At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What Is a Winter Hijab?
The term winter hijab can be used to describe a headscarf worn by Muslim women and women living in Muslim countries during the colder winter months. It can also refer to garments that meet Islamic modesty standards while also keeping the wearer warm and comfortable. Some companies that specialize in the manufacture and sale of Islamic clothing offer specially designed winter hijab clothing. In other cases, women who wear hijabs may develop their own forms of winter hijabs by combining garments and head coverings to create warm and attractive outfits.
Many Muslim women as well as women who live in jurisdictions that enforce Islamic standards in dress wear a headscarf or head covering while out in public or in the presence of men to whom they are not closely related. This hijab is typically wrapped around the head and neck, revealing only the face. Various types of fabrics are used to make hijabs, but they are usually thin enough to allow for draping. Unfortunately, this means that the headscarf may not offer enough protection and warmth when it is cold outside. In some cases, a hijab wearer may simply wear a hat or earmuffs over the headscarf or may choose to layer a cap or underscarf under her primary hijab.
In response to the need for a warm headscarf, some companies have developed a winter hijab. In some cases, the winter hijab is made up of a heavier fabric that can be draped several times around the head. In other cases, a winter hijab is made from a thick, insulating fabric such as fleece. These hijabs may also be designed with fasteners or in a pullover style so as to remain in place even if the wearer is outdoors in strong winter winds. Some styles can be worn on their own, while others are designed to be worn over a standard headscarf.
As the emphasis in Islamic dress standards tends to be on modesty, it is typically not particularly difficult for a woman to choose other garments that offer enough weight and coverage during the winter months. Many Muslim women wear what is known as a jilbab, or a long dress, coat, or cloak over their everyday garments. The jilbab is designed to provide additional coverage and to conceal the shape of a woman's body. Some clothing manufacturers produce jilbabs in heavier fabrics for wintertime. In addition, some women may also wear other types of garments, such as long winter dresses and skirts, sometimes worn over slacks, as part of their winter hijab.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![A winter hijab describes a headscarf worn by Muslim women during winter months.]()
By: Claus MikoschA winter hijab describes a headscarf worn by Muslim women during winter months.
Discussion Comments
@fify, @alisha-- Hey girls, do you wear pashmina scarves at all?
Lately, I'm really into pashmina scarves and wraps. They are so soft and very warm, perfect for winter! There is a store in the mall close to me that sells all pashmina products. I shop from there all the time!
The owner of the store who is Afghan said that it is made from the hair of goats that are only found in northern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. And since the climate is fairly cold there, this type of cashmere is really popular.
I think I wore pashmina scarves every day last winter. Most of my pashminas are actually wraps, but it looks like a hijab when you wrap it around a couple of times.
@fify-- When you say you wear a fabric underneath your hijab, do you mean an underscarf or a bonnet?
I always wear an underscarf under my hijab, not necessarily for warmth, but it serves that purpose too. I wear it of course, to cover my hair properly and so that my hijab doesn't slip.
I don't think synthetic materials like polyester is good for winter or summer hijabs. They seem to keep the head warm but that's because they don't allow any air circulation. The best winter hijab is made of wool. Wool is the warmest fabric available, followed by thick cottton hijabs. Cotton hijabs are so nice, they allow air circulation and provide warmth at the same time. These are more expensive than synthetic hijabs, but I think it's worth it.
I personally wear hijab made with synthetic materials in the winter months. On extremely cold days, I also wear a second piece of fabric underneath made of cotton. The synthetic hijabs keep the head really warm I think. They also come in many designs which I like. I always try to match the color and design of the fabric to my outfit, so that's important for me.
I've never seen a Muslim woman wear a hat or earmuffs over a hijab. I suppose it's perfectly fine and it would keep the person warm, but it would look funny. I could never get myself to do that, even if I was freezing cold!
Hijab already keeps the head and neck warm since it covers the whole area. If it's made of nice materials, then being cold is usually not a problem. I actually have a friend who doesn't cover her head. But she told me once that in winter months, she wishes she would wear a hijab to stay warm!
Post your comments