Types of Hijabs

'Hijab' means modest dress and there is an almost endless variety of ways that modern Muslim women can wear the hijab, depending on location, tradition, personal preference and the extent that they cover themselves. Here we will attempt to outline the most common types of hijab garments, their names and how they are worn. The terms here refer to specific types of garments, but to eliminate confusion in the main online store, we will use the word 'hijab' to simply refer to a headscarf of any kind.

Al-Ameera Hijab

The al-ameera hijab is a two-piece headcovering that is easy to wear and put on. It consists of a tube-like bonnet and an elasticated headscarf that fits over the top. The headscarf does not require any pinning and stays easily in place, so this style is particularly popular for sports and work wear.

The al-ameera hijab is widely available online and is particularly popular among women who wear loose-fitting 'Western' clothing rather than outer-garments like the jilbab. The al-ameera is also great for younger girls as it stays in place, can be fitted into a school uniforms and is available in a wide range of colours and styles for a more relaxed, girly style.

Also known/spelt as: al-amira, buknuk

Dupatta

A dupatta is a long scarf that is very common in India and South Asia. It is usually worn with a salwar kameez or a kurta. The dupatta is also worn over the Hindu outfit of lehenga or ghaghra- choli.

The dupatta is a traditional symbol of modesty in Hinduism and can be worn in various different ways. Traditionally that dupatta is worn over the head and shoulders, but it can also be worn like a cape or across the front of the chest with the ends thrown back over the shoulders. 'Dupatta suits' consist of a salwar kameez with a matching dupatta and they are often beautifully patterned and embroidered. In everyday dress the dupatta does not cover the head but remains an important part of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi fashion, where it available in an endless array of colours, styles and patterns.

Also known/spelt as: chunri, chunni, unni and orna

Khimar

'Khimar' is the correct and traditional word for a headscarf - 'Hijab' traditionally refers to modest dress as a whole, rather than just a headscarf, but is used to mean 'headscarf' in everyday language.

Nowadays the word khimar is used to refer to a semi-circular headscarf that is sewn part of the way up the straight edge. This gives you a one piece headscarf with an opening for the face that can be easily slipped over the head. This type of khimar can be anything from chest-length to ankle-length and is often worn with an underscarf and matching skirt.

Also known as: charchaff

Niqab

A niqab is a veil that covers the face and is usually worn with a headscarf and appropriate outer-garment such as a jilbab. There are many different types of niqab, but the two most common are usually referred to as a 'half niqab' and a 'full' or 'gulf style niqab'.

The half niqab covers the face from the bridge of the nose downwards and has elastic or ties that are fastened behind the head. It is usually worn underneath a headscarf. The full niqab covers the entire face. It consists of an upper band from which a rectangle of fabric hangs down to cover the face. There is an opening for the eyes, although some full niqabs also have an eyeveil that covers the eyes as well. Because eyeveils are made from light, sheer fabric, the wearer can see out but still appears completely covered to observers.

Shayla

A shayla is a rectangular headscarf that is wrapped around the head and pinned or tucked into place. Traditionally worn in the gulf, the shayla is currently popular around the globe, especially as a wide variety of scarves and pashminas can be worn as a shayla. Often worn with a bonnet, shayla are available in a wide range of colours, patterns and styles, making them easy to incorporate into everyday and Western dress.

Also known/spelt as: milfeh, shal

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