A Glossary of Islamic Clothing

 

Muslims generally observe modest dress, but the variety of styles and colors have various names depending on the country. Here is a glossary of the most common names of Muslim clothes for both men and women, along with photos and descriptions.

These garments range from the hijab and abaya commonly worn by women in the Middle East to the shalwar kameez popular in South Asia. Understanding these different styles helps us appreciate the rich cultural diversity within the Muslim world.

Niqab

A niqab is a face veil worn by some Muslim women may or may not leave the eyes uncovered.

Hijab

The word Hijab is sometimes used to generally describe a Muslim woman's modest dress. More specifically, it refers to a square or rectangular piece of fabric that is folded, placed over the head, and fastened under the chin as a headscarf. Depending on the style and location, this may also be called a shaylah or tarhah.

Khimar

A general term for a woman's head and/or face veil. This word is sometimes used to describe a particular style of scarf that drapes over the entire top half of a woman's body, down to the waist.

Abaya

Common in the Arab Gulf countries, this a cloak for women that is worn over other clothing when in public. The abaya is usually made of black synthetic fiber, sometimes decorated with colored embroidery or sequins. The abaya may be worn from the top of the head to the ground (like the chador described below) or over the shoulders. It is usually fastened so that it is closed. It may be combined with a headscarf or face veil.

Chador

A chador is an enveloping cloak worn by women, from the top of the head to the ground. It's usually worn in Iran without a face veil. Unlike the abaya described above, the chador is sometimes not fastened in the front.

Jilbab

Jilbab is sometimes used as a general term, quoted from the Quran verse 33:59, for an over-garment or cloak worn by Muslim women when in public. It sometimes refers to a specific style of cloak, similar to the abaya but more fitted, and in a wider variety of fabrics and colors. It looks more similar to a long, tailored coat.