Moeslem Modern Clothing

It is important to keep the body as cool as possible during the summer months, which can be sometimes an "uphill task" for Muslim women that wear hijabs. The obvious tip is to suggest thinner and cooler fabrics in hotter weather - but it is also important to stick to absorbent materials as well. Fabrics such as georgette, chiffon and lace are therefore obviously great choices for the summer months.

Clothing with "air holes" - which allows more air to flow - are great in summer, with lace undercaps and loose crocheted caps both being very effective. Scarf headbands have become with the modern young Muslim and are a useful alternative to undercaps as they provide almost the same coverage but with a lot less material - as they just cover the forehead.

Reducing the amount of material wrapped around the neck and top of the head is a wonderful relief on hot days - as this is where a lot of body heat leaves the body. Experiment with styles and how you pin your khimars. For the cooler summer days, a hat (should never substitute a khimar) could be a stylish addition to your wardrobe and they can be great play on style during the summer months.

Al-Amira hijabs are always worth a recommendation. The translation of the name means 'princess scarf' and it's a slip over hijab style comes in two pieces; one piece of which serves as a hair cover while the other piece as a slip over from the same or near matching colour. Al-Amira hijabs are ideally suited for hotter climates as most of them are made out of light and absorbent materials.

Sarongs are a huge length of fabric that is very versatile and there is nothing stopping you from using one as a summary khimar. They are traditionally wrapped around the waist as a skirt by women and are usually made of very absorbent materials. They also come in a variety of stylish colours, patterns, and various sizes that would add some flair to anyone's summer wardrobe.

Although not specifically designed for Muslim women - maxi dresses can be practically perfect for Islamic women after a slight moderation -just add a long sleeve shirt or jacket to make them more Muslim friendly. These light, modest and informal dresses usually reach the floor and provide excellent light and cool coverage.

Wearing clothes like this should make summer 2010 a much cooler experience for Muslim women everywhere!

Moslem Clothes

Moslem robe with a model made from rayon spandex jersey with the accent on the chest opnesel combined with chocolate lace robe further enhance this.

So what does 2010 have in store for the modern Muslim woman?

Well, with Spring just around the corner it is time to start thinking about brightening up your wardrobe. The fashion industry is predicting that bright colours will certainly make a comeback, particularly pastel shades. New collections are likely to be a combination of vibrant colour schemes for the adventurous Muslim woman, with more practical neutral colours for the more conservative woman.

Despite these new trends, it is always possible to look great by using your "staple" wardrobe collection. The wardrobe basics never really change and can be worn with a variety of accessories to help you look fabulous, modern and sophisticated.

So what are the basics that all Muslim women should have?

The first piece of clothing that comes to mind is the Hijab. This is the staple of all Muslim women and can be found in a variety of styles and colours to suit any occasion. They can be worn with regular scarves, cardigans and shirts to achieve a unique look.

Long sleeved shirts in a variety of neutral colours are a great base to start from. They can be worn with almost anything, under cardigans, tunics and abayas and are a must for any Muslim woman's wardrobe.

Long cardigans are another must have and can be worn with many different clothing items to produce wonderful styles. During the summer they can be worn over long sleeved shirts or tops to achieve a vibrant summer feel and during the winter months they can be worn over dresses or sweaters to achieve a warmer feel.

Muslim clothing is certainly changing and is now evolving alongside the fashion industry in its own right. With so many online boutiques now supplying exciting new ranges, fashion designers pushing the boundaries and fashion shows showcasing new styles, it is a fantastic time to be a Muslim woman.

To find out more about the latest fashion trends in Muslim clothing visit http://www.saifmodesty.com where you will find a range of exciting products including hijabs, hijab pins, abayas, jilbabs and much more.

Moslem Clothes Pink

Moslem fashion model japanese robe made from cotton blended with rayon spandex jersey material further beautify this robe.

