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Hijab & Khimar: What’s the Difference and How to Choose?
Apr
Hijab & Khimar, quelles différences et comment choisir ?
Whether you’re a teenager, a student, a busy mom balancing family responsibilities, or a professional woman… one question remains: which type of veil should I choose? With so many terms like veil, khimar, hijab, jilbab, chador… it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re not familiar with the vocabulary.
Let’s focus on the hijab and the khimar, starting with a quick etymology lesson.
The term hijab comes from the Arabic word حِجَاب, which means to hide or conceal. There isn’t a specific definition of the word hijab in English; it’s more of a conceptual term. On the other hand, khimar, from the Arabic الخمار, translates to “that by which a woman hides her face.”
Still not sure whether to go for a hijab or a khimar?In this article, we’ll explore the features of both to help you decide… or maybe not!
Uncovering the Features
It’s a square or rectangular piece of fabric with dimensions varying according to style and personal preference.
Hijabs are often made from lightweight and breathable materials like jersey, cotton, Medina silk, or muslin fabric.
The choice of fabric depends on the season, climate, and personal comfort. Some hijabs are designed to be more opaque for full coverage, while others are lighter and may require layering to ensure opacity.
Hijabs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing women to choose their preferred level of coverage—from short hijabs covering just the head and shoulders to extra-large hijabs draping down the back.
The khimar offers more extensive coverage than the hijab, covering the upper body from the head down to the lower back.
Like the hijab, the khimar is usually made from lightweight, breathable materials. They also come in different sizes to fit various body shapes.
Unlike the hijab, khimars are often equipped with fasteners, buttons, or elastics to make them easier to wear and to keep them secure.
Some khimar styles even feature side slits for greater freedom of movement.
Finding Balance in Daily Life
Beyond the technical aspects, your personal tastes will play a big role in choosing between hijab and khimar.
For teens and students, the adaptability of both hijab and khimar to different contexts, whether on public transport or at university, offers great flexibility.
Although the hijab requires secure pinning with no-snag pins or clips to keep it in place, it’s practical for sports, maintaining the range of motion necessary for physical activities.
The khimar, on the other hand, stands out for its simplicity—it’s easy to tie on the head without worrying about it slipping off. This makes it an ideal choice for busy days when comfort and ease are key. However, it might feel a bit too loose for those who prefer lighter coverage.
For active women, the choice between hijab and khimar often comes down to the desired level of comfort.
No matter what you choose, the key is to strike a balance between practicality and comfort, ensuring the level of coverage you need while maintaining freedom of movement and personal style.
Time to Get Modest and Elegant!
The hijab is incredibly versatile and suits all face shapes.
You can play around with different folding styles to find the fit that suits you best.
For a visual guide, check out our hijab tutorial on our Instagram page to learn how to tie our maxi hijabs. In just a few simple steps, make sure your hijab is securely fixed on your head, ensuring it gently covers your neck and shoulders.
To ensure good coverage and a secure fit, wearing an under-cap is recommended beneath the hijab.
Hijabs pair beautifully with an abaya, a kimocape, a cape, or layered over any other outfit…
Color choices depend on your outfit and should adhere to Islamic guidelines. The OAM wardrobe offers a wide range of colors, from classic to unique shades.
With its generous length, it usually doesn’t need additional pins—just tie it securely around your head. You can play with layering by draping your khimar over a cape or pairing it with an abaya.
Khimars are best worn with an abaya or cape/kimocape paired with a long skirt.
The OAM collection features five types of khimars (see the collection), each with unique characteristics:
- A classic khimar—light and flowy, it’s a staple for those seeking simplicity and lightness. Perfect for daily wear.
- A 140cm khimar—a shorter version of the classic for those preferring practicality and fluidity, especially suited for shorter sisters.
- A double khimar—innovative and versatile, this style features two points that can be worn together or separately, offering two styling options. A great choice for those who like to add a touch of originality to their look.
- A three-layer khimar —for a soft, airy look. The added feature? An integrated sitar for even more versatility.
The OAM collection embodies the perfect blend of comfort and variety, allowing every woman to find the hijab or khimar that fits her preferences and style.
What Does the OAM Team Say? Hijab or Khimar?
The OAM team is a true mosaic of personalities, each bringing her own unique style—Allahumma Barik! This diