Mixing and Matching Abayas and Hijabs

If you are a Muslim woman who is thinking of purchasing abayas and hijabs, you may want to read this article to learn about the rules you should follow when mixing and matching these pieces. There are many factors you need to consider when buying these items, including the size, style, color and material.


Saudi Arabia

The government of Saudi Arabia has a strict dress code for women. This includes wearing an abaya, a long, black cloak. However, women are allowed to wear a coloured abaya. They can also wear a hijab.

Some women also add an eye veil. They can also wear a niqab, which is a head covering that covers the hair, eyes, and chest. Niqab is usually seen in North Africa, although it is also common in the Levant.

Coloured abayas have become popular among women in Saudi Arabia in the past decade. Before this, they were only permitted for religious women.

During the past decade, Saudi women have made significant strides in their personal freedoms. Those who are allowed to work outside the home have almost doubled, from 18 percent to 32 percent. Several female dignitaries have been allowed to dress as they please.

Women have been allowed to drive cars in Saudi Arabia in recent years. However, they must be accompanied by a male relative. In Dammam, women are also allowed to walk around without a face veil.

In Riyadh and Jeddah, women can attend soccer sporting events. For this, they can buy an abaya themed after their favorite team. These abayas are made of taffeta and are often paired with baseball caps.

Buying abayas in Saudi Arabia is not expensive. You can find basic ones for less than 100SAR. There are also colorful ones with patterns and embroidery. It is advisable to buy an abaya before arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Buying an abaya in Saudi Arabia will help you avoid the hassle of breaking the rules of the dress code. It is advisable to get one from a local shop, rather than going to a foreign mall.


Yemen

Abayas and hijabs are a common feature of Yemeni women's clothing. They are an expression of both their cultural and religious heritage. Besides, they also help keep women covered from the scorching sun. Moreover, they protect women from being targeted in the street by male thugs and other aggressive individuals.

In addition, women in Yemen wear abayas and hijabs to show their modesty. While there is no law that regulates the dress code, it is still a social expectation that women should wear modest outfits.

The abaya is the most commonly worn garment in Yemen, particularly in the cities. There are many different types of abayas available in the market. Some of them are made locally. These garments are usually black and feature cool designs.

Another popular type is the sana'ani, which is a square shaped cloth that is brightly colored. It is made from a cotton or silk material. It has embroidered details and comes in several different colors.

On the other hand, the niqab is a full face veil that only reveals the eyes. The niqab is mostly worn by women, though it is not uncommon for men to wear it as well.

In Yemen, the khat is an important food that is eaten by half the adult population. Chewing khat is a traditional tradition, dating back thousands of years. This food can be consumed with meat.

As far as other items, the turban is a head-dress that is worn by some women. Similarly, the dishdaha is a white ankle-length dress.

Lastly, a jambiya is a ceremonial dagger that is often held vertically at a wide belt. Usually, it is adorned with elaborate carvings and precious metals.


Egypt

If you are heading to Egypt, there are a few things you need to know about the country's clothing options. Whether you are going to visit a traditional neighbourhood or a modern city, you will need to wear appropriate attire.

Generally, in a traditional neighborhood, you will find women in conservative dress. Traditional attire covers the whole body from the neck down, with the exception of the face. In a modern area, you will find women in more casual clothes, like jeans.

You will also see abayas and hijabs in use. The abaya is an outer garment, and the hijab is an inner garment. They can be worn together, or separately, depending on your preference.

In Cairo, you can expect to see traditional and modern dress. However, in the more conservative parts of town, you may be expected to wear abayas and hijabs.

One of the first feminist movements to take place in Egypt was the Egyptian Feminist Union. Its founder, Hoda Shaarawi, was an Egyptian harem woman.

During the British colonial period, the hijab was a contentious topic. The media often depicted all females in Saudi Arabia as fully covered.

Nevertheless, it was not until 1923 that an organized feminism movement took place in Egypt. Huda Shaarawi authored a public political feminist act. She made it clear that the face-veil was not a hijab and that it was not a good way to enhance women's abilities.

While it is true that the modern Egyptian hijab is not the fanciest, it does cover the wearer's head, shoulders, and chest. Some women wear the modern version folded over their heads and others pin it on their side.


Syria

Despite a widespread belief that Syria's political regime has abolished "hard-line" rules, the dress code for women in Syria has not changed. However, some religious groups have issued strict directives against wearing makeup, dressing up, and putting on jewelry.

Traditionally, Syrian women dressed in lightweight fabric and coordinated their headscarves with their outfits. In Damascus, white hijabs with ties became common under the influence of the Qubaisiyat religious school.

In the Gulf, women wear wide robes called abayas. Men wear thobes in black and neutral colors. They also wear long white tunics.

The majority of Syrian citizens have chosen a religion endorsed by the ruling authorities. However, the conflict forces in Syria have tried to impose a dress code on all residents.

While some religious factions impose Shariaa (loose) dress codes on their citizens, some others opposed the imposed dress code. A recent opinion poll conducted in Idlib, northern Syria, asked citizens about their attitudes towards the imposed clothing styles.

Some respondents felt that it was important to raise women's awareness of the requirements of Shariaa dress. Several male respondents believed that they were responsible for ensuring women's compliance with the dress code.

The majority of respondents thought that the dominant party in their area had a great impact on the clothing style of Syrian citizens. Although, a small percentage said that it did not. Another group of respondents did not know whether their dominant party had a huge influence on the dress style of Syrian citizens.

In Idlib, the Women Advocacy Office patrols the surrounding villages and informs girls who do not comply with the prevailing clothing pattern. Those who are not compliant can be subject to disciplinary detention.


Tunisia

In the Middle East, the turban hijab has become a trendy choice among women. This new trend is considered a modernized way of wearing the abaya, a traditional Muslim garment. Unlike the abaya, the turban is not worn over the head but tied behind it, allowing the wearer to keep her hands free.

Getting dressed in style in Tunisia is not difficult as long as you follow the simple rules of the game. For men, a traditional dishdasha is a white tunic with short sherwal trousers. Men also have the option of wearing a keffiyeh during the colder months.

A traditional outfit in Tunisia can be challenging to spot in big cities. But if you are willing to go to the country's medina, you will find it is not hard to come across. One of the more unique options is the djellaba, a hooded tunic. The djellaba is a beautiful piece of clothing made from a variety of brightly coloured fabrics and materials. It is the national pride of the nation and is a proud symbol of Tunisia's culture and traditions.

Another entrant in the traditional clothing category is the kaftan, a full length dress without a hood. These dresses are usually worn on special occasions.

The thobe is a wrap-around head covering that is commonly used by older women. Its main function is to keep the head cool. However, it is often worn for other purposes. There are several varieties of thobes, ranging from the plain to the ornate. Compared to Gulf countries, the thobe is not worn all year round.

Despite the popularity of turban hijab, Tunisian women are not required to wear it. Unlike the abaya, a turban is not a mandatory item for women.