Faith, Fashion, and Freedom: The Many Facets of Modest Fashion in Islam
Modest fashion in Islam is not just a trend; it is deeply rooted in religious teachings and cultural practices. For many Muslim women, dressing modestly is a reflection of their faith, identity, and values, while also navigating modern societal norms. Understanding the religious significance of modest fashion through the lens of Islam, we explore its contemporary impact and the everyday experiences of Muslim women who adopt modest attire.
Modesty and Its Role in Islamic Teachings
Modesty holds a central place in Islam, with the Qur'an guiding how Muslims should dress and behave. Verses such as Surah An-Nur (24:31) and Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59) emphasize the importance of dressing modestly for Muslim women. These verses inform Muslim women to lower their gaze and cover their bodies, except for their faces and hands, fostering an atmosphere of dignity, humility, and respect.
Modesty in Islam applies to men as well, though it is often overlooked, as societal focus tends to emphasize women’s modesty more. However, the guidelines for men are equally important. For example, men are prohibited from wearing thin or transparent clothing and must ensure their attire covers the area from the navel to the knees.
The concept of the hijab, often reduced to the idea of a headscarf, is more comprehensive in Islam. It refers not only to the covering of the body but also to modesty in behaviour, speech, and interactions. It is a way of preventing the male gaze and maintaining privacy, allowing them to be valued for their character rather than their physical appearance.
A common misconception is that Muslim women, especially young girls, are forced to wear the hijab. However, many Muslim women view the donning of the hijab as a personal choice.
23-year-old Hijabi, Shakirah Begum D/O Mohamed Yasin shared, “Wearing the hijab has been a transformative experience that allows me to appreciate modesty, humility, and self-respect. It prioritizes my values and faith over societal beauty standards.”
The Changing Face of Modest Fashion in Today’s Industry
Somali-Australian model, Hanan Ibrahim photographed for Vogue Australia’s January 2023 issue (Source)
The rise of modest fashion has paved the way for a global movement that blends contemporary trends with religious guidelines. In the past, it was uncommon to see Muslim women in hijab on runways or magazine covers, and modest fashion was rarely embraced.
However, the fashion industry is gradually embracing diversity, with models like Hanan Ibrahim breaking barriers by being Australia’s first Hijabi model representing major brands such as Chanel and Balenciaga.
Events like Modest Fashion Week celebrate modest fashion, providing a platform for Muslim designers to showcase their creations. Moreover, Australian designer Lisa Gorman has incorporated modest wear into her collections, showing that modest fashion can be both religiously appropriate and stylish.
The Confluence of Modesty and Individual Identity
For many, the perception of modest fashion as restrictive comes from the assumption that women naturally desire to wear more revealing clothing and that covering up is imposed upon them. This view often stems from societal norms in cultures where revealing clothing is more common and equated with freedom or self-expression. When modest fashion is seen through this lens, it is misunderstood as a form of oppression, suggesting that Muslim women who dress modestly do so not by choice, but because of religious pressure. This assumption can be particularly pronounced in Western societies, where autonomy and liberation are often associated with body exposure.
However, this view overlooks the fact that for many Muslim women, modest fashion is not a restriction but an intentional choice. The ability to choose how much or how little to cover demonstrates that modesty is not a passive act of submission but an active declaration of dignity, and empowerment.
Social media influencers play a pivotal role in popularizing modest fashion, particularly among younger Muslim audiences. However, the lack of media representation of Hijabi women can still negatively impact young Muslim girls, making it difficult for them to appreciate the beauty and significance of wearing the hijab.
Begum added, "Some people view my decision to wear the hijab as outdated or oppressive, while others criticize my choice of clothing, deeming it not modest enough. These negative comments can be discouraging and make me question my faith."
Criticism within the Muslim community can be equally challenging, as rigid interpretations of modesty often create a narrow definition of what is deemed "modest enough" for Muslim women. Muslim women like Begum may face judgment if their attire does not meet these expectations, even if they are striving to balance personal expression with religion. Some may view the clothing choices as too modern or not in line with traditional interpretations of Islamic dress, adding to the pressure felt.
Despite these challenges, many Muslim women find empowerment in balancing faith and fashion, proving that modesty does not equate to being unfashionable.
The Complexities and Debates of Modest Fashion in Islam
There is no universal standard of modesty in Islam, and interpretations vary across cultures and communities. For some, wearing tight clothing that reveals a woman's body shape and size is seen as "haram" (forbidden), which can result in feelings of guilt and self-consciousness.
24-year-old, Nur Syahira expressed, “While wearing the hijab is a commandment from God, I still fear judgement, especially when travelling to countries that are not Muslim-majority.”
Accessibility to modest fashion also poses a challenge. In many predominantly White countries, modest clothing is often expensive and less accessible. This disparity limits self-expression for Muslim women who wish to dress modestly.
French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla at the 2024 Paris Olympics (Source)
The representation of modest fashion in mainstream brands is a double-edged sword. While it signals progress, there are concerns about exploitation, as some companies capitalise on modest fashion without understanding its religious significance.
In some parts of the world, modest fashion also intersects with politics. Countries like France have imposed bans on the hijab and other religious symbols in public spaces, restricting Muslim women’s ability to express their faith. Regulations that prevent a woman from choosing how to dress do not enhance her rights. Instead, they impose another form of control over women’s bodies.
The conflict between the Western choice of feminism, secularism, and the hijab was starkly evident during the summer of 2016 when some French beaches implemented the "Burkini Ban” (La Fornara, 2018). While local governments argued the bans were based on concerns for secularism and hygiene, many saw these policies as a reflection of widespread Islamophobia. Instead of fostering equality, such regulations undermine a woman's right to choose her attire and dictate the terms of her expression in the name of secular ideals.
In the workplace, Muslim women frequently experience stigmatization or misunderstanding because of their modest attire, such as wearing the hijab or loose-fitting clothing. This may result in discriminatory attitudes, exclusion from opportunities, or pressure to conform to more mainstream fashion norms.
The Global Reach of Modest Fashion
The modest fashion market is growing, appealing not only to Muslim women but also to women of other faiths and backgrounds who seek fashionable yet modest clothing. This cross-cultural appeal has broadened the reach of modest fashion, making it a global movement.
A personal and multifaceted expression of faith for Muslim women, 24-year-old Hijabi, Nurul Hasna Hameed expressed that the rise of modest fashion reflects the unique experiences and complexities of each Muslim woman’s journey, intertwining religion, identity, and style.
“For many Muslim women, modest fashion is a way to express their faith and identity while still engaging with contemporary fashion trends. It can be empowering, providing a sense of comfort and confidence.”
References
La Fornara, N. L. M. (2018). Islam’s (In)compatibility with the West?: Dress Code Restrictions in the Age of Feminism. Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies, 25(1), 463. https://doi.org/10.2979/indjglolegstu.25.1.0463
Surah An-Nur - 31. (n.d.). Quran.com. https://quran.com/en/an-nur/31
Surah Al-Ahzab - 59. (n.d.). Quran.com. https://quran.com/en/al-ahzab/59