Hijab refers to a headscarf while jilbab is an outer garment worn to cover a woman’s body. Both are worn for modesty in accordance with Islamic standards, with designs varying based on cultural standards and personal preferences. In Indonesia, a headscarf is known as a jilbab. Women can choose to wear both or just one of these garments.
The difference between a hijab and a jilbab is mainly that the term “hijab” as commonly used describes a headscarf while the term “jilbab” refers to an outer garment worn to cover the body of a woman. Hijab and jilbab designs can vary significantly depending on cultural standards, as well as the tastes and preferences of the women who wear them. Both hijabs and jilbabs are worn in accordance with Islamic standards of modesty. It should also be noted that in Indonesia a headscarf is known as a jilbab, although this is not a common use of the word in other countries.
While “hijab” technically refers to the Islamic code of modesty for both men and women, it is used colloquially to describe a headscarf or head covering worn by many women to cover their hair, neck, and in some cases, their shoulders. , chest and torso. In some cases, the hijab fits relatively tightly around a woman’s head and provides minimal coverage around the neck, where it tucks into a woman’s blouse, or falls around the high collar of a woman’s shirt or blouse. In other cases, the hijab can provide greater coverage by covering a woman’s upper body. Some women may also wear a face veil, often known as a niqab, in addition to their headscarf.
A jilbab is a garment designed to conceal a woman’s body. In some cases, the jilbab may be floor length, although some women prefer to wear a shorter garment. The jibab is usually made of thick cloth and flows away from the body, concealing a woman’s figure. Many jilbabs resemble long coats or shirtdresses, although some may have a caftan-like appearance. These garments generally do not provide head or neck coverage, requiring wearers to don a separate headscarf. Some women choose to wear a jilbab over other clothing, and some may also simply wear a sturdy jilbab over their undergarments and a long skirt or trousers to avoid discomfort in hot weather.
Individual women can choose to wear the hijab and jilbab together, or depending on their preference, they can wear just one or the other. Women who wear only a headscarf may choose to wear a dress, top, or tunic that is relatively loose fitting and meets their community-endorsed modesty standards. Some women may also refrain from wearing a headscarf but will still wear a jilbab.
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