Niqab burqa

Types of niqab and burqa

The niqab and burqa are face-covering garments worn by some Muslim women for cultural or religious purposes. The main difference is that a niqab leaves the eyes visible, while a burqa covers the entire face and body. Here are some of their types:

• Niqab

  A niqab is an Islamic veil that covers the face, with the exception of the eyes. It is commonly worn in public by women in some Islamic societies. There are various styles of niqab:

  • Shami Niqab

    The Shami niqab style is popular in Syria and surrounding areas. It has a long, rectangular face veil that is secured at the back of the head with ties or elastic. This style provides full coverage of the face while allowing for some adjustability.

  • Egyptian Niqab

    The Egyptian niqab style is similar but usually shorter in length. It is worn in Egypt and neighboring countries and is secured in a similar manner. The shorter veil length is sometimes preferred for practical reasons, such as ease of maintenance.

  • Emirati Niqab

    Commonly worn in the Gulf region, especially the UAE, the Emirati niqab style is distinct with its long face veil and separate eye cover. The veil is typically secured with ties or hooks, and the design allows for full face coverage while keeping the eyes visible.

  • Afghani Niqab

    The Afghani niqab style is similar to the others but may have regional variations in how it is worn and secured. It is popular in Afghanistan and among Afghan communities elsewhere. The niqab is usually held in place with ties or elastic bands.

• Burqa

  A burqa is an outer garment worn by some Muslim women in parts of South Asia, especially Afghanistan. It is a full-body covering that includes a veil or mesh screen over the face. The burqa is a loose-fitting garment that covers the entire body from head to toe, leaving no part of the body visible.

  The burqa differs in style and design depending on the region. Here are some of its types:

  • Afghan Burqa

    The Afghan burqa is a full-body covering that includes a headscarf, loose-fitting dress, and a veil or mesh screen covering the face. It is manufactured from lightweight fabric such as cotton or synthetic blends. This garment is commonly blue but is available in other colors, such as white and brown. The Afghan burqa is secured with ties or hooks and provides complete coverage of the body. It is culturally significant and has been traditionally worn by many women in Afghanistan.

  • Pakistani Burqa

    The Pakistani burqa style is similar to the Afghan version but may have regional variations in design and fabric. It is often worn with a separate headscarf or dupatta and is typically black or dark-colored. The Pakistani burqa is loose-fitting and provides full coverage of the body, including the face. It is secured with ties or buttons and is popular in Pakistan and among Pakistani communities.

  • Indian Burqa

    While the term "burqa" is used in India, the garment is often referred to as a "chador" or "jilbab." The Indian burqa style may vary significantly but usually includes a full-body covering with a separate headscarf. It is commonly black or dark-colored and is worn in various styles depending on personal preference and regional customs. The Indian burqa provides modesty and privacy for women in public settings.

Design of niqab burqa

The designs of niqab and burqa vary widely depending on cultural practices, personal preferences, and the availability of fabrics and fashion. Here are some essential elements of their design.

• Styles

  The niqab covers the face, leaving the eyes exposed. The headscarf is worn over the head with a separate piece of cloth that covers the face. The burqa is an all-encompassing outer garment. It covers the body from head to toe, and the face is concealed with a mesh screen. The design varies among cultures. The Gulf countries' niqab is a sheer material that allows the eyes to be seen. There are different styles of burqas, and the most common one is the Afghan burqa. It consists of a full-body garment with a mesh veil in front of the face.

• Fabrics

  Both the niqab and the burqa are loose-fitting garments made from breathable fabrics like cotton, chiffon, and georgette. The choice of fabric depends on the season and the climate. The niqab is made from light fabrics like chiffon and georgette. The burqa is made from thicker, more substantial fabrics like cotton or synthetic blends. The niqab and burqa can be adorned with embroidery, lace, and decorative patterns. These adornments are usually added to the borders or the face veil of the niqab and to the burqa's body part.

• Colors

  Both garments come in various colors. The niqab is worn in bright colors. The burqa is commonly worn in neutral colors, including black, navy blue, or brown.

• Accessories

  Some niqab wearers may accessorize their niqabs with sunglasses or spectacles to enhance their appearance. The burqa is worn with an additional undergarment, which is an inner dress that provides an additional layer of coverage.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of niqab and burqa

The following tips will help one wear a niqab or burqa and match it with other garments for a modest and stylish look.

