Hijab Styles: The Complete Guide for the Modern Muslimah

At AbayaButh, we believe that being a Hijabi shouldn't limit your fashion choices. Instead, by experimenting with a range of hijab styles, you have an additional accessory to dress up or down and transform your simple outfit into a style statement.

A hijab can be worn in many different ways and can be adapted for a plethora of occasions and outfit styles. This makes it incredibly important to remain in the know when it comes to the various materials, colours and hijab styles available to you.

To help you keep up with modern hijab styles, we’ve put together a complete hijab style guide with easy-to-follow steps to ensure you remain confident in your day-to-day styling.

Why does hijab style matter?

Hijab is the Arabic word meaning 'barrier' and, in modern times, has become synonymous with a headscarf. As a religion practised in most parts of the world, it should come as little surprise that the hijab is styled in multiple different ways depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the weather, the occasion, the clothes worn in the specific region and the facial structure of the woman herself.

As such, there really is no one way to wear this timeless and highly adaptable piece - allowing you to create different hijab styles and signature looks of your own. All you need is a collection of beautiful hijabs and a few essential methods of wearing them to get you started.

In this blog post, our modest fashion experts are sharing how to wear different hijab styles, making sure you not only know how to wear your hijab, but are also in the best position possible to create a personalised look of your own. So, let's dive right in.

Must-know headscarf materials and textures

When it comes to hijab fashion options, it can be easy to overlook the fabrics and type of material used and focus your choice purely on hijab pattern, colour and even price.

There’s nothing wrong with this but, when it comes to styling hijabs correctly, materials and texture matter, as they can make it easier to master hijab styles to achieve a perfect finish.

There are a number of different materials and textures available depending on your preferred hijab style, but here’s the lowdown on some of the most popular hijab fabrics to help you choose the right fabric for you based on your tastes:

• Silk: for luxury hijab style, silk headscarves make the perfect choice for special occasions. They typically come in rectangular and square cuts, which will need to be secured in place with a headband and pins due to silk’s smooth texture
  
• Modal: arguably the most commonly used headscarf material, we're confident most Hijabis will have at least one modal pashmina scarf hanging in their wardrobe. Ideal for everyday wear, this type of fabric can be effortlessly styled without fear of it sliding off. What's more, its soft texture makes it an incredibly versatile piece that can be worn as an additional layered scarf during crisp autumnal outings
• Jersey the Instagram blogger's favourite material, a jersey hijab is the number one choice for women looking for a comfortable yet quintessentially stylish look. Made from 95% viscose and 5% elastic, this hijab is best styled tightly around the face - offering a sleek and on-trend look for hijab fashion lovers
• Chiffon a must for every modest woman's wardrobe, a luxury chiffon hijab forms the basis of any special occasion outfit. Incredibly light and smooth-textured, this fabric will need to be worn with an underscarf, preferably the same colour as the headscarf itself, and fixed in place with a pin
• Georgette: slightly thicker than chiffon and derived from the same family as silk, georgette hijabs offer a no-fuss styling option that will ensure your headscarf stays in place throughout the day
  
• Rayon viscose: soft, lightweight and luxurious, rayon viscose hijabs give you the look and feel of silk in a durable, machine-washable fabric, giving you countless options when it comes to how to wear your hijab

Hijab style mistakes to avoid

When it comes to mastering hijab fashion, it's essential to know the different hijab styles to avoid. This will ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your headwear all day long.

• Cheap fabrics: cheap hijab materials will often lose their shape quickly and won’t have the same durability. They can also cling to you in entirely the wrong way or easily pucker with the use of pins
• Skinny headscarves: these will only leave you feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious as the scarf falls from your head as the day goes on, exposing your hair and requiring you to regularly shuffle it back into place as a result
• Short hijabs: small hijabs that don't quite fit your head properly will limit your ability to style them appropriately and make you feel less comfortable throughout the day

First on our list of essential hijab styles list is the simple yet effective classic wrap.

Tried and tested, this instantly recognisable hijab style is a world-renowned favourite due to its easy styling and versatility.

Not only is it effortlessly on-trend, but, due to its simple construction, the classic hijab style can also be adapted to a broad range of outfit choices, regardless of the event - be it a brisk walk to the local supermarket or paired with a luxury abaya for a prom or graduation event.

Works well with:

• All types of hijab materials, making it good for all weather and occasions
• Rectangular hijabs
• All faces shapes
• Providing extra coverage
• Glasses

Method:

1. Simply place the material (preferably a rectangular headscarf) around your face, ensuring one side remains considerably longer than the other.
2. Using the longer side, wrap it over the shorter end, tying it around your head. Depending on your personal taste, you can wrap the scarf tightly around your face for a more simple look or, conversely, keep the hijab loose to add some texture and volume to the finished look.
3. Once you're happy with how the hijab looks around your face, simply grab two pins and secure them, one at the top and the other at the side of your head.

How to wear the classic hijab style

A classic hijab wrap will suit most outfits. But, in order to ensure you're well prepared for any scenario, we advise filling your wardrobe with contemporary essential abayas that can be adapted to suit the events of the day ahead. From inner slip dresses to staple black open abayas, the classic hijab style is endlessly versatile whatever you pair it with.

Next up on our list of fabulous hijab styles you need to know about is the sleek and elegant professional wrap. This sophisticated go-to is sure to rejuvenate any plain outfit, adding a welcome touch of class to an uncomplicated ensemble.

The professional hijab style is perfectly suited for everyday wear, particularly in working environments. Be it a corporate meeting or a supermarket shift, this hijab style is guaranteed to make sure your headscarf stays looking neat and tidy.