With the ever evolving world looking for newer trends to promote and market to their targeted niche market, clothing articles with various slogans have become very popular. Islamic clothes with catchy phrases depicting Islam have also gained a lot of popularity amongst the Muslim communities. In particular Muslims living in non Muslim countries rely on these types of Islamic clothes to voice out their feelings about their religion.

Today the Islamic clothes with phrases like "I Love Islam", "Proud to be a Muslim" and many other similar ones can be widely seen all around Europe and the Americas. Young men and women in particular are very focused on stating to the world about their choice of being Muslim. For them it is important to let others know that regardless of being born in Muslim families, they choose to practice Islam for its teachings and values. Therefore, they opt to inform the people around them by wearing stylish Islamic clothes with religious phrases printed on them.

There are numerous Islamic clothes retailers who sell creative and captivating one line statements in favour of Islam. These slogans portray the true feelings behind Islam as opposed to the extremist and fundamentalist view that people have developed about the peace loving religion. Wearing these clothing items allows the younger generation to express their point of view and freedom in addition to letting the people around them understand the significance of Islam.

T-shirts, caps, bags and Islamic clothes for children are available in an array of colours, designs and slogans. People can choose the styles they prefer to wear and express themselves. These apparel and accessory items are easily available at numerous Islamic retail stores and online shops catering to the needs of the Muslims across the globe.

The most commonly seen attractive statements on Islamic clothes include:"Mini Muslim", "I only eat Halal", "Muslim for Life", "I Love my Prophet", "Allah's Little Angel" and "Jannah under mother's feet" to list a few. These slogans are not only eye catching but also create good feelings about the religion. Other messages include different names of Allah printed on apparel items or verses from the Quran in beautiful fonts and styles to emphasize the importance of these verses in a Muslim's life. These slogan bearing clothing articles are a great way to not only express your religion but to also promote the goodness behind its teachings.

Sohail Khan works for Islamic Impressions which specializes in retail and wholesale products for the Islamic market and stocks a wide range of baby Islamic clothes, including jilbabs and jubbas to buy online or in our stores in London, Birmingham, Denmark and Trinidad.

Muslim Dress CHOCOLATE

Moslem robe with a model made from rayon spandex jersey with a blend of tile on the right side skirts and cuffs give the impression more and more elegant in this gamis.

Are you looking for muslim fashion which is trendy yet modest? With fashion do you know where to draw the line? What are the do's and don'ts for muslim clothing? This article will discuss some ways on how to dress modestly.

First of all, always remind yourself of the Islamic dress code. Your clothes should be long, loose fitted and not transparent. Muslim women should also cover their heads with a head scarf (hijab).

If you prefer to wear traditional muslim clothing then you can chose to wear long abayas (long kaftan like dresses), which originate from the arab countries. There are so many designs to choose from. From the classic black and trendy urban styles to more western styles. You can even get designer ones; or you might like to wear the traditional shalwar kameez (loose tunic and trouser), which originates from India/Pakistan. You are spoilt for choice. So much to choose from!

One thing to remember is to keep the glitter and glitz to a minimum for everyday wear. Go for a casual and simple look for everyday wear, and leave the glitter and glitz for special occasions or evening wear.

If you live in the west and want to wear modest western muslim fashion clothes, there is still a lot to choose from. You could go for long full length dresses or long full length skirts with lose and full sleeved tops or long sleeved blouses. You could also wear shorter length dresses with loose trouser or jeans - This is a trend that has been very popular recently amongst the western fashion world. You could also wear long sleeved, knee length, tunic style tops with loose trouser or jeans. Again you are spoilt with choice. The key is to be creative and mix and match clothing items to give you a modest look.

Traditional and western designs can be brought from many shops; or nowadays there is so much available online. Just spend some time planning your outfits and soon you will be making your own trends in muslim fashion.

Sham S has been writing articles for nearly two years. Her latest website is about long sleeve dresses where you can find the best deals on long sleeve dresses that you are looking for.

