Where can I buy modest clothes in the US or UK?
You can buy modest clothes from ordinary high-street shops, dedicated modest-fashion brands online, and local Muslim boutiques. In both the US and the UK, the easiest start is mainstream stores you already know: long dresses, wide trousers and long cardigans are sold everywhere. Specialist shops then fill the gaps, like abayas and hijabs.
Mainstream stores you already know
Modest doesn't have to mean "Islamic brand". Look for maxi dresses, maxi skirts, wide-leg trousers, tunics, long shirts and longline cardigans in regular shops.
- UK: high-street chains such as Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark often stock maxi dresses and long cardigans. Online fashion stores have "modest" or "maxi" filters.
- US: department stores and big online retailers carry long dresses and tunics all year, and some brands have run modest-wear collections.
- Search tips: use words like "maxi", "longline", "wide leg", "relaxed fit" and "high neck" rather than "modest".
Modest-fashion brands and online shops
Many brands run by Muslim women design clothes specifically for hijab wearers: abayas, jilbabs, jersey hijabs, underscarves and long sporty pieces. Most ship across the US, UK and Europe. Read reviews for sizing, since cuts can be longer and looser than you expect. If you're not sure you need an abaya at all, see Do I have to wear an abaya as a Muslim woman?
Local and second-hand options
- Muslim boutiques: areas with large Muslim communities (East London, Birmingham, Bradford, Dearborn, parts of New York and Chicago) have shops where you can try things on.
- Mosque bazaars and Eid markets: good for scarves and abayas at fair prices.
- Charity shops and thrift stores: great for long coats, skirts and cardigans.
- Online marketplaces: second-hand abayas and hijabs in good condition are easy to find.
What makes an outfit modest?
Whatever the label, check three things: it covers what needs covering, it isn't tight, and it isn't see-through. Allah reminds us that clothing is a blessing, and that the best clothing is taqwa:
Trousers can be modest too; see Can Muslim women wear trousers? And you can still have your own style: Can hijab be stylish and fashionable?
- Regular high-street shops sell plenty of modest pieces.
- Modest-fashion brands are best for abayas and hijab basics.
- Muslim boutiques, bazaars and thrift stores save money.
- Check coverage, looseness and thickness, not the label.
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