I get asked constantly what separates one type of Islamic traditional clothing from another. Terms like abaya, jilbab, and jalabiya get confused online all the time. As a result, this causes more confusion than it solves.

Islamic traditional clothing follows one simple principle: modesty. It covers the body in a loose, non-revealing way for men and women. Styles vary a lot by region and era, however. For a closer look at one piece, check Qalbi's guide to what an abaya actually is.

This guide therefore breaks down each garment, who wears it, and where the terms genuinely differ.

What Counts as Islamic Traditional Clothing?

Islamic traditional clothing centres on modesty, known as haya. It covers the body loosely for both men and women. For men, that usually means covering from the navel to the knees. For women, it usually means covering the hair and body from neck to ankle.

The exact style has always varied by region, however. Gulf dress looks quite different from Turkish, South Asian, or West African traditional dress. Even so, the same modesty principle runs through all of them.

Traditional Islamic Clothing for Women: The Core Garments

Women's traditional Islamic clothing centres on a few core pieces. These include the abaya, jilbab, hijab, khimar and niqab. Each one covers a different part of the body, and each serves a slightly different purpose.

Most English-speaking markets, including Australia, buy the abaya more than any other piece. As a result, it dominates most modest fashion collections.

Curious about styling one? Browse Qalbi's Abayas Collection for current Australian stock. It comes in nida, crepe,e and jersey fabrics. For the matching head covering, check Qalbi's Jersey Hijab Collection and Hijab Accessories. Together, they round out a full everyday outfit.

Traditional Islamic Clothing for Men: The Core Garments

Men's traditional Islamic clothing centres on the thobe. People also call it a thawb, dishdasha, or kandura, depending on region. It's a long, ankle-length robe, usually worn with a kufi or turban.

Regional versions carry different names for the same modesty principle. For instance, people in the Levant often call it a jubba. South Asian communities often wear a kurta with shalwar trousers instead. North African dress includes the djellaba or gandoura too.

Qalbi's Australian store doesn't currently stock any of these. It focuses instead on women's abayas and hijabs. This section therefore covers the topic for context, not as a buying guide.

Some People Argue Modern "Islamic Fashion" Isn't Traditional

It's a genuine debate within the community. Some argue that modern, trend-driven styles move away from traditional simplicity. Think crinkled textures, statement sleeves, and fitted cuts. Others, however, see it as a natural evolution instead. To them, it's the same modesty principle applied to current tastes. In fact, both views show up regularly in academic writing. Research shows "Islamic fashion" only became a distinct commercial category in the 1980s.

Islamic Dress Code Explained: What Applies to Men and Women

The Islamic dress code follows one core principle: covering the body modestly. That said, the specific requirements differ between men and women. Men generally need to cover from the navel to the knees. Women generally need to cover the hair and body from neck to ankle. Views vary on whether the face and hands count too.

These principles come from two sources: the Quran and hadith. Interpretation varies across schools of thought and cultural context. That's partly why traditional dress looks so different from one region to another.

Buying Islamic Traditional Clothing in Australia Today

Most Australian shoppers want abayas, hijabs,s and related accessories specifically. That's the category with the widest local retail presence. Check fabric composition, a proper size chart, and a clear returns policy first. These matter more than the label "traditional" itself, because retailers market quality very differently from one to the next.

For everyday wear, a well-made abaya in nida or crepe covers most needs. Pair it with a jersey hijab, and you're set without a full wardrobe overhaul. For something more occasion-ready, browse Qalbi's Classic Collection. For family sizing, check out Qalbi's Kids Abayas too.

Common Names Used for Islamic Clothing Around the World

• Abaya: full-length outer robe (Gulf states, global)
• Jilbab: looser, longer outer garment (South Asia, parts of the Gulf)
• Thobe/Thawb/Dishdasha/Kandura: men's full-length robe (regional naming variation)
• Kaftan: looser, often more decorative robe, worn by both genders in some regions
• Shalwar Kameez: tunic and trouser set (South Asia)

FAQ

What is Islamic traditional clothing called?

There's no single name. Common terms include abaya and jilbab for women, and thobe or thawb for men.

What are 10 types of Islamic clothing?

Abaya, jilbab, hijab, khimar, niqab, thobe, kufi, shalwar kameez, kaftan, and jalabiya are among the most common globally.

What is a woman's Islamic dress called?

Most commonly, an abaya or jilbab, depending on the region, paired with a hijab.

What is the men's version of a hijab called?

Men don't wear a direct equivalent to the hijab. A kufi or turban serves as a common head covering instead.

Is traditional Islamic clothing the same everywhere?

No. Style varies a lot by region, from Gulf states to South Asia to Africa. The modesty principle, though, stays consistent throughout.

Conclusion

Islamic traditional clothing isn't one single style. Instead, it's a wide family of garments shaped by region, era, and personal interpretation. Knowing the real names and differences, abaya versus jilbab, thobe versus kurta, helps. It makes shopping and talking about modest fashion far less confusing.

For most Australian shoppers today, that starts with a well-made abaya and hijab. These two pieces offer the widest local availability and the most everyday relevance.

For more on the history and diversity of this topic, see Wikipedia's entry on Islamic clothing.