Jilbabs and Abayas - The Dress For Muslim Women

Jilbabs and abayas are common Islamic clothing for women. Though they are popular in the Middle East countries and other Muslim world, the concept of wearing jilbabs and abayas is much debated in the Western World. However, it is the strong influx of the Muslim leaders that has made these apparels common on the streets of several western cities.

Jilbabs are long robes and are used as outer garment. They come with separate arms that are stitched to the body of the cloth. The over garments are available in various styles and colors. You can have black outer garments that are pinstriped with different color. They also come in subtle colors with detail pinstripe work on the cuffs. These types of Islamic garments also come with hoods. In fact, the hooded Jilbabs look smart enough for both office and casual wear. In addition, you can incorporate several other styles into this cloth such as ruffles, frills, pleats, cuffed sleeves, flares and laces.

These clothes are also available in bold colors which look very trendy. Such colors include lilac, pink, burgundy, shades of green and teal. Some of these outer garments are have ruffles on their sleeves and neckline. You can even get jilbabs with bell shaped arms. The gypsy style jilbabs are very much prize for their look and feel. They have frills on their base hem as well as on the sleeves and come with warm color patterns and contemporary style patterns printed. However, it is better to go for dark colored over garments for day to day wear.

On the other hand, abayas are long black clocks and cover everything below your shoulder apart from hands and feet. The sleeves are not stitched to the main body. They are actually formed as one piece. These kinds of garments are more common among the Middle Eastern khaleeji women. They come with embroidery work on their base hem, neck and sleeves.

They are usually available in light materials. Abayas made from lexus crepe, which is a polyester type of material, are generally cheap. But those made from satin materials and internet crepe are fairly expensive. They can be either closed or open fronted with buttons. These days, abayas are becoming more stylish and are available in geometric and floral patterns. You can also have over garments that are embroidered with golden threads, multi colored crystals, sequins and beads. These patterns are usually added onto base, neckline and bodice. The flowing flared sleeves of these garments also come with tassel and look very trendy and elegant.