Burqa and niqab

Types of burqa and niqab

A burqa is a full-body covering worn by women in some Islamic cultures. It is a one-piece garment with an attached veil that covers the face. The burqa is often blue or other colors and is worn in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. The niqab, commonly mistaken for the burqa, is a facial veil worn by women in some Islamic communities. Unlike the burqa, the niqab leaves the eyes visible. It is worn in several Middle Eastern and North African countries. Here are some types of burqas and niqabs.

• Burqa

  The burqa is a loose-fitting, one-piece garment that covers the entire body from head to toe. It has a mesh screen or cloth in front of the eyes. Burqas are commonly found in Afghanistan, where they are a traditional form of women's clothing. The burqa provides maximum coverage and anonymity, concealing the wearer's entire body and face. Here are the different types:

  • Afghan Burqa

    Typically, the Afghan burqa is a long, loose-fitting garment that covers the entire body, from head to toe. It comes with an attached headscarf or hijab that covers the hair and neck, with a long dress or gown underneath that covers the entire body and legs. It's often accompanied by a pair of gloves to cover the hands. The Afghan burqa usually comes in blue or other colors and is made of cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. It is worn in Afghanistan and some parts of Pakistan and is meant to protect women from the gaze of men who are not related to them.

  • Pakistani Burqa

    Similar to the Afghan burqa, the Pakistani burqa covers the entire body and face. It usually has a mesh screen or fabric over the eyes and comes in various colors, including black, brown, and white. The burqa is often worn with a headscarf and other traditional clothing items. The burqa is more popular in urban areas of Pakistan, where it is worn by many women for cultural and religious reasons. The burqa is also associated with modesty and privacy, which many women prefer.

  • Indian Burqa

    The Indian burqa is similar to the Pakistani burqa but may have some regional variations. It is usually black or dark-colored and covers the entire body, including the face. It often has a loose-fitting top garment, a headscarf, and a full-length skirt or trousers. In India, the burqa is worn by women in some Muslim communities, particularly in urban areas. The burqa is seen as a symbol of modesty and religious adherence for many women.

  • Burqa with Eyescreen

    Burqas with eyescreens are commonly worn in Afghanistan and some parts of Pakistan. It is usually made of cotton or a cotton blend and is designed for durability and breathability. The burqa typically comes in blue or other colors and is worn in public places to comply with cultural or religious norms regarding modesty. The burqa with eyescreen offers more privacy and security for women, allowing them to participate in public life while adhering to their cultural and religious beliefs regarding modesty.

• Niqab

  The niqab is a traditional Islamic veil that covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible. It is worn in several Middle Eastern and North African countries, where it is modestly preferred. The niqab is usually black or dark-colored and is worn with other garments like a hijab or long dress. These are some types of niqabs:

  • Saudi Niqab

    Typically, the Saudi niqab is a face veil that covers the entire face and leaves only the eyes visible. Often, it's black and thin, allowing individuals to see through clearly. The niqab is commonly worn with a headscarf or hijab, covering the hair and neck. Sometimes, it is worn with loose-fitting, modest clothing like an abaya or long dress. In Saudi Arabia, the niqab is a common form of modest dress for women and is seen as a way to observe Islamic principles of modesty.

  • Egyptian Niqab

    The Egyptian niqab is different from the Saudi niqab. It usually comes with a veil that covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible. It is often black or dark-colored and is worn with a headscarf or hijab. Generally, the niqab is worn with traditional clothing like an abaya or long skirt and top. In Egypt, the niqab is worn by women who want to observe modesty and privacy.

  • Emirati Niqab

    Similar to other niqabs, the Emirati niqab covers the face and leaves only the eyes visible. It's usually black or dark-colored and is worn with a headscarf or hijab. Often, it is worn with an abaya, a long, flowing robe traditional in the UAE and other Gulf countries. In the United Arab Emirates, the niqab is a common form of modest dress for women, reflecting cultural and religious practices regarding modesty.

Design of burqa and niqab

The design of Burqa and niqab is intended to allow women to wear them modestly while providing the least possible distractions to the people surrounding them. Here are the significant components of their design:

• Material

  Burqas and niqabs are made from different materials. Usually, the material used to make them depends on the kind of climate the women using them are experiencing. For instance, in hot weather, sheer or lightweight fabrics, like cotton or georgette, may be used to ensure ventilation while preserving modesty. However, in cold climates, heavier materials such as wool blends or polyester may be used to keep warm.

