FAQ
Questions about AYWA
What makes AYWA different from other abaya brands?
AYWA was founded with the intention of creating beautiful abayas that celebrate colour, craftsmanship and conscious living. Proudly handcrafted in England, our collections are created with a slower, more thoughtful approach to fashion, drawing inspiration from heritage textiles, nature and cultures from around the world.
We believe clothing should be made with intention rather than haste. By producing in small quantities and focusing on quality craftsmanship, we create garments designed to be cherished and worn for years to come, rather than simply following seasonal trends.
Every AYWA piece reflects our commitment to conscious design, timeless beauty and meaningful craftsmanship.
Why does AYWA handcraft its garments in England?
We are proud to handcraft our garments in England. Keeping production close to home allows us to maintain a high level of quality, oversee every stage of the making process and preserve the personal connection between each garment with the designer and maker.
Producing locally also supports our commitment to conscious fashion by enabling smaller production runs, reducing unnecessary waste and ensuring every piece receives the care and attention it deserves.
For us, handcrafted in England is not simply a point of origin—it's a reflection of our values of craftsmanship, integrity and thoughtful production.
Can I visit the AYWA studio?
Yes. We welcome visitors to our design studio at The Mill in Waddesdon by appointment.
Visiting allows you to experience the collections, fabrics and craftsmanship up close in a relaxed and personal setting.
Email us at hello@aywa.co.uk to arrange an appointment.
What is your zero-waste initiative?
Since our first collection, we have retained fabric remnants and explored creative ways to repurpose them. Through initiatives such as Rebloom, we transform archive fabrics and off-cuts into new handcrafted pieces, helping reduce textile waste while giving materials a second life.
Learn more about our zero-waste initiative HERE
Product Questions
Where are your abayas made?
Every AYWA abaya begins its journey in the attic of a beautiful old mill in Waddesdon, England.
Far away from mass production, our pieces are handcrafted on order by founder Waqaas Ahmed himself. With a background in luxury fashion, textiles and fabric buying, and a lifelong appreciation for exceptional fabrics, design and development, Waqaas takes a hands-on approach to every stage of the process, from selecting materials to crafting the finished garment.
We believe that knowing who made your clothing creates a deeper connection to what you wear. Proudly handcrafted in England, each AYWA piece reflects our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and conscious production.
What fabrics do you use?
At AYWA, fabric always comes first.
Founder Waqaas Ahmed has a background in textiles and fabric buying, alongside a longstanding passion for sourcing exceptional fabrics from around the world. This expertise shapes every collection, from the selection of fibres and weaves to the way a garment feels, drapes and moves.
We are particularly passionate about high-quality linens, prized for their natural beauty, breathability and longevity. Alongside carefully sourced linens, our collections feature cotton, hemp, bamboo silk and other thoughtfully selected natural fibres and heritage textiles.
We believe that beautiful garments begin with beautiful fabrics. That's why we take time to source materials that not only look and feel exceptional, but are designed to be cherished, worn and enjoyed for years to come. Many of our fabrics are chosen for their ability to soften and develop character with wear, becoming even more beautiful over time.
Specific fabric information can be found on each individual product page.
Are your garments ethically made?
We believe conscious fashion begins with thoughtful choices.
Rather than producing large quantities, we create our garments made to order, allowing us to focus on each and every piece for quality, craftsmanship and longevity. We carefully select exceptional and high quality natural materials, with the intention of creating pieces that can be worn, loved and cherished for years to come.
Our approach is rooted in respect—for the materials we use, the craft behind each garment and the people who wear them. We believe that clothing should be made with care and intention, not haste, and that timeless design is one of the most sustainable choices we can make.
Like many small independent brands, we are continually learning and evolving. We remain committed to making mindful decisions that support a more thoughtful and conscious approach to fashion.
Can I customise my abaya?
We believe clothing should feel personal and meaningful. Selected AYWA styles can be customised through colour choices, prints and other design details, allowing you to create a garment that reflects your individuality.
We are always happy to discuss bespoke requests where possible.
How should I care for my abaya?
We believe that beautiful garments deserve thoughtful care.
As our collections feature a variety of fabrics, including high-quality linens, natural fibres and heritage textiles, aftercare recommendations may vary from one piece to another. To help you care for your garment correctly, specific care instructions can be found on each individual product page.
Following the recommended care guidance will help preserve the beauty, quality and longevity of your garment, allowing it to be worn and cherished for years to come.
If you have any questions about caring for your AYWA piece, we are always happy to help.
Shipping & Delivery
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes! We ship (almost) everywhere
What are your shipping rates?
Please see below rates for shipping:
- UK:
FREE standard (Tracked & signed for)
Express (1-3 days) £12.00
- USA:
3 to 17 business days £16.00
2 to 11 business days £35.00
- Rest of the world:
Standard £40.00
Do I have to pay taxes in Europe
Due to the UK government regulations with BREXIT, there may be duty & VAT charges in your country.
AYWA is not responsible for any charges or taxes at the receiving destination however, we will try our upmost best to assist you.
What happens if my delivery is delayed?
We understand how exciting it is to receive a piece that has been handcrafted especially for you, and we appreciate that delivery delays can be frustrating.
