Abaya vs. jilbab: what’s the difference?

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The difference between an abaya and a jilbab depends on how they are used. Both are loose outer garments that cover a woman’s body, but an abaya is usually a tunic or caftan, while a jilbab can resemble a coat, dress, or jacket. Both are worn to achieve modesty in Islam.

The difference between an abaya and a jilbab depends, in part, on how these words are used. The term “jilbab” can refer to any loose outer garment that covers a woman and conceals her body shape. It is also sometimes used to describe a specific type of garment that looks like a long coat with buttons or a zipper up the front. The term “abaya” is often used to describe a type of covering often worn in Arab countries. It is usually loose fitting and resembles a tunic or caftan or long flowing dress, although some clothing manufacturers and retailers may sell other styles as abayas. An abaya may also have a hood that provides additional coverage to the wearer’s head.

In Islam, both men and women are called upon to dress modestly. In general, women are expected to dress in a way that covers the entire body, with the exception of the hands, face, and in some cases, the feet. Also, the coverage should be significant enough not to reveal a woman’s body shape, something both an abaya and jilbab can offer. To achieve this level of modesty, many women choose to wear a garment, generically known as a jilbab, over their clothing when at the pubis, although the exact style of jilbab can vary between cultures and the preferences of women who choose to wear this type. covering.

Many vendors of Islamic clothing, particularly those in the West who need to accommodate immigrant customers who come from many different cultures, may make a firm distinction between an abaya and a jilbab in their catalogs. These companies may sell the former as a very loose cape or gown that slips over the head. The jilbab can be sold as something that resembles a coat, dress, or jacket.

In situations where a manufacturer makes this distinction between an abaya and a jilbab, customers may find greater variation in jilbab offerings. These garments may be high-necked or may have an open neckline that would need to be covered by a shirt or head covering if worn in public. Additionally, there is a wide range of jilbab designs available in many different fabrics, some of them made to resemble standard business suits or even sportswear. Some companies may also sell a shorter jilbab that covers the wearer to mid-thigh, with the idea that they will wear long, loose trousers or a skirt to provide adequate coverage to their lower body.




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