Abaya vs. Hijab — What's the Difference?

Full-length outer garment worn by some Muslim women.

Headscarf worn by many Muslim women.

Cultural significance in specific regions.

Optional and varies by individual and cultural beliefs.

Serves as a modesty garment.

Covers the hair, neck, and sometimes shoulders.

Typically black and flowing.

Symbol of modesty and religious faith.

Worn over clothes.

Varies in material and style.

The abaya "cloak" (colloquially and more commonly, Arabic: عباية‎ ʿabāyah, especially in Literary Arabic: عباءة ʿabā'ah; plural عبايات ʿabāyāt, عباءات ʿabā'āt), sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Muslim world including North Africa and Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. Traditional abayat are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long kaftan.

A hijab (; Arabic: حجاب‎, romanized: ḥijāb, pronounced [ħɪˈdʒaːb] in common English usage) is a religious veil worn by Muslim women in the presence of any male outside of their immediate family, which usually covers the hair, head and chest. The term can refer to any hair, head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim women that conforms to Islamic standards of modesty.

A loose robe worn by Muslim women, especially in Arabic-speaking regions, covering the body from head to toe or the neck down and often worn with a headscarf and veil. Also called aba.

Any of several cloth head coverings worn by Muslim women.

Synonym of aba

The veiling of women in some Islamic societies, customarily practiced in order to maintain standards of modesty.

(Arabic) a loose black robe from head to toe; traditionally worn by Muslim women

(countable) A traditional headscarf worn by Muslim women, covering the hair and neck.

A headscarf worn by Muslim women; conceals the hair and neck and usually has a face veil that covers the face

The custom in some Islamic societies of women dressing modestly outside the home;

The hijab specifically covers the head and neck, unlike the niqab or burqa, which cover the face or the entire body, respectively.

The primary function of an abaya is to cover the body for modesty, particularly in public.

The requirement to wear a hijab varies; in some places, it is compulsory, while in others, it is a personal choice.

Traditionally, abayas are black, but they can also be found in other colors, especially in modern interpretations.

Many women coordinate the color and style of their hijab with their overall outfit for aesthetic harmony.

The material affects comfort, style, and practicality, especially in different climates.

Non-Muslims can wear an abaya or hijab, often out of respect when visiting religious sites or countries where these garments are common.

Factors to consider include material, comfort, climate, and personal style.

Abayas are typically worn in public or in the presence of men who are not family members.

In some societies, wearing an abaya is seen as a sign of cultural identity and adherence to social norms.

Both garments have been influenced by fashion trends, resulting in a variety of styles and colors.

Modern interpretations of the abaya include various designs and embellishments that cater to contemporary fashion tastes.

Yes, there are sports hijabs designed to be practical and comfortable during physical activities.

Globally, perceptions vary widely, from symbols of oppression in some regions to expressions of cultural pride and fashion statements in others.

While primarily religious, the decision to wear a hijab can also be influenced by cultural, social, or personal reasons.