Muslim Dress Purple

Muslim fashion model japanese robe made from cotton fabric with a material that is soft and easy to absorb sweat so it is very comfortable when you wear. This Gamis slicked up with blue rope which progressively enhance this robe.

Muslim wear has changed a lot through history. These changes reflect the society, culture and religious beliefs of the time they were witnessed. However, religion and the emergence of a nationalist identity have been the two most prevalent factors governing changes in Islamic or Muslim clothing.

Muslim Wear: Through the Pages of History
Muslim wear has been mainly influenced by the cultures of other empires and kingdoms. Countries conquered by Muslim rulers also imparted to this exchange of influences on clothing. During the period of time preceding the Islamic era, clothing for both sexes was mostly similar. Some of these influences still persist in the dress in and around the Near Eastern region, including Iran and Iraq.

After Prophet Muhammad laid down guidelines for clothing, the universal principle of hijab, or 'the veil' was added to the simple, functional apparel of the indigenous population, based on the climate, weather and environment of the region. In fact, clothing worn by rural dwellers and the Bedouin reflect this functionality. Urban dwellers, on the other hand, are more likely to exhibit western influences in dress. However, this influence too has been absorbed into Muslim wear's unique identity.

Blended fashions, such as men wearing a jillaba or kaffiya along with a formal western business suit and shoes, are a common sight in urban areas and towns and cities all over the Far East.

Muslim Wear: Main Elements
Islamic apparel enjoys a unique and distinct identity despite influences over time. Let us look at some of the common elements seen in this clothing:

Outer clothing: Almost all traditional Islamic cultures incorporate some form of wrap or mantle. Usually one long, single outer garment extending from the head or neck to the ankles that can be a long dress, gown or caftan, the aba or rida usually has two openings in the front for the hands. The fabric used in making this garment also denotes which region it belongs to. Similarly, the burnoose or thobe is a one-piece cloak with a hood that is worn throughout the Northern African and Arabian regions. The Egyptian version is referred to as the jillaba.

Headwear: The imama or turban is the most common form of head attire prevalent. Turbans come in a large variety of styles and even sport a trailing end which serves the practical purpose of veiling the face in case of bad weather. During the Abbasid period, turbans were used by Muslim rulers to differentiate between various classes of their population. Besides turbans, the flat, cone-shaped Fez cap of Moroccan origin and the black velvet sidara, popular among Iraqis, the most common form of head gear is the kaffiya or head scarf worn with a ringed cord of rope on the head called the agal.

If you are looking for traditional Islamic clothing, visit http://www.eastessence.com for a comprehensive range of formal to contemporary styles. EastEssence.com has over a decade of experience in selling traditional Muslim apparel.

Shabrina Chocolate

Eid is an important event for Muslims. In the celebration of Eid, men, women and children need to look their best. People want to wear new dresses. Some women make their own dresses to follow their taste in the dresses that they wear. Because it is important for women to look good in an important festivity including Eid, women want to create their own dresses including the Eid dresses for their young girls.

While you want to look good during Eid, it is important for you to follow the Qur'an in creating your dresses. This is the main reason why many Muslim women prefer to make their own Eid dresses. If you buy Eid dresses for the girls in your family, you will most often find beautiful Eid dresses for girls but may violate the rule of Qur'an.

To avoid this problem, let us look at the proper Muslim women dresses should be. In understanding the rule of proper Muslim dress based on the Qur'an, you will know how to make or buy Eid dresses for girls and for yourself as well.