Once your garment leaves our workshop and has been handed to the courier, delivery times are managed by the shipping provider and, where applicable, local customs authorities or partner couriers in the destination country. Unfortunately, delays that occur during transit are outside of our control.
While we cannot accept responsibility for delays caused by courier services, customs processes or local delivery networks, we will always do our best to assist. If you experience an unexpected delay, please contact us and we will happily help track your parcel, liaise with the courier where possible and provide any information available to us.
If tracking information indicates that your parcel has arrived in your destination country or local area, we kindly ask that you contact the relevant courier or delivery provider directly for updates. As the recipient, you are often best placed to communicate with local delivery services, arrange redelivery where necessary, and respond to any customs or delivery requests that may arise.
We are committed to ensuring your AYWA piece reaches you safely and will always endeavour to support you throughout the delivery process.
Payment Options
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Klarna for eligible purchases. We also offer a direct payment plan through AYWA for customers who prefer a personalised approach.
How does Klarna work?
Klarna allows you to spread the cost of your purchase over time, subject to Klarna's approval and terms. Simply select Klarna at checkout to view the available payment options.
Does Klarna affect my order?
No. Your order will be processed and dispatched in the same way as any other order once payment has been approved.
What is the AYWA payment plan?
Our AYWA payment plan allows you to secure your chosen pieces and spread payments directly with us. We understand that investing in quality, timeless garments is a considered decision, and we are happy to offer a more flexible solution where possible.
How do I apply for an AYWA payment plan?
Simply contact our customer care team on customercare@aywa.co.uk or via whatsapp on +447582036451, before placing your order. We will discuss the available options and help create a payment arrangement that works for you.
Are there any fees or interest charges?
AYWA does not charge interest on direct payment plans.
Klarna's terms and conditions apply to purchases made through their platform, and any applicable fees will be outlined by Klarna during checkout.
When will my order be shipped if I choose the AYWA payment plan?
Orders placed through an AYWA payment plan are dispatched once the agreed payment schedule has been completed, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
What happens if I miss a payment on an AYWA payment plan?
We understand that unexpected situations can arise. Should you be unable to make a scheduled payment, we kindly ask that you contact us at your earliest convenience.
To ensure fairness and maintain our production schedule, your order may be placed on hold until the agreed payment plan is brought up to date. We are committed to providing a thoughtful and supportive service and will always do our best to assist wherever possible.
Can I use a payment plan for pre-orders or bespoke items?
Yes. Payment plans are available for selected pre-order and bespoke pieces.
As these garments are often crafted specifically for you, we may require that your payment plan is completed before production or dispatch begins. Our team will always discuss the terms with you in advance so that you have complete clarity throughout the process.
If you are considering a pre-order or bespoke piece and would like to explore a payment plan, we would be delighted to assist. Please contact us to discuss the available options.
Returns & Exchanges
Can I return or exchange my abaya?
As each AYWA garment is handcrafted to order, we are unable to accept returns or offer refunds for change of mind.
Every piece is made specifically for you once your order has been placed, allowing us to minimise waste and create more consciously. For this reason, we encourage customers to contact us before ordering if they have any questions about sizing, fabrics, colours or styling. We are always happy to help.
Why don't you accept returns?
Unlike mass-produced clothing, AYWA garments are handcrafted to order rather than held as stock.
This made-to-order approach allows us to produce more thoughtfully, avoid unnecessary waste and focus on creating garments with care and intention. As each piece is made specifically for the customer who orders it, we are unable to accept returns for change of mind.
Can I cancel or amend my order?
Yes, in many cases amendments can be made before production begins.
Before we start crafting your garment, we will contact you to confirm the details of your order and ensure you are completely happy with your choices. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and make any necessary amendments, providing added peace of mind before production starts.
Once production has commenced, however, we cannot guarantee that changes or cancellations will be possible, as your garment will already be in the process of being handcrafted specifically for you.
What if I am unsure about sizinfg or fabric choices?
We understand that ordering online can sometimes feel uncertain.
We encourage customers to get in touch before placing an order if they would like advice on sizing, fit, fabrics or styling. We are always happy to answer questions and help you choose the piece that is right for you.
For added peace of mind, we also contact every customer after an order has been placed and before production begins. This gives us an opportunity to confirm sizing, answer any final questions and ensure you feel completely confident before your garment is handcrafted.
For your guidance, you can see our size chart HERE
What if my items arrives faulty?
We take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of every garment. Before any piece leaves our studio, it undergoes a thorough quality check to ensure it meets our expected and high standards. We also photograph and film each completed garment and, when time allows, we are delighted to share these with our clients for added peace of mind.
One of the things we value most is working closely with our clients through their made-to-order journey. We are proud to offer a more personal experience, giving clients visibility into parts of the creation process and the reassurance that their garment has been crafted especially for them.
However, if you believe your item has arrived with a fault, please contact us as soon as possible, and no later than 48 hours after receiving your order. Please include photographs and a description of the issue so that we can assess the matter promptly.
Who can I contact if I have questions before ordering?
We are always happy to help.
If you have any questions about sizing, fabrics, colours, styles or customisation, please get in touch before placing your order and we will do our best to guide you.