Fashionistas can tell you that more and more women are choosing to wear head coverings as part of their daily fashion. Besides their ability to protect against sun or cold and keep hair in place, head coverings are a way for women to express their beliefs on modesty, privacy, and self-respect.
We often use the terms “हिजाब" तथा "स्कार्फ” interchangeably to refer to this type of style. However, they are not exactly the same. Read on to explore how hijabs differ from headscarves, and discover the top hijab styles worn by Muslim women around the globe!
विषय - सूची
Hijab vs. headscarf: What’s the difference?
7 stunning hijab styles you need to know
Shayla
Khimar
Al-Amira
नकाब
पगड़ी
एक चादर
पश्मीना
4 must-try headscarf styles for women
Turban wrap
स्र्माली
Knot headband
चोटी
Hijabs are a way to connect faith and fashion
Hijab vs. headscarf: What’s the difference?
A स्कार्फ is simply a piece of cloth worn around the head. Women wear it as a fashion accessory or as protection against cold weather rather than for religiously covering their hair. However, recently, many women around the world are embracing headscarves to express their cultural heritage or simply as a mark of respect. No wonder why the global market for headscarves is projected to reach USD 375.5 millions 2030 द्वारा।
A हिजाब, on the other hand, is more than just a headcovering. For Muslim women, it’s an integral part of their daily attire. It’s an iconic symbol of their faith and cultural identity. So it’s no surprise that hijabs, along with abayas, accounted for एक से अधिक 62% of the global Muslim fashion market in 2023.
The primary purpose of the hijab is to promote modesty and privacy. For Muslim women, it usually involves covering the hair, neck, and often the chest. In fact, the term “हिजाब” comes from the Arabic word “hajaba,” meaning to hide or to conceal.
7 stunning hijab styles you need to know
There is a common misunderstanding that, because the hijab is an expression of modesty, it cannot be styled or fashioned. However, that is not the case, as Muslim women often wear the hijab in different styles, which can range from simple and functional to elaborate and fashion-forward. Let’s explore some of the popular hijab styles:
Shayla
RSI Shayla hijab is a long, rectangular scarf draped over the head and shoulders. It is popular for its simplicity and practicality in the Gulf countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, but it is also cherished by Muslim women around the world for its graceful look and ease of wear.
Shayla hijabs come in a variety of materials, from lightweight cotton for a breathable feel to luxurious silk for a touch of glamor. Moreover, they are adaptable for any setting. For example, women can pair a silky, elegant Shayla with an evening dress for a sophisticated look.
Khimar
RSI Khimar hijab is popular in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This type of hijab is a classic, long cape-like scarf that covers the head, neck, and shoulders, often extending down to the waist or even the knees.
Generally, the Khimar is a preferred choice for prayers and religious events due to its full coverage. However, its simplicity makes it a convenient option for daily activities, from running errands to spending time with family.
Some women pair Khimar with लंबी आस्तीन वाले टॉप और मैक्सी कपड़े for a seamless and modest outfit. It’s also possible to add coordinating undercaps to ensure full coverage and a neat appearance.
Al-Amira
RSI Al-Amira hijab is a two-piece ensemble consisting of a fitted cap (or underscarf) and a fabric tube-like scarf. It is especially popular in countries such as Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, and is gaining recognition worldwide among Muslim women because it provides coverage without the need for pins or intricate wrapping.
Al-Amira hijabs are often made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, jersey, or polyester blends, offering both comfort and durability. Additionally, the secure fit of the Al-Amira makes it an excellent choice for physical activities, providing comfort while maintaining modesty. Muslim women often pair the Al-Amira with long tops, cardigans, or abayas for a complete modest outfit, and they can also accessorize it with elegant brooches if desired.
नकाब
RSI नकाब is a traditional style of hijab that covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible (in some countries like Afghanistan, the eyes are also covered by the Niqab). It consists of a headscarf combined with a face veil, offering complete coverage. The Niqab is favored by many women for its ability to provide privacy and a sense of personal dignity.
The Niqab is perfect for prayers, mosque visits, and religious gatherings, allowing Muslim women to stay devoutly modest. While black is the most traditional and widely worn color, niqabs can also be found in a variety of hues. It is possible to pair the niqab with coordinating abayas or jilbabs for a cohesive and graceful look. Women often choose under caps that match their niqab to ensure a secure and tidy fit.
पगड़ी
Unlike other hijab styles that cover the neck and shoulders, the पगड़ी wraps securely around the head and often leaves the neck exposed. It is particularly favored in cosmopolitan cities, where fashion meets tradition, and among fashion-forward Muslim women in Europe and North America.
