeping pace. The striking difference of late is the Arabian look and softer fabric making the burqa (or abaya) more comfortable, elegant and adaptable, without compromising on traditional values.

In fact, it is now boutique wear, and comes in various designs — the Farasha, Jilbab, Kaftan and even a Sari pattern. Body-fit burqas in many colours, and flowing ones in lace, beads, pearls, kundan work, are especially popular with young wearers. Prices range from Rs 1,200 to an eye-popping Rs 20,000.

The umbrella design and kaftan look in Nida and Almas fabrics are in great demand at Islamic Boutique near Mosque Road , Fraser Town. “The kaftans here are good. Nida is comfortable as it is light,” says Marufa Akbar, a customer at Islamic Boutique.

Nida is a soft and luxurious fabric and doesn’t fade even after many washes; Almas is strong and lustrous, and such fabrics absorb moisture.

Shopkeepers on Lal Masjid Road in Shivajinagar , a busy avenue for such goods, say Nida is much sought after. And the price? “It differs from design to design,” said Wajid Sharief, a shop owner. There has been a rise in the sale of burqas in the past two years, and business is high during Ramzan, he added. Ayesha Firdose, a regular customer here, prefers “lace and the Apollo neck”.

There has been a change in colours too: from mainstream black to navy blue, grey, wine, in double shades and even floral prints. Nishath Syed, who owns Naina Boutique on Commercial Street, says, “Tastes have changed over time. Women now prefer abayas in wine and navy blue, in Nida and Firdose fabrics, and even Korean imports.”

Ruffle sleeves are a big hit, and buyers don’t mind paying Rs 2,300 for this new look. The bridal collection could go up to Rs 8,000 at Naina, added Nishath.

Shabeer Pasha of Salman Designer Wear on St John’s Church Road, said they sell burqas from Rs 3,000 to Rs 20,000.

“The bestsellers usually come in Arabian designs, and Farasha and Jilbab are fast moving. College students prefer plain grey and double-shaded abayas for Rs 1,200. In fact, these days, plain burqas are not selling,” said Mubarak Pasha, owner of Farheen Boutique on Lal Masjid Road. “Arabian designs are usually expensive but since I’m a manufacturer, I sell them for Rs 1,900, which is about Rs 600-700 lower than market prices.”

— Sahana Kiran and Hina Sarvath

