Textiles and Dress

Islamic clothing

Islamic clothing is the style of dress interpreted and presented as conforming to (or required by) Islamic teachings. While it's assumed that there are rules for men, the most common and compelling forms of dress are found in women's clothing. Another aspect of this clothing is its role in segregation between men and women which manifests itself in certain situations and usage patterns. Muslims wear a wide variety of clothing, which is influenced not only by religious considerations, but also by practical, cultural, social, and political factors. In modern times, some Muslims have adopted clothing based on Western traditions, while others wear modern forms of traditional Muslim dress, which over the centuries has typically included long, flowing garments. Besides the practical advantages provided in the climate of the Middle East, loose-fitting clothing is also generally regarded as conforming to Islamic teachings, which stipulate that body areas which are considered sexual in nature must be hidden from public view. Traditional dress for Muslim men has typically covered at least the head and the area between the waist and the knees, while women's islamic dress typically conceals the hair and the body from the ankles to the neck. Some Muslim women also cover their face, while others believe that the Quran strictly mandate that women need to wear a hijab or a burqa. The veil re-emerged as a topic of conversation in the 1990s amid growing concern regarding potential Western influence on Muslim practices in Islamic countries. There are also many different forms of hijab. For example, the Iranian chador consists of fabric made into a half-circle and worn around the head, leaving only the face exposed while covering the rest of the body. There is also the niqab, a long garment which covers everything except the eyes, while a burqa covers the entire face and body. The jilbab is a type of loose-fitting coat. In addition, the principles of veiling are not universal, with differing conventions based on different interpretations of the Quran. Because of this, what is acceptable as properly modest in one region may not be considered so in another. The branch of the fashion industry influenced by Islamic principles or incorporating elements of traditional Islamic dress is known as Islamic fashion.

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See also

• ▸Anarkali salwar kameez
• ▸Carex autumnalis
• ▸Battle of the Frogs

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