What are the Muslim women dress codes?

o The outer garment worn in public must cover all the body except the face and the hands.
o The outer garment must not be decorative in itself or as a means of beautification, in this case wearing your Eid dress is a complete violation of this rule. It is therefore necessary that you analyze Eid dresses for girls sold in stores if it indeed it violates the letters of Qur'an.
o The outer garment must be thick and opaque to conceal the clothes worn under it. It must be loose to conceal the woman's form. You can see many Eid dresses for girls that violate at least the last part where the form of the woman shows. Choose the design properly to avoid violating this rule.
o Muslim women are not to wear perfume in public. If you cannot wear perfume, you can wear mehndi tattoo to be beautiful during Eid. You anyway are trying to look your best for Allah.
o The clothes of Muslim women should not resemble men's clothes. You surely want to look beautiful that is why you are sure not going to wear Eid dress that resembles that of men's clothes.
o The clothes of Muslim women should not resemble those of the disbelievers. This is another risk in buying Eid dresses for girls; most of the designs in store have western appeal in it. This is where it is better to make Eid dresses for girls in your family if you want to avoid violating another Qur'an rule.
o The clothing of Muslim women should not be ostentatious. Let us hope that because you are dressing up for Eid, you will be forgiven to violate this one rule, at least during Eid.

Now, that you know the rules on dresses based on the Qur'an, you may now choose Eid dresses for girls and for yourself.

Moslem clothes Coksu

Gamis canal rayon spandex blend shirt with a floral chiffon

It is important to keep the body as cool as possible during the summer months, which can be sometimes an "uphill task" for Muslim women that wear hijabs. The obvious tip is to suggest thinner and cooler fabrics in hotter weather - but it is also important to stick to absorbent materials as well. Fabrics such as georgette, chiffon and lace are therefore obviously great choices for the summer months.

Clothing with "air holes" - which allows more air to flow - are great in summer, with lace undercaps and loose crocheted caps both being very effective. Scarf headbands have become with the modern young Muslim and are a useful alternative to undercaps as they provide almost the same coverage but with a lot less material - as they just cover the forehead.

Reducing the amount of material wrapped around the neck and top of the head is a wonderful relief on hot days - as this is where a lot of body heat leaves the body. Experiment with styles and how you pin your khimars. For the cooler summer days, a hat (should never substitute a khimar) could be a stylish addition to your wardrobe and they can be great play on style during the summer months.

Al-Amira hijabs are always worth a recommendation. The translation of the name means 'princess scarf' and it's a slip over hijab style comes in two pieces; one piece of which serves as a hair cover while the other piece as a slip over from the same or near matching colour. Al-Amira hijabs are ideally suited for hotter climates as most of them are made out of light and absorbent materials.

Sarongs are a huge length of fabric that is very versatile and there is nothing stopping you from using one as a summary khimar. They are traditionally wrapped around the waist as a skirt by women and are usually made of very absorbent materials. They also come in a variety of stylish colours, patterns, and various sizes that would add some flair to anyone's summer wardrobe.

Although not specifically designed for Muslim women - maxi dresses can be practically perfect for Islamic women after a slight moderation -just add a long sleeve shirt or jacket to make them more Muslim friendly. These light, modest and informal dresses usually reach the floor and provide excellent light and cool coverage.

Wearing clothes like this should make summer 2010 a much cooler experience for Muslim women everywhere!

Maron Shabrina

As in any other Muslim country, there are in Morocco a series of rules specific to how women should dress. Muslim women are often guided by the Koran in this respect and by their husband's desire to determine the degree of modesty and decency with which they should attire themselves before going out. But, just as any religious book, the Koran is subject to as many interpretations as there are readers, and this is why there are, also in terms of dress code, so many differences and contradictions.

In any case, tourist women are not subject to these rules. People in Marrakech are immensely respectful towards foreign customs, so they will hardly feel offended by a woman wearing tank-tops or a short skirt. In fact, it could even make their day...

In general, most women start wearing the "hijab" (veil covering hair, ears and neck) after they get married, although some burkas can be seen too. Young women and teenagers often combine the "hijab" with jeans and Western-like T-shirts, but it is also quite common to see women wearing djellabas (a long loose garment with full sleeves and a hood) or kaftans (a cloak with full sleeves and sash reaching down to the ankles).

