Something that I’ve learnt over the years is that being a Hijabi shouldn’t make you any less capable or limit your possibilities in fashion; you have the complete freedom to explore yourself in fashion. Just because your head is covered doesn’t mean your thoughts should be trapped inside and underneath it. Be confident with the piece you’re wearing, after all, it is not about what you are wearing, it is about how you present it.

Chapter 1: Fabrics and Texture

At first glance, all hijabs may look exactly the same and their texture is overseen. Texture, however, is a crucial aspect when it comes to styling a hijab let it be based on the outfit or purely on the occasion. There are infinite numbers of textiles that can be worn but not all of them can be worn at any given time and some are even entirely avoided.

Here are some Fabrics I love to use:

(Silk) Pashmina

Pashmina is considered to be the classical headscarf of all time, it is tailored and sold worldwide with the majority of Hijabis have at least a single piece of it in their closet. It is a number one to go to if you are unsure what to wear because it can be easily styled to your taste and can be transformed from simple to extravagant.

Silk

Silk comes in two main shapes that fit to be a hijab which is rectangular and square shaped. the square shaped scarves are preferably used to style a Turban. On the other hand, the rectangular shape is regularly styled around the head. Silk is incredibly a smooth material that needs to be secured by wearing a headband underneath to avoid it from falling.

Maxi Jersey

Maxi Jersey is personally one of my favourite daily worn scarfs because it doesn’t need a headband underneath or pins to secure it from falling. Additionally, it is perfect for building knots and twists because it is stretchy and flexible that can easily be snapped back to its original shape.

Maxi Ribbed

Maxi Ribbed is currently in fashion which is perfectly suitable for the fall/winter season. It can be used as a day to day scarf as it stays in position and doesn’t need much attention because it is slightly rough.

There are many more such as Cotton, Chiffon, lased, viscose and vintage square that are widely used as well.

Some things to avoid:

Avoid wearing skinny or thin scarves because this will only ruin your day and leave you uncomfortable for the rest of the day as it will gradually slip backwards exposing your hair.

Avoid wearing short and narrow scarves because it will not cover your head properly and it will limit your chances to freely create the style you want.

Chapter 2: Styling your Hijab

Wearing a TURBAN is a pretty complicated style for Hijabis to master, not only do you need to find the perfect wrapping technique that suits the shape of your face and that goes well with your outfit. You need to make sure that your Awrah (Body parts that must be covered) is covered.

Fortunately, that won’t be a problem as long as your neck is covered either by wearing a turtleneck blouse or by using a second scarf that can be gently placed around your neck for full coverage.

Here are some Turban styling techniques you can adopt according to different occasions:

**Cross-over Turban**

Cross-over is a style adopted from Arabs and Sikhs where you get a general shape of a crossover in front of your head. It is a style preferably chosen on important occasions such as a conference or an interview. As much as any texture would do the deed, using Viscose scarf, Silk Pashmina or Maxi Jersey Scarf is much preferable. Finally, the style goes tremendously well with elegant outfits and maxi dresses.

Bun (Rear) Turban

The Classical Bun Turban is a modest and feminine style that can be worn on special occasions such as mixed parties, reception OR even by brides on their wedding day. It is all about VOLUME, the bigger the bun the better the final look will be. Different textures can be used but Rough Chiffon is highly recommended because it nicely complements your dress/gown and stays in position for the whole evening.

Readily Made Turban

Readily Made Turban is a substitute to Hijab where it can be worn as a Beanie. If you are a practical girl with a busy and active schedule it is highly recommended as it is fast, quick, and much more convenient for a daily wear

The African Turban

The African Turban style as the name infers adopted from Africa with infinite wrapping techniques but only the two major ones will be further discussed; Thick and rough textures are more likely to be used with exotic patterns and colours. Hence, your outfit will subjectively rely on your scarf so you can tone down your clothes to direct all the attention to it. The style can definitely be worn for important occasions but it can be a real confidence booster for your 'down days'.

High Wrap

The high wrap once again is all about VOLUME where the Turban is emphasized as a massive Helmet on your head. You can also layer it with a double Scarf to give you a boost of volume.

Bun In-front Turban

un In-front is the reverse of the Classical Bun where the bun is styled in front of the head instead. You can either style your bun solely with a single scarf or you can use a Secondary scarf underneath your Primary scarf that is randomly rolled in a bun or a doughnut shape for extra volume. Alternatively, to a Bun, a Bow shape in-front is very iconic as well.

Chapter 3: Caring for your Scarves.

Hijab like any other piece of clothing needs to be taken care of and because it is worn every so often; there are some mistakes that are repeatedly done without realizing them that results in destroying the scarf.

Use special pins

Pins are Hijabis Best Friend but that doesn’t mean you can wear too many of them because that will only ruin your scarf. To avoid damaging the scarf, make sure you use pins that are specially made for scarfs that can be purchased at any drugstore. There are some pins that are very small that can be hidden in between your scarf and go unnoticed.

Don’t put them in washing machines

I know that washing your scarf with your hands is not the definition of fun but the spinning of the washing machines will only destroy the fabric as most of the scarves are made from delicate and gentle materials. This in return will make the scarf last in shape longer than you expect.

Iron your Scarf

It is completely understandable that ironing is one of the things that is neglected but not only does it maintain the shape and the colour of the scarf, it helps you style your hijab easily. It is preferable to use a steamer instead of iron as it avoids leaving imprints on the scarf.

Hang or fold them

It is known that scarves are meant to be folded or hanged, however, there are some girls that randomly fold and throw their scarves in their closet without making sure it is nicely folded and hanged in a position that avoids it from creasing.

Chapter 4: Accessorizing

As a Hijabi I always feel there is something missing after I finish putting my outfit and wrapping my hijab. This is where accessories come to action and you can go Simple or Extreme depending on the selection of your accessories.

Earrings

Match your earrings when your hijab is styled in a Turban as it is the perfect opportunity to be flaunting with your hoop and studded earrings.

Necklaces

You can go wild with your necklaces as you can layer more than one with different lengths. If you’re wearing a Turban go with a choker or a heavy necklace and if you are wearing a regular hijab go with long necklaces so it doesn’t get covered by the hijab.

Glasses

Big round glasses have been in fashion lately, and it is completely acceptable to unleash your dorky side for once and match with your Hijab.

Bags, heels and Makeup are also considered secondary accessories as they add final touches to your outfit. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!

I hope all the advice that I had to offer is equally useful and entertaining! At the end of the day styling your hijab shouldn’t be a burden or an item that is given less acknowledgement than other pieces of clothing. You are your own beautiful induvial so don’t hide under social and cultural pressures. Instead, wiggle lose from strings and transform your style into something extraordinary!

Credits

Photography

Zoe Martin