What can I wear at home in front of my father and brothers?
Normal, modest home clothes. In front of mahram men like your father and brothers, you can show your hair, neck, arms and lower legs, basically what shows when doing housework. Keep the chest, stomach, back and thighs covered, and avoid very tight or revealing outfits.
What can show
The Quran allows women to show their adornment to their fathers, brothers, sons and other close relatives (Quran 24:31). Scholars explain this as the parts where adornment is normally worn and that usually show at home: the head and hair, neck, arms, and feet and lower legs. So a T-shirt and comfortable trousers, or a knee-length dress with short sleeves, are fine around your father and brothers. See Can Muslim women wear perfume in public?
What stays covered
- The chest and cleavage.
- The stomach and back.
- The thighs and the area between navel and knee.
So crop tops, low-cut tops, short shorts and swimwear aren't suitable in front of mahram men, even at home.
School differences
The schools differ slightly in wording. Many Hanafi and Shafi'i scholars say a woman's covering in front of mahram men is from navel to knee, plus the back and stomach in some views. Many Hanbali scholars say she may show what normally appears, like the face, neck, head, hands, forearms and feet. In practice, both lead to the same everyday advice: relaxed, decent home clothes are fine. When in doubt, choose a little more modesty.
Teen brothers and guests
- Teenage brothers are mahram, but being mindful with very revealing clothes is part of good family manners.
- When non-mahram guests visit, like a brother's friend or a cousin, put on your hijab and outdoor clothes. See Do I have to wear hijab at home?
- Stepfathers are mahram only if married to your mother and the marriage was consummated.
See also Who can see me without my hijab?
- Hair, neck, arms and lower legs can show.
- Chest, stomach, back and thighs stay covered.
- Schools differ slightly, but the practice is similar.
- Cover up when non-mahram guests arrive.
People also ask
Do I have to wear hijab at home?
No, not with your husband, mahram relatives and women. You need it when non-mahram men visit or can see you, like on a video call.
Read the full answer →Do I have to wear hijab in front of my in-laws?
Your father-in-law is mahram, so no. Your brothers-in-law aren't, and the Prophet specifically warned about them.
Read the full answer →Do I need to wear hijab in front of my non-Muslim family?
Not in front of your father, brothers, sons, uncles or nephews, even if they're not Muslim. Male cousins and in-laws are different.
Read the full answer →Who can see me without my hijab?
Your husband, close male relatives (mahram), women, and young children. Everyone else counts as a non-mahram man. Here's the full list.
Read the full answer →Can I show my hair to female friends?
Yes, with Muslim women all scholars agree. With non-Muslim women scholars differ, and many allow it if they're trustworthy.
Read the full answer →