In the shops in the Medina there is a great variety of these garments that can be bought at very different prices, depending on the quality of the dressmaking and the fabric. It is also quite common for Moroccans to go to a tailor to get them made-to-measure. There is a good guild of excellent tailors in Marrakech who, besides traditional garments, can make suits, dinner jackets or excellently cut trousers at very affordable prices.

In the evening, in the hot spots, dressing style is 100% Western. "Hijabs" are rarely seen in luxury restaurants and never seen in nightclubs. Women in Marrakech can easily succumb to the temptation of a slight excess in the distribution of their neckline, high-heeled shoes and miniskirts. These are rather new garments for their culture and they are still in the process of adopting them, so at times it is fairly evident that they are not yet used to wearing them.

On the other hand, the evolution of men's dressing style has been quite different. The youngest men have replaced the djellabas with jeans and T-shirts. They love flashy sunglasses and caps and hats.

In the last few years, a generation of male and female fashion designers has burst with its own éclat in the country. The mixture of traditional elements with new fabrics and designs has turned the creations of these artists into a true temptation for those who like to dress well. For instance, you can visit Kenza Melehi's boutique in Marrakech, located in a narrow street in the Gueliz neighbourhood and surrounded by innumerable art galleries and exhibition halls. We also recommend you to visit a tiny shop called Kasbet, located in 216 Rue Riad Zitound Jdid in the Medina, where Cassie and Rebecca, two Australian women designers, will serve kindly.

Come to the fascinating city of Marrakech and enjoy its design, its fashion and its unique style. The Ochre City also offers culture and a fascinating tradition, monuments and countless tourist attractions, and also a great nightlife, a delightful cuisine and the widest range of shopping opportunities.

Moreover, hotels in Marrakech are of the highest quality and quite affordable, and particularly Marrakech riads, which are full of charm and very inexpensive. You can also stay in a wonderful villa in Marrakech, closer to the countryside, where its inhabitants will welcome you with open arms.

David Gonzalez-Company (BA Degree in Philosophy, Universitat de València (Spain); MA (Hons) Degree in Mental Philosophy, University of Edinburgh (UK); MA Degree in Comparative Literature, University of Washington (USA)) is a writer, journalist, educator and translator who has traveled extensively and has lived in several European, North American and African countries.

Abu Moslem dress

Moslem robe with a model made from rayon spandex jersey fabric combined with the more floral tile beautify this robe.

Muslim women started wearing hijabs or other head coverings centuries ago in order to keep in step with the modesty taught by their religion. However, with the passage of time, people started embracing the westernized way and covering the head no longer remained the center of focus for a number of Muslim women. Some named it liberation, others named it modernization. However, when a few years ago the Non Muslim world created a misconception about hijabs symbolizing radicalism. At that point, a vast majority of Muslimahs become more conscious of restoring their religious as well as ethnic identities and reverted back to the use of head coverings for themselves. Today regardless of what country they are in, Muslim women globally have embraced more modest ways of dressing including the use of jilbabs, abayas and most of all hijabs.

There are a number of famous Muslim women that also endorse the fact that covering the head is not a sign of oppression or fundamentalism. In reality, these women cover their heads to please Allah swt, who is the creator of the entire mankind. From news anchors to political activist, scholars to scientists, a large number of famous Muslim women proudly wear their hijabs in public and feel more confident while covering their heads.

Islamic beacons such as Khadeejah, who was a famous businesswoman during the prophet's time and later became his wife; Fatimah, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); Asma bint Abu Bakr, the daughter of one of the closest friends of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), are the paragons for Muslim women. However, they were much later followed by powerful women such as Zaynab-al-Ghazali, who is an Egyptian Islamic Activist. She strongly supports the rights of Muslim women including their right to dress conservatively. Maryum Jameelah is another prime example of the modern women supporting headscarves. Maryum was the first American Jewish woman to convert to Islam. She then followed the teachings of Islam to the core and in addition wrote numerous books about the concepts of Islam. Her work is well read and appreciated equally by Muslims and non Muslims around the world. The former president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Mrs. Elkadi, is another prime example of a modern day muslimah who is never seen without hijabs. She actively worked for ISNA and promoted modesty and decency for the young Muslim women living in America.

