Abaya vs. Jilbab — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
An Abaya is a loose, robe-like dress, while a Jilbab is a more fitted garment, both used for modesty in Islamic culture.
Difference Between Abaya and Jilbab
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Abaya is a traditional, loose-fitting, full-length robe typically worn by women in some Islamic cultures. It is designed to cover the body, except for the head, feet, and hands. The Jilbab is also a garment worn for modesty, but it tends to be more fitted than the Abaya and can vary in length, sometimes extending just below the knee.
Abayas are often black and flowy, draping down from the shoulders or head. They can be adorned with embroidery or sequins for a decorative touch. Jilbabs, while also modest, are generally simpler and tailored to the body's shape, providing a slightly more defined silhouette than Abayas.
The Abaya is traditionally worn in the Arabian Peninsula and has become a cultural symbol there. It is often paired with a headscarf (hijab) or a face veil (niqab). Jilbabs, while also popular in the Middle East, are more commonly worn in Southeast Asian countries and North Africa. They are usually paired with a hijab.
In terms of fabric, Abayas are usually made from light, flowing materials such as crepe or chiffon to accommodate hot climates. Jilbabs can be made from a wider variety of fabrics, including cotton and wool, making them suitable for different climates and seasons.
The Abaya is primarily a dress-like garment, put on over the wearer's clothes. In contrast, the Jilbab resembles a long coat or a tunic and can be worn as an outer garment, sometimes featuring buttons or a zipper.
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Comparison Chart
Fit
Loose and flowy
More fitted
Length
Full-length, covering the body
Varies, often shorter than Abaya
Common Regions
Arabian Peninsula
Middle East, Southeast Asia, North Africa
Fabric
Light materials like crepe, chiffon
Variety, including cotton and wool
Style
Dress-like, worn over clothes
Coat or tunic style, often with closures
Compare with Definitions
Abaya
A loose, full-length robe worn by some Muslim women.
She wore a beautiful black Abaya embroidered with gold thread to the gathering.
Jilbab
A long, often fitted garment worn by Muslim women for modesty.
Her Jilbab, paired with a matching hijab, was both modest and fashionable.
Abaya
Traditional outer garment for modesty, often in black.
As she stepped out into the bustling market, she adjusted her Abaya gracefully.
Jilbab
Islamic clothing, sometimes resembling a long coat.
In the cooler weather, she opted for a woolen Jilbab.
Abaya
A garment covering the body except for the head, feet, and hands.
She chose a lightweight Abaya for the warm summer evening.
Jilbab
Garment for modesty, can be worn as an outer layer.
For her trip to the mosque, she chose a light Jilbab over her clothes.
Abaya
Islamic outerwear, typically black and embroidered.
For the Eid celebration, she selected a blue Abaya adorned with intricate patterns.
Jilbab
Traditional Islamic attire, varying in length and style.
She preferred a knee-length Jilbab for her daily wear.
Abaya
Flowing dress-like attire for women, common in Islamic cultures.
The array of Abayas at the store ranged from simple designs to elaborately decorated ones.
Jilbab
A modest outer garment, more tailored than an Abaya.
The Jilbab she wore was elegantly tailored, complementing her figure.
Abaya
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.
Jilbab
A loose, long-sleeved, full-length overgarment worn by Muslim women.
Abaya
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.
Jilbab
A long, loose-fitting coat or similar garment worn by some Muslim women to fulfil hijab.
Abaya
Synonym of aba
Abaya
(Arabic) a loose black robe from head to toe; traditionally worn by Muslim women
Common Curiosities
What is an Abaya?
An Abaya is a loose, full-length robe worn for modesty by some Muslim women.
Are Abayas always black?
While traditionally black, Abayas now come in various colors and designs.
Can Abayas be decorated?
Yes, Abayas can be adorned with embroidery, sequins, or other decorations.
What is a Jilbab?
A Jilbab is a long garment worn by Muslim women, often more fitted than an Abaya.
Are Jilbabs suitable for formal occasions?
Yes, Jilbabs can be styled for both casual and formal settings.
Is a Jilbab a type of hijab?
No, a Jilbab is a body garment, while a hijab specifically refers to a head covering.
Is a Jilbab considered outerwear?
Yes, a Jilbab can be worn as an outer layer, similar to a coat.
Is the Abaya worn with other garments?
Yes, an Abaya is typically worn over regular clothes.
Do Abayas come in different styles?
Yes, Abayas come in various styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Can Jilbabs be worn in different climates?
Yes, Jilbabs are made from various fabrics suitable for different climates.
Do all Muslim women wear Jilbabs?
No, wearing a Jilbab depends on personal choice and cultural practices.
Can non-Muslims wear an Abaya?
Yes, non-Muslims can wear an Abaya, often as a sign of respect in certain cultures.
What's the difference in fit between an Abaya and a Jilbab?
An Abaya is loose and flowy, while a Jilbab is more fitted to the body.
Can Jilbabs have buttons or zippers?
Yes, some Jilbabs have closures like buttons or zippers for convenience.
Is an Abaya worn for religious reasons?
Often, yes, Abayas are worn for modesty based on religious guidelines.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
