Niqab vs. Burqa — What's the Difference?

A face veil that covers the face, leaving only the eyes clear.

Made from heavier fabrics for complete coverage.

Can be paired with various garments for full coverage.

Traditionally worn in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Part of traditional Islamic clothing, emphasizing modesty.

Represents deep-rooted cultural traditions.

Worn as a symbol of faith and privacy.

Sometimes a subject of international debate on women’s rights.

Often made from lightweight material like chiffon or silk.

A full-body veil with a mesh over the eyes.

A veil worn by Muslim women that covers most or all of the face, having a narrow opening or mesh covering for the eyes.

A burqa or burka (Arabic: برقع‎), also known as a chadaree (Pashto: چادري‎) in Afghanistan or a paranja (Russian: паранджа́; Tatar: пәрәнҗә) in Central Asia, is an enveloping outer garment which covers the body and the face that is worn by women in some Islamic traditions. The Arab version of the burqa is called the boshiya, and is usually black in color.

A veil which covers the face, worn by some Muslim women as a part of sartorial hijab.

A loose, usually black or light blue outer garment worn by Muslim women that covers the head and face and sometimes the entire body.

A face veil covering the lower part of the face (up to the eyes) worn by observant Muslim women

Alternative spelling of burka.

A loose garment (usually with veiled holes for the eyes) worn by Muslim women especially in India and Pakistan;

Wearing a burqa, especially in hot climates, can lead to discomfort due to its heavier material and less breathability.

Both the niqab and burqa might affect social interactions, as facial expressions are less visible, which can affect non-verbal communication.

Other than Afghanistan, no country legally requires women to wear a burqa, but some countries have local or regional expectations for wearing either the niqab or burqa.

The niqab and burqa have historical origins in Islamic cultures, with the burqa being traced back to ancient civilizations that predate Islam in some regions.

Women wear the niqab or burqa for a variety of reasons including religious beliefs, personal choice, cultural norms, and societal expectations.

In some countries, security concerns have led to debates about restrictions on wearing face-coverings like the niqab and burqa in public spaces.

Men's views in communities where the niqab and burqa are worn vary widely, from seeing them as important parts of cultural and religious identity to viewing them as symbols of oppression.

The choice between wearing a niqab and a burqa often depends on personal preference, cultural background, and the specific religious practices of an area.

Western travelers may choose to wear a niqab or burqa to respect local customs or required dress codes in conservative countries, although it's not mandatory for non-Muslim visitors.

In hotter climates, lighter and more breathable fabrics are used for both niqabs and burqas, while in colder areas, they may be made from thicker materials for warmth.

Yes, in some contexts, both niqab and burqa are incorporated into fashion, with variations in colors and designs to suit personal styles.

Future trends in the prevalence of wearing the niqab or burqa may be influenced by changes in cultural norms, legal frameworks, and shifts in the religious and political landscapes of countries where they are worn.

Different Islamic schools of thought have varying interpretations on the necessity and extent of covering, with some viewing the niqab as recommended and others seeing the burqa as overly conservative.

International human rights organizations often criticize policies enforcing the compulsory wearing of the burqa, arguing they restrict women's rights and freedoms.

Generally, a burqa might be more expensive than a niqab due to its larger amount of fabric and more intricate design including the mesh screen.