These are just a few examples of the current day Muslim women who are neither afraid nor ashamed to wear hijabs in all circumstances. In fact they wear them with pride and feel honored to be educated and successful women that can make an impact on others as well as lead by example. As more success stories are publicized about women in hijabs, it will have a great and positive impact on the next generation, promoting the feelings of morality and uprightness about Islam!

Sohail Khan works for Islamic Impressions which specializes in retail and wholesale products for the Islamic market and stocks a wide range of hijabs including the latest Palestinian design hijabs available in a wide range of colors

Tosca Muslim Dress

Muslim fashion model with a tunic made from rayon spandex jersey coupled with the brocade in the chest and stitching color opnesel kakhy in the abdomen that would give the impression when you wear thin.

Islamic tradition calls for clothes that retain the modesty of the woman. Thus, clothes that cover a woman's body from head to toe are preferred by Muslim women. Traditionally, Muslim women have worn plain and dark colored, long, loose garments accompanied by a head scarf so that only their face, or in some cases only the eyes, are visible. However, over the years, the urge to become fashionable without compromising on their modesty has made Muslim women demand stylish clothing. Fashion Designers from across the world have responded and designed Islamic clothes that are stylish, have a western look and yet conform to the Islamic tradition and customs.

Trends in Islamic Clothing
The urge to become fashionable without compromising with their religious values has made Muslim women look out for clothes that look elegant, and are beautifully designed and attractive at the same time. The traditional plain colored Islamic clothes have given way to colored Jilbabs and their matching hijabs. Not only this, the designers have started using embroidery, motifs, beads and other material to decorate such clothes, including Jilbabs and Abayas. The attractively designed Islamic clothing has caught the attention of non Muslim women too. International sports goods company, Nike, has introduced an athletic jilbab to be worn by women while playing volleyball.

Islamic Clothing: Types
Muslim men and women wear clothes that cover their body and are modest. Some of the major types of Islamic clothing are:

1.The Abaya is a loose black robe worn along with a niqab or a face veil, covering the lower part of the face (up to the eyes). Long black gloves are usually worn to cover the hands under the Abaya.
2.The Boshiya is an Islamic full black veil, which is meant to cover the face completely including the eyes.
3.The Burqua is a loose outer garment, usually accompanied by a veil that has holes for the eyes. It is worn over one's normal clothing, such as a salwar kameez.
4.The Chador is a head covering used by Muslim women.
5.The Hijab is a headscarf that conceals the hair and neck, and usually has a veil that covers the face.
6.The Jilbab essentially covers the entire body except for the face, hand, feet and head. However, it is teamed up with a scarf to cover the head.
7.The Niqab covers the lower part of a person's face.
8.The Bisht and Kaftan are cloaks for Muslim men.
9.The Keffiyeh or Ghutra is a traditional headdress worn by Muslim men.

A wide range of Islamic clothing, including Hijabs and Jijlabs, is offered by EastEssence, a leading seller of men's and women's clothing. The company is known for its modern yet modest styles and affordable prices.

Muslim Bress Violet

Moslem robe with a model made from rayon spandex jersey with lace accents under the chest beautify this robe.

Outfits that are approved for use in different religions are of great significance for that particular faith. The Jewish clothing incorporates prayer shawl also known as the "Taleth", the tassels attached to the shawl or coat worn by orthodox Jews known as the "Tzitzit" and the "Kippah" or skull cap worn at all times by observant Jewsish men. Similarly the Christian clothing is worn by members of the church and clergy and consists of a long robe in somber colours with the collar type distinguishing the rank of the person. However, Islamic clothes are supposed to be worn by all Muslims regardless of their social or economic status.

