Types of hijab


This table of types of hijab describes terminologically distinguished styles of Islamic clothing commonly associated with the word hijab.
The Arabic word hijāb can be translated as "cover, wrap, curtain, veil, screen, partition", among other meanings. In the Quran it refers to notions of separation, protection and covering in both literal and metaphorical senses. Subsequently, the word has evolved in meaning and now usually denotes a Muslim woman's veil or the notion of separation between the sexes. In English, the term refers predominantly to the Islamic head covering for women and its underlying religious precepts.
NameImageDescription
Abaya عبايةFull-length, robe-like outer garment that covers the whole body except the head, feet, and hands. Usually worn with a headscarf or gloves and niqab.
al-AmiraA two-piece veil. It consists of a close fitting cap, usually made from cotton or polyester, and an accompanying tube-like scarf.
BushiyyaA veil that is tied on at the forehead and falls to cover the entire face but has no cut-out for the eyes; instead, the fabric is sheer enough to be seen through.
Bukhnuq بخنقThis is similar to khimār 2 but comes down just to the bosom. Sometimes called "Amira hijab" if it has embroidery at the edge.
Eastern Arabia Batula برقع شرق الجزيرة العربيةWomen wear it in United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Arabs of Southern Iran. This tradition has almost died out in the newer generations. Older women past 50, and those living in rural areas can still be seen wearing them.
Burqa or Chadari برقع، چادریTraditional Central Asian style outer garment that covers the entire body and has a grille over the face that the woman looks through. Very similar in style and function to other Central Asian styles such as the paranja.
ChadorAn Iranian traditional outer garment that covers the head and body and is a full-length semicircle of fabric but comes down to the ground. Does not have slits for the hands and is held shut with the hands, teeth or simply wrapped under the arms.
ElechekWhite turban traditionally worn by Kyrgyz women, currently reserved for special occasions.
Hijāb حجابMay refer to any head covering. See Hijab
Jilbāb جلبابgenericThe term used in the Qur'an to refer to the outer garment. In Indonesia, the term jilbab refers exclusively to the head-covering.
Jilbāb A type of outer garment that looks like a long raincoat or trenchcoat.
KalpakTraditional headgear of unmarried woman in Kazakhstan, Karakalpakstan and Kyrgyzstan.
KerudungAlthough similar to the Malaysian tudong, the modern Indonesian kerudung usually includes a stiff visor above the eyes.
Khimār خمارgenericThe term used in the Qur'an to refer to the headscarf; the word "hijāb" is more commonly used with this meaning.
Khimār Most commonly, a circular head covering with a hole cut out for the face, which usually comes down to the waist. Note the variations bukhnuq and chador above, which are the same style but different lengths.
Kimeshek Traditional headgear of married woman in Kazakhstan, Karakalpakstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Kurhars Traditional headgear of unmarried woman in Ingushetia.
MukenaAn Indonesian hijab worn almost exclusively for praying. It is fastened around the head with two strings. Colours are usually white or pastel.
Niqaab نقابA veil that covers the face and entire head but with a place cut out for the eyes.
Niqaab A veil that is tied on at the bridge of the nose and falls to cover the lower face. Also called "half niqab".
Oramal A traditional kerchief used in Central Asia and the Caucasus. In some countries like Uzbekistan it was traditionally used only at home, while in public the paranja was more popular. In other countries, like Kazakhstan, it was commonly used in public. In Kyrgyzstan, the white color is an indication that the woman is married.
ParanjaA Central Asian traditional outer garment that covers the head and body, heavy in weight and made from horsehair. Once prevalent in Uzbek and Tajik societies.
SelendangIn Southeast Asia, a multi-purpose shoulder sash that can be tied around the shoulders to carry infants and groceries, or draped over the head.
ShaylaLong, rectangular scarf, wrapped around the head and tucked or pinned in place at the shoulders. Popular in Arab states of the Persian Gulf.
Taqiyah
Tudung or KerudungHeadscarf worn in Malaysia and Indonesia. In Indonesia, the term kerudung is much more common.
TürbanTurkish term for a headscarf pinned neatly at the sides.