Works well with:

• Modal, georgette, rayon viscose and jersey types of hijab
• Square hijabs
• All face shapes
• Patterned and plain designs
• Hijab caps to keep it in place

Method:

1. With a square hijab, fold it into a triangular shape around your face - making sure that it forms a perfectly curved shape above your forehead. Once you're satisfied with how it frames your face, use a pin to secure under your neck and ensure both loose ends are evenly placed at both sides of your head.
2. Next, cross each end over the other, firmly wrapping them around your neck and using another pin to secure at the back.
3. With this now finished, make sure you tuck all of your hijab's fabric beneath your work shirt, midi dress or elegant kimono.

How to wear the professional hijab wrap style

A professional hijab style epitomises elegance and, as such, requires little detail to be added to the rest of your outfit. Similar to a slicked-back ponytail, this option is best styled with suits and shirts, or other garments that have definitive lines and a structure that exudes professionalism.

To evoke a real sense of luxury with your hijab fashion choices, the voluminous trendsetter hijab style is the ideal option.

With a layered look, this hijab style is perfect for cool, autumnal days, adding a welcome sense of texture and natural flair to your outfit and little need for additional accessories.

The modern trendsetter hijab style does what it says on the tin, allowing you to look and feel on-trend no matter what the catwalks are saying.

Despite being a popular hijab fashion, this style lends a timeless feel with a healthy dose of volume to your overall outfit.

Works well with:

• All types of hijab fabric
• All face shapes
• Monochrome coloured fabrics
• Adding texture to plain outfits
• Giving extra coverage
• Jewellery

Method

1. To begin, wrap the headscarf (either rectangular or square) around your face and, as with the classic hijab style, ensure you leave one side significantly longer than the other.
2. With the longer side, wrap this around your head, pulling at the fabric on the top of your head to add a little more volume. Once you're happy with the volume you've created, wrap it back over to the front of your shoulder.
3. Now, using the same piece of material, take it around your face once more - pinning to the top of your head and fixing the headscarf in front to create a loose, draping effect.
4. With the shorter, untouched side, tuck this behind the longer loose piece of fabric, pinning it in place should you wish.

How to wear the trendsetter hijab style

As a beautiful option for those of you looking for something with a bit of extra coverage, this hijab fashion favourite encompasses the 'more the merrier' motto, allowing you to build up accessories for show-stealing style.

Feel free to place a brooch on one side of the hijab, not hesitating to couple it with a gorgeous luxury abaya with crystal embellishment on the hem or at the end of the flute sleeves. Worn with a set of strappy heels and a simple clutch bag to ensure no attention is detracted away from the hijab detail, this style exudes fashion.

An Instagram influencer favourite, the classic sleek hijab style creates an opulent I-just-threw-this-on look and is a powerful outfit choice when paired with the latest on-trend fashion items.

Requiring only one pin to stay in place, this effortless loose hijab style radiates glamour without being over the top - allowing your outfit to remain the real focal point.

Works well with:

• Jersey, modal, georgette and rayon viscose types of hijab for an all-season look
• Large square and rectangular hijabs
• All face shapes
• Glasses
• Jewellery
• Hijab cap and a pin to prevent slipping

Method

1. The easiest look to create, simply frame the hijab around your face (keeping both sides even) and pin under your chin.
2. Using one side, toss it over your shoulder, pulling it tightly to let it drape down your back for the ultimate loose hijab style.

How to wear the sleek hijab style

A sleek hijab is perfectly suited to the trends straight from the runway.

This could be adopting the smart-casual look and pairing a bold coloured trouser suit with an ice white chunky trainer, a black turtleneck tee and a bold black sleek hijab. Or go for a chic look by coupling an elegant kimono with knee-high boots, a bold red lip and a sharp white headscarf.

Combining glamour with effortlessness, this easy-to-create hijab style will elevate your cool, bohemian look to a new level. Whatever the occasion, you can enjoy plenty of different ways to wear the sleek hijab style.

Last but by no means least is the turban wrap hijab style. Ideal for women blessed with a strong jawline, this hijab style can be adapted to your own personal tastes.

Whether you choose it for the practicality of not having anything around your face during a long day at work, or the hot weather outside, the turban wrap is a hijab fashion favourite everyone should try at least once!

Works well with:

• Jersey and rayon viscose types of hijab fabrics
• Rectangular hijabs
• Square and round face shapes
• Monochrome and patterned designs
• Glasses
• Jewellery - earrings and necklaces are the perfect finishing touch

Method

1. First, fold the length of your rectangular hijab in half and put it over your head.
2. Then, cross both pieces of fabric towards the back of your head until they reach the nape of your neck.
3. Using one end, wrap it to the front of your head and then back around to the back - tucking the end into fabric under your hair bun.
4. Repeat this process with the other end, ensuring you keep the criss-cross structure at the top of your head for full effect.

How to wear the turban hijab style

A bold look in itself, the turban hijab requires little need for extra styling. But to add a touch of opulence to this already on-trend look, you can complete your outfit with a pair of statement earrings, keeping your clothing choices as simple or extravagant as you like.

Using an embellished velvet cape, a turban-style hijab will tie together your entire look. This gives you all the freedom you need to finish your outfit with your favourite pair of shoes.

When it comes to modest hijab styling, the world is your oyster. With so many different hijab styles out there, the possibilities are endless - meaning there’s no limit to your hijab fashion potential once you've mastered these staple styles.

So, what are you waiting for? Explore our full range of on-trend hijabs here and get started on creating your own unique hijab style today.

Until next time,

AbayaButh xx