The Hijab Glossary: Fabrics, Styles, and Terms Explained (2026 Reference Guide)

The hijab glossary: a reference guide to the fabrics, terms, and traditions in the hijabi vocabulary. From chiffon and modal cotton to tatreez, keffiyeh, and khimar — this is the definitive guide to what every word means, where it comes from, and how it relates to modern hijab style.

Whether you're new to hijab, helping a sister find her first piece, or just want a single trusted reference for the terms you've heard but never been sure about — this glossary covers the entire vocabulary, alphabetically and with cultural context.

Hijab fabrics

What is chiffon?

Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer woven fabric made from twisted yarns of polyester, silk, or nylon. Its name comes from the French word for cloth or rag. Chiffon's defining qualities are its delicate drape, slight stretch, and breathability — making it one of the most popular hijab fabrics globally.

JAIDA chiffon is a premium grade with a matte finish (not the slippery satin-chiffon found at fast-fashion stores) that grips naturally. Every JAIDA chiffon hijab is 200 × 70 cm with hand-rolled edges. Browse JAIDA chiffon hijabs →

What is satin?

Satin is a fabric weave (not a fiber) characterized by a glossy front surface and a matte back. It can be made from silk, polyester, or rayon. Satin's signature is its smooth, lustrous finish that catches light beautifully — making it the fabric of choice for special occasions, weddings, and Eid celebrations.

JAIDA satin uses a soft sheen weave (not a hard mirror finish) for photo-ready elegance without the slippery feel of cheaper satins. Browse JAIDA satin hijabs →

What is modal cotton?

Modal is a semi-synthetic fabric made from beech tree pulp, processed into soft, breathable fibers. Modal cotton blends modal fibers with cotton for a fabric that combines modal's softness and breathability with cotton's structure and durability.

Modal cotton is the most-recommended fabric for everyday hijab wear: matte finish (non-slip), opaque on its own, breathable in heat, gentle on sensitive skin, and machine-washable. Browse JAIDA modal cotton hijabs →

What is jersey?

Jersey is a stretchy knit fabric (not woven) typically made from cotton, viscose, or synthetic blends. Jersey hijabs are stretchy, easy to style without pins, and stay put naturally — but tend to be heavier and warmer than chiffon or modal.

What is georgette?

Georgette is a crinkly, slightly textured chiffon-family fabric, typically heavier than standard chiffon. Named for early 20th-century dressmaker Georgette de la Plante. Often used in dressier, more dramatic hijab styles.

What is crepe?

Crepe is a fabric with a textured, slightly crinkled surface. Crepe hijabs hold their shape well and resist wrinkles, making them popular for travel and structured styles.

Hijab styles and types

What is a hijab?

Hijab (Arabic: حجاب) literally means "barrier" or "covering." In modern usage, it refers specifically to the headscarf worn by Muslim women that covers the hair, ears, and neck while leaving the face visible. Hijab is a religious obligation in Islam, an act of modesty, and increasingly an expression of identity and personal style.

What is a khimar?

Khimar (Arabic: خمار) is a longer, looser headcovering that drapes over the head and extends past the chest — typically reaching the waist, hips, or knees. Khimars are pre-cut to slip on without wrapping or pinning, making them popular for prayer and for sisters who prefer a more covered, modest silhouette.

What is a niqab?

Niqab (Arabic: نقاب) is a face veil worn in addition to a hijab or khimar, covering the lower face and leaving only the eyes visible. The niqab is worn by some Muslim women as an additional level of modesty.

What is a turban-style hijab?

Turban-style refers to a hijab wrapping method where the fabric is twisted, crossed, or tied at the crown of the head rather than draped over the chest. Turban styles are modest at the head and ears but don't include neck coverage — sometimes worn for fashion, sometimes paired with a separate scarf for full hijab coverage.

What is a shayla?

Shayla is a long, rectangular scarf wrapped loosely around the head, common in Gulf Arab styling. Shaylas are typically lightweight and longer than standard hijabs.

What is a dupatta?

Dupatta is a long scarf traditionally worn with South Asian clothing (kurta, salwar kameez). Some hijabi women style dupattas as hijabs, particularly for cultural or wedding occasions.

Hijab accessories and essentials

What is an underscarf?

An underscarf (also called an undercap) is a tube or bonnet-shaped piece worn under the hijab to cover the hairline, secure the hair, and prevent the hijab from slipping. Underscarves create the foundation every secure hijab wrap relies on.

The JAIDA Inner Silk Underscarf is the most-loved product in our store — matte silk that grips hijab fabric without bulk. See all JAIDA underscarves →

What is a hijab magnet?

