Women’s Islamic wear and how it is worn
Women's Islamic wear is designed to be modest and culturally respectful aligning with the principles of modesty in Islam and there are various types of clothing and styles that vary depending on region, culture and personal preferences. Dependant on the individual’s age as well, more and more young Muslims are pushing the boundaries of modest Islamic wear and pairing it with western clothing, to make it look more in date and hip, also being mindful that their haya is intact. Below are just some common types of Islamic wear and how they are typically worn.
Hijab
The hijab is also know as a headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their hair, neck, and sometimes the chest, while leaving the face exposed and is usually wrapped around the head and neck, secured with pins or ties. The style and covering of the hijab can vary depending on personal preference with different ways to style it, such as loosely draped, wrapped tightly, or even in more elaborate styles.
Abaya
The Abaya is a long, loose-fitting black robe worn over clothing, common in many Middle Eastern countries and is worn over regular clothes and is typically fastened with buttons, zippers or ties at the front. It covers the entire body except for the face, hands and feet and in some regions, the abaya may be accompanied by a hijab or niqab.
Niqab
The niqab is a face veil that covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible and is worn with a headscarf or hijab to cover the hair and neck, it is typically secured with ties or elastic around the head. The veil itself covers the lower part of the face, leaving the eyes exposed for visibility.
Jilbab
The jilbab is similar to the abaya but slightly more varied in design often with more decorative elements and is worn as an outer garment that covers the body from shoulders to ankles, like the abaya but it may have additional features like patterns, embroidery or different cuts and fits and It’s usually paired with a hijab.
Chador
The Chador is a full-body cloak worn by women primarily in Iran and parts of Afghanistan, which covers the whole body except for the face and it is draped over the body, usually worn without fastenings, it is held in place by the hands or wrapped around the body and is often worn with a hijab or a headscarf underneath.
Shayla
A Shayla is a long rectangular scarf worn over the shoulder or wrapped around the neck and is draped over the shoulders, with one side longer than the other. It is usually pinned or tucked in place around the chest and is commonly worn with modest clothing.
Kaftan
The kaftan is a loose, long tunic-like garment that may or may not have a belt and is typically worn over other clothing as an outer garment, it’s very popular for formal occasions or as a piece of fashionable Islamic wear and can also be paired with a hijab or worn with accessories, depending on the style.
Salwar Kameez
This is a traditional outfit popular in South Asia particulary in parts of Pakistan & India consisting of a long tunic (kameez) and loose trousers (salwar) and the kameez (tunic) is worn over the salwar (loose pants), which are usually paired with a scarf or shawl called a dupatta and the outfit is typically loose-fitting and modest, covering the arms and legs. This type of outfit is slowly being introduced into the western market and can be found in shopping centres all around the UK appealing to the wider market.
Maxi Dress
The maxi is a long, flowing dress that provides full coverage often worn with a hijab and is typically worn with a hijab or shawl, it covers the entire body from neck to ankles and it may be worn with accessories or belts depending on the style and occasion. The younger to mid generation usually have these styles of maxi dresses in their wardrobes, as its is more appealing to be paired with a nice set of leggings and can usually be worn indoors and on a particular occasion.
Modest Swimwear (Burkini)
A modest swimsuit designed to provide full-body coverage which is commonly worn by Muslim women when swimming. The burkini covers the body, including the arms, legs and hair, while allowing for comfort and freedom of movement in water and is also designed to align with Islamic modesty requirements while also being suitable for swimming.
Key Points About Islamic Wear:
Modesty: The principle behind all these garments is modesty and most commonly islamic wear is designed to cover the body in a way that is both comfortable and respectful to Islamic teachings, ensuring that the body remains concealed, except for the face, hands and feet.
Cultural Variations: Different regions and cultures interpret modesty and style in various ways, so the exact design and wearing of these garments can vary. For example, in Saudi Arabia the abaya is commonly worn, while in Indonesia, the jilbab may be more common.
Choice and Autonomy: While modesty is encouraged, wearing these garments is ultimately a personal choice for many women, based on their interpretation of Islamic principles, their culture and their personal preferences.
These styles all promote modesty and allow women to dress in a way that is in alignment with their religious values, however the specifics of how they are worn can vary greatly depending on cultural context, personal preferences and also from region to region.