The different types of Islamic clothes are based on the region that they most commonly originate from, but Muslims all around the world are seen in similarly designed Islamic clothes. The most common types of clothing worn by Muslims include:

Abayas and Jilbabs: Worn by Muslim women, this form of Islamic clothes consists of a loose fitting long robe that covers the entire body from the shoulder to the ankle or toe. Most commonly made of a thick black wrinkle free fabric, it is worn over a layer of casual clothes. Most jilbabs are open in the front and allow the wearer with the ease of putting it on and buttoning it up. They often resemble the western overcoat worn in the harsh winter time to protect against the cold weather, but is made of different fabrics. Certain abayas have a small rope attached to the end of the sleeve, which is swirled around the middle finger to keep the sleeves from rolling up when the arms are raised.

Hijabs: This is by far the most popular Islamic clothes article available worldwide. It is worn by all Muslim women with a number of types of outfits. It consists of a scarf or headwear that covers the hair and wraps around the face. The hijab can be worn with western outfits, eastern outfits or any other form of Islamic clothes, as it is mandatory for women to cover their heads in Islam.

Jubbas: The classical robe worn by Muslim men, the jubbas originated in the Arabic region. Initially worn in the desserts to protect the body from the intense heat, it has become an integral part of the religion. Today it is worn my men all around the world in particular for special Islamic events and occasions.

Kuffiyah: The headdress for Muslim men, it consists of a scarf draped over the head and shoulders. It is occasionally tied around the circumference of the head with a thick rope like cord to keep it secure in place.

These are the most frequently seen kinds of Islamic clothes worn by Muslims all around the world. Certain changes can be seen based on the region that they are worn in. These changes include styles and fabric choice based on the weather and other external factors.

Sohail Khan works for Islamic Impressions which specialises in retail and wholesale products for the Islamic market and stocks a wide range of baby Islamic clothes, including jilbabs and jubbas to buy online or in our stores in London, Birmingham, Denmark and Trinidad.

Islamic Dress Padang

Islamic dress with embroidered Padang.
Very subtle and beautiful with a variety of motifs and colors that blend so beautifully.



The term 'Abaya' has many definitions and often there is a difference over what an Abaya looks like, what it consists of and what colours it comes in. The way I would define an Abaya is that it is a black long cloak (one piece) that covers everything below the shoulder except hands and feet. The Abaya garment is commonly worn among the Middle Eastern khaleeji (gulf) women.

The rational behind this definition is to set the Abaya apart from the Jilbab garment which has some similarities but many differences. Jilbabs to begin with have arms which are stitched to the main body of the cloak. It has many colours and has many designs such as hooded Jilbabs and has a wider range like smart, casual, work etc. Jilbabs can incorporate more style into the actual shape of the garment like frills, flares, ruffles, cuffed sleeves, laces, pleats and much more.

Abayas, on the other hand, are one piece garments with sleeves which are not actually stitched to the body of the garment but formed as one piece. This may sound as strange as it does but it is an age old custom amongst the Arab Khaleeji (Gulf) women to wear it like that. Abayas traditionally come with embroidery on the neck, sleeves or base hem.

Abayas come in light materials as long as the colour is black such as lexus crepe, a polyester type of material for a standard priced Abaya. Abayas made from internet crepe and satin materials are higher end quality and fairly expensive and can cost anything from £100 to £300 or over. Abayas can be open fronted with buttons all the way from the top down or closed.

Modern day Abayas worn by the younger generation are moving away from the traditional embellishment on the garment. The younger generation opt for more stylish geometric, floral patterns from silver or gold embroidery, bead, sequins, multi coloured crystals for standard or Swarovski for more expensive Abayas. These intricate patterns are added onto neckline, bodice, base and flowing flared sleeves with tassel to make it look more chic, trendy and elegant for younger generation to wear Abaya.

Sohail Khan works for Islamic Impressions which specialises in retail and wholesale products for the Islamic market and stock a wide range of abayas including lexus and internet crepe abayas.