A hijab magnet is a magnetic fastener (two magnets that snap together) used to secure hijab fabric without piercing it. Hijab magnets are gentler on delicate fabrics than pins and are easier for beginners to use. JAIDA Magnet Set →

What is a hijab pin?

Hijab pins include safety pins, decorative straight pins, and magnetic pins. Safety pins are inexpensive but pierce fabric. Decorative pins add jewelry-like accents. Magnetic pins (like JAIDA magnets) hold without piercing.

What is a hijab clip?

Hijab clips are decorative metal or jeweled clips used to fasten or accent a hijab — traditionally popular in Turkish hijab styling. JAIDA Turkish Hijab Clips →

Hijab patterns and cultural prints

What is the keffiyeh pattern?

Keffiyeh (Arabic: كوفية) is a traditional Arab woven cotton scarf with a distinctive black-and-white grid pattern. Worn across the Levant for centuries, the keffiyeh is most closely associated with Palestinian identity, where it has become an internationally recognized symbol of resistance and solidarity.

JAIDA's Jabalia Veil renders the keffiyeh pattern in luxury chiffon.

What is tatreez?

Tatreez (Arabic: تطريز, meaning "embroidery") is the traditional Palestinian cross-stitch embroidery passed down through generations of women. Tatreez motifs — flowers, geometric patterns, and symbolic shapes — vary by region and family, with each pattern carrying historical meaning. The art is so culturally significant it was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021.

JAIDA's Blooms of Hope draws from the floral palette of tatreez.

What is Andalusian art?

Andalusian art refers to the visual culture of Al-Andalus — the Islamic civilization in southern Spain from 711 to 1492. Andalusian art is characterized by intricate geometric tilework, calligraphy, botanical motifs, and architectural elements like horseshoe arches — most visible today at the Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, and the Madinat al-Zahra.

JAIDA's Heritage Edit includes multiple Andalusian-inspired prints, including Andalusia, Cordoba Serenity, and Alhambra Bloom.

What is Islamic geometric art?

Islamic geometric art is a tradition of mathematical patterns — stars, polygons, interlacing lines — developed across the Islamic world from the 8th century onward. The patterns reflect Islamic theological concepts of infinity and divine unity. Found in mosque tilework, manuscript illumination, textiles, and architecture from Granada to Samarkand.

What is Mughal art?

Mughal art is the visual tradition of the Mughal Empire (16th–19th century, primarily modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). Mughal art is known for elaborate botanical motifs, garden paradise scenes, and decorative floral patterns. JAIDA's Palais de Paon draws from Mughal garden imagery.

Hijab religious and modesty terms

What is awrah?

Awrah (Arabic: عورة) refers to the parts of the body that Islamic teachings require to be covered in front of others. For women, awrah is generally understood as everything except the face and hands. The hijab covers the head, hair, ears, and neck — part of complete awrah coverage when paired with modest clothing.

What is modest fashion?

Modest fashion is clothing designed to cover the body in line with religious or personal values around modesty. The modern modest fashion movement spans Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and secular communities — and has grown into a multi-billion-dollar global industry. JAIDA is part of this movement, designing luxury modest pieces in Canada.

What is jilbab?

Jilbab (Arabic: جلباب) is a long, loose-fitting outer garment worn over regular clothing to cover the body modestly. Jilbabs range from simple long coats to more elaborate dress-like garments, often worn with a hijab.

What is abaya?

Abaya (Arabic: عباءة) is a loose, robe-like dress traditionally worn by women in the Arabian Peninsula and increasingly globally. Abayas are typically floor-length, with sleeves, and worn over regular clothing. Often paired with a hijab.

What is salah?

Salah (Arabic: صلاة) is the obligatory daily prayer performed five times a day by Muslims. During salah, a woman must be fully covered except for her face and hands — making prayer hijabs and modest layering an essential part of a hijabi wardrobe.

What is Eid?

Eid (Arabic: عيد, meaning "festival") refers to the two major Islamic holidays: Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha following the Hajj pilgrimage. Both are celebrated with prayer, family gatherings, gift-giving, and — traditionally — new clothing, including hijabs. JAIDA Ramadan & Eid Edit →

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims as a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection. Ramadan culminates in Eid al-Fitr.

What is Jummah?

Jummah (Arabic: جمعة) is the Friday congregational prayer that replaces the regular noon prayer. Friday is the holiest day of the Islamic week, and Jummah is a significant communal gathering. Many hijabis reach for their nicer hijabs on Fridays.

Hijab care and styling vocabulary

What is hand-rolled edging?

Hand-rolled edges are hijab borders finished by hand, where the raw edge of the fabric is folded over and stitched into a small rolled hem. Hand-rolled edges prevent fraying, hold their shape over years of wear, and are a hallmark of luxury hijab construction. Every JAIDA chiffon and satin hijab has hand-rolled edges.

What does non-slip mean?

Non-slip hijab fabric has a textured or matte finish (rather than smooth or shiny) that grips the underscarf and itself naturally — reducing the need for constant adjustment. JAIDA chiffon, modal cotton, and satin are all woven for non-slip grip.

What does "opaque" mean for hijabs?

Opaque means non-see-through. An opaque hijab fully covers the hair, hairline, and underscarf without any visibility through the fabric. JAIDA modal cotton is fully opaque on its own. JAIDA chiffon is opaque when layered (standard styling) or paired with an underscarf.

What is fabric drape?

Drape describes how a fabric falls and folds. Good drape means the hijab settles into smooth, intentional folds rather than standing stiff or bunching awkwardly. Chiffon has a soft, flowing drape. Modal cotton has structured drape. Satin has a heavy, luxurious drape.

What is GSM in hijab fabric?

GSM stands for "grams per square meter" — a measure of fabric weight. Lower GSM (60–80) means lighter, more breathable fabric. Higher GSM (100–150+) means heavier, warmer fabric. Most premium chiffon hijabs sit in the 60–80 GSM range; modal cotton hijabs sit around 100–130 GSM.

Common hijab sizes

What size are standard hijabs?

Hijab sizes vary, but standard premium sizes include:

• 200 × 70 cm — generous coverage, allows full chest drape and multiple wrap styles. JAIDA's standard size.
• 180 × 70 cm — slightly shorter, still provides full coverage.
• 150 × 50 cm — smaller, limited styling options, often labeled as "square hijab" when 150 × 150 cm.
• 120 × 120 cm — square "shayla" style, common in Gulf styling.

For complete sizing details: What Size Hijab Should I Buy? Complete Guide

Other terms you'll hear

What does "hijabi" mean?

Hijabi is the informal term for a Muslim woman who wears a hijab. The term is widely used in modest fashion, social media, and community contexts.

What is "new convert" hijab guidance?

New convert (or "revert") guidance refers to resources, products, and support for women who have recently embraced Islam and are starting to wear hijab. JAIDA welcomes new converts and offers a beginner-friendly starter approach in our Best Hijab for Beginners Guide.

What is the "modest fashion industry"?

The modest fashion industry is a global retail category projected to exceed $400 billion in coming years. It includes hijabs, abayas, modest activewear, modest swimwear, and any clothing designed for coverage-focused dressing.

What is "halal fashion"?

Halal fashion typically refers to clothing designed in line with Islamic guidelines on modesty, often used interchangeably with "modest fashion" in marketing contexts.

Frequently asked

What's the difference between chiffon and satin?

Chiffon is sheer, lightweight, and woven with a matte or slightly shiny finish. Satin is heavier, has a glossy front surface, and is best for occasions. JAIDA chiffon is matte and non-slip; JAIDA satin has a soft sheen.

What's the difference between hijab, khimar, and niqab?

Hijab covers the hair, ears, and neck (face visible). Khimar is a longer, looser headcovering that extends past the chest. Niqab is a face veil that covers the lower face, worn with a hijab or khimar.

What does "awrah" mean?

Awrah refers to the parts of the body Islamic teachings require to be covered in front of others. For women, awrah is generally understood as everything except the face and hands.

What is the keffiyeh pattern and why does it matter?

The keffiyeh is a traditional Arab woven scarf with a distinctive black-and-white grid pattern. It's most closely associated with Palestinian identity and has become an internationally recognized symbol of resistance and solidarity.

What is tatreez?

Tatreez is traditional Palestinian cross-stitch embroidery passed down through generations of women. The art was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021.

What does "modal cotton" mean?

Modal cotton is a blend of modal fibers (made from beech tree pulp) and cotton — combining modal's softness and breathability with cotton's structure. Considered the best fabric for everyday hijab wear.

What does GSM mean for hijab fabric?

GSM means grams per square meter — a measure of fabric weight. Lower GSM means lighter, more breathable. Higher GSM means heavier, warmer.

What is "hand-rolled" edging?

Hand-rolled edges are hijab borders finished by hand into a small rolled hem. They prevent fraying and are a hallmark of luxury hijab construction.

Want to know more?

This glossary covers the foundational vocabulary, but the world of modest fashion is rich and continues to evolve. For deeper dives on specific topics:

• Chiffon vs Satin vs Modal Cotton: which fabric is right for you
• Hijab Care 101: how to wash, dry, and store luxury hijabs
• Best luxury hijabs in Canada: an honest guide
• How to wear a hijab for beginners

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