• Style and Coverage

  Both the burqa and the niqab are designed to cover the head, facial area, and body. The burqa covers the whole body, including the face, head, and eyes, usually with a mesh screen or embroidery over the eye area. On the other hand, the niqab covers the head and face, leaving only the eyes uncovered. The burqa is worn as a full-body gown, while the niqab is worn with a long-sleeved top and loose-fitting pants or skirt.

• Color and Decoration

  Burqas and niqabs come in various colors, ranging from deep hues like navy blue, black, and brown. These colors are often chosen for their practicality and ability to blend into various surroundings. In some cultures, burqas and niqabs are decorated with intricate patterns, embroidery, or embellishments, which can differ based on regional customs and personal preferences. Such adornments are usually seen on the burqa, which has more fabric than the niqab.

• Fastening and Fit

  Burqas and niqabs are made to be secure and comfortable. Burqas have different fastening methods, like buttons, zippers, or hooks, located at the front or back of the burqa. In contrast, the niqab is usually tied or secured with elastic bands around the head and neck. Both garments are often loose-fitting and have additional layers to ensure modesty and ease of movement. The loose-fitting design allows for ventilation in the garments, making them suitable for different weather conditions.

• Accessories

  Accessories are an important part of burqa and niqab design. Scarves, gloves, and accessories are made to match the style and color of the burqa or niqab. Burqas may be worn with matching headscarves, while niqab wearers often wear scarves or hats beneath the niqab for extra coverage and warmth.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of burqa and niqab

The following tips will help wearers of a burqa or niqab maintain modesty while looking stylish.

• General Matching Suggestions

  When matching a niqab or burqa, consider the underlying garments. Wear plain or subtly patterned clothing underneath to avoid distractions. Opt for solid colors that complement the burqa or niqab. Earthy tones like beige, olive, and brown harmonize well. Pastel shades offer a soft contrast. Under garments should fit well but not be too tight or revealing.

  Pairing footwear with a burqa or niqab requires thought. Closed-toe shoes are preferable in public. Choose styles that slip on easily, like loafers or pumps. They are practical for the burqa's full-body coverage. Colors should match or complement the outer garment. Black, brown, and navy are versatile choices.

• Burqa Wearing and Matching Suggestions

  Burqas come in various colors. Blue is a common choice, as seen in Afghanistan. It blends with many undergarment options. The blue burqa offers a modest appearance with all-white clothing underneath. It shields the wearer from direct gaze and matches the sky's hue. Pair it with light-colored shoes and accessories for a cohesive look. A blue burqa also pairs well with shades of brown, beige, and olive.

  Burqas with floral patterns are available. They add an artistic touch to this modest garment. Floral designs vary, offering diverse choices. They can be paired with solid-colored undergarments to balance the pattern. Closed-toe shoes in neutral tones complement the floral burqa well. They maintain a modest look while introducing visual interest.

• Niqab Wearing and Matching Suggestions

  Niqabs come in different colors. Black niqabs are prevalent. They match most clothes and shoes. Black is a versatile choice that suits many skin tones. It also has a slimming effect. Wearers can pair it with bright or pastel-colored clothes. Light-colored shoes like beige or white complement a black niqab well.

  Brown niqabs are another option. They give a warm, earthy look. Brown niqabs blend well with natural tones. They are suitable for outdoor settings. Pair a brown niqab with clothes in olive, cream, or tan. This combination creates a harmonious palette. For shoes, opt for darker hues like black or navy to balance the outfit.

Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between a burqa and a niqab?

A1: The main difference between the two lies in the level of coverage they provide. A burqa covers the entire body, including the face, with a mesh screen over the eyes, while a niqab leaves the eyes uncovered and is usually worn with an accompanying headscarf.

Q2: What parts of the body do niqabs cover?

A2: Niqabs cover the entire body except for the eyes. They are often accompanied by loose-fitting clothes that conceal the shape of the body and a headscarf to cover the hair.

Q3: Are burqas and niqabs worn for religious or cultural reasons?

A3: Both garments are worn for religious reasons, specifically as an expression of modesty. However, they also have cultural significance in the societies where they are commonly worn.

Q4: In which countries are burqas and niqabs commonly worn?

A4: Burqas are predominantly worn in Afghanistan, whereas niqabs are more common in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and parts of the United Arab Emirates. Nonetheless, both garments may be seen in other countries with Muslim populations.

Q5: Can women choose to wear a burqa or niqab freely?

A5: In some cases, women can choose to wear a burqa or niqab based on personal belief and preference. However, in other cases, societal norms and legal restrictions may influence their choice.