• How to Wear

  1. Step 1

     Put on the niqab or burqa. Hold the garment in front of the body. Wrap it around the shoulders. Make sure it covers the body well. Adjust it for comfort and modesty. Secure it with ties or buttons. Ensure it fits snugly. Check the mirrors for evenness. Prepare for the day ahead.

     The steps to wear a niqab or burqa differ slightly. The niqab covers the face. The burqa covers the whole head. The niqab may have ties. The burqa usually has a full-body wrap. Both need adjustments for comfort. They must be secured well too. They should be checked in the mirror. Wearers should be ready for their day.

  2. Step 2

     Secure the niqab, or burqa, and ensure it fits well. Adjust the straps or ties as needed. Make sure it feels comfortable. Check the mirror to see all parts are in place. The niqab should conceal the face. The burqa should cloak the entire body. They must not obstruct vision or breathing. They must fit snugly and feel right.

  3. Step 3

     Match the niqab or burqa with modest attire. Choose loose-fitting clothes. Dark colors are often preferred. They provide more modesty. Avoid tight or transparent fabrics. They don't align with modesty principles. Select garments that cover the arms and legs fully. This maintains a modest profile.

  4. Step 4

     Pair the niqab or burqa with accessories. Opt for subtle, non-flamboyant pieces. Select scarves that complement the outfit's hue. Pick gloves that blend well. Footwear should be modest too. Consider plain shoes or flats. They align with a modest appearance. Keep jewelry minimal and discreet, as this doesn't draw attention away from the ensemble.

• How to Match

  1. Step 1

     Pair a niqab or burqa with loose clothing. Select tops that don't hug the body. Opt for long-sleeved shirts. Pick dark colors like black or navy. Choose flowing trousers. Ensure they sit high on the waist. They should be loose too. Pick wide-leg or palazzo styles. Shorts should be long and baggy. Select cargo or board styles. They must sit below the knee. This maintains modesty and aligns with the burqa's principle of modesty.

  2. Step 2

     Select accessories wisely. Pick scarves that blend with the outfit. Opt for gloves that match the niqab or burqa. Footwear should be simple and modest. Choose flats or low-heeled shoes. They should be comfortable for daily tasks. Avoid eye-catching or loud accessories. This preserves a modest look. Keep the overall appearance cohesive and understated.

  3. Step 3

     Combine the burqa with a flowing maxi dress. Opt for dresses with long sleeves. Choose high necklines for added coverage. Look for styles that flare from the waist. Select solid colors like black or dark blue. Pick dresses that reach the ankles. This ensures full coverage and aligns with burqa-wearing principles. Pair the dress with matching sandals or flats. Select a hijab in a complementary hue. Opt for a simple, non-patterned headscarf. Choose a lightweight fabric for comfort. Wrap it securely around the head. Tuck in the ends to keep it in place. Consider adding a modest bracelet or watch. Select pieces that blend with the overall look. Their addition should be subtle and elegant.

Q&A

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

A1. The main difference between a niqab and a burqa lies in the level of coverage and the design. A niqab is worn as a face veil that covers the face except for the eyes, while a burqa offers more coverage since it conceals the entire body from head to toe, including the face. The burqa usually has a mesh screen or fabric in front of the eyes, so the wearer can see through it.

Q2. Is it possible to see through a burqa?

Q2. Yes, burqas have mesh screens or thin fabrics over the eyes to enable wearers to see their surroundings. However, the vision is limited to maintain modesty.

Q3. Are niqabs and burqas worn in all Muslim countries?

A3. No, niqabs and burqas are not worn in all Muslim countries. The style of face veils and head coverings depends on cultural traditions, personal preferences, and interpretations of Islamic teachings in various regions. For instance, the burqa is mostly worn in Afghanistan, while the niqab is common in countries like Saudi Arabia and parts of Pakistan. In some countries, women may wear other forms of hijab or headscarves without a niqab or burqa.

Q4. Can one wear a niqab or burqa casually?

A4. While niqabs and burqas are often worn as everyday clothing by some women, wearing them casually isn't appropriate since they hold cultural and religious significance. If someone wishes to wear one casually, they should first learn about the significance and respect the customs and beliefs associated with niqabs and burqas.

Q5. Are there different styles of niqabs and burqas?

A5. Yes, there are different styles of niqabs and burqas, each varying in design, method of wearing, and cultural significance. Various niqab styles include the Egyptian, Gulf, and Yemeni niqab, each with unique traits. Similarly, burqas can differ in style based on the region, with variations in design and method of wearing.