The turban hijab is ideal for professional settings, offering a polished and sophisticated appearance while maintaining modesty. It can be paired with high-neck tops, turtlenecks, or coordinating scarves. Women who prefer a more composed look can layer it with open abayas or cardigans.
एक चादर
RSI Chador hijab is most commonly worn in Iran and parts of the Middle East. It drapes elegantly from the head to the feet, providing full-body coverage while leaving only the face visible. This hijab style often symbolizes respect and piety.
While the chador hijab is particularly suitable for prayers, it also offers a practical and modest option for everyday activities, such as shopping, visiting friends, or strolling in the park. Women can pair it with simple inner garments like long-sleeve tops or maxi dresses to maintain comfort and modesty.
पश्मीना
RSI Pashmina hijab is a luxurious headscarf made from soft wool or a blend of silk and cashmere. The Pashmina hijab is popular in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, as well as in parts of the Middle East and Europe. Its lightweight texture and elegant appearance make it a favorite among women seeking both comfort and style.
This hijab style is ideal for weddings, galas, and other special events, as it adds a touch of grace. The Pashmina hijab can be layered over simple, comfortable inner garments such as long-sleeve tops or dresses.
It pairs exceptionally well with tailored blazers, trench coats, or chic cardigans. For a more stylish look, women can drape the Pashmina around their heads and secure it with pins or a brooch for a secure fit. They can also let it flow over their shoulders for a more relaxed and elegant look.
4 must-try headscarf styles for women
While hijab styles must ensure full coverage of the hair, and usually the neck as well, headscarves usually leave parts of the hair exposed, which provides more freedom in styling. Below are the top four headscarf styles for women:
Turban wrap
Many women prefer to wrap a scarf around their head by crossing it over the crown and tucking in the ends at the back. This style of wearing headscarves is called “Turban wrap,” as it allows the winding of the scarf with a tight and secure fit like the way traditional पगड़ी are tied.
Whether it’s for looking casual, expressing Bohemian vibes, or simply for covering the head during colder months, Turban wrap headscarves can match various styles and occasion themes. For instance, women can match a floral-patterned cotton Turban wrap with an ivory maxi dress to get a relaxed yet stylish look for casual gatherings with friends.
स्र्माली
RSI Babushka headscarf style provides that traditional Eastern European look that reminds us of Russian grandmothers tending their gardens during a chilly early morning. To wear headscarves using this nostalgic style, women simply fold a scarf diagonally to create a triangle, then take the two ends of the triangle and bring them down under the chin and securely tie them.
This style is ideal for outdoor gatherings with loved ones. It also goes hand in hand with casual outfits, especially for women who love spending time in the kitchen. And as a bonus, it will keep hair out of the food. For example, a bright lace-patterned headscarf can be worn with high-waisted jeans or a tucked-in blouse. It’s possible to wear pearls to get a vintage look.
Knot headband
RSI top knot headband is a great way to recreate the fashionable look of women in the 1950s and 60s. This headscarf style is worn around the head with a knot tied either at the top or front of the scarf. Some designs simply feature a sewn design that mimics the knotted appearance. The knot headband is ideal for wavy and curly hair as it frames the face without hiding the natural structure of the hair.
This headscarf style provides a chic touch for an evening out, whether it’s a night out with friends or a long-awaited dinner date. For example, women can match a black velvet knot headband with a strapped satin blouse. एक पेंसिल स्कर्ट can infuse a feminine touch to the outfit. What’s even better is that any hairstyle can work with the knot headband whether it’s loose waves or a polished low bun.
चोटी
RSI ponytail headscarf style helps to keep hair out of the face while adding a flair touch with minimal effort. This style became popular in the 1950s when Sandra Dee wore it in her movie “Gidget.” For this style, women place the center of a long, square or rectangular scarf at their neck’s nape then wrap the evenly hanging ends around the ponytail’s base. Finally, they tie the ends to secure the headscarf.
While the Ponytail style can be worn for casual outings or even business settings, it’s more perfect for outdoor activities, especially during gym workouts. For instance, it’s possible to wear a microfiber, sweat-wicking headscarf along with nylon tank tops or T-shirts with mesh panels. It’s also recommended to use a headscarf with non-slip grips to prevent it from sliding during workouts.
Hijabs are a way to connect faith and fashion
It’s important to remember that hijabs are more than just headscarves. They represent symbols of faith and modesty. While they do cover the head like other headscarves, they also hold special meaning as they represent a woman’s beliefs and connection to her faith.
The way a woman wears her hijab can express her personal style and story, showcasing her identity and values. Through different colors and styles, each hijab tells a unique tale of devotion and cultural pride. For more insights about fashion styles, visit Alibaba.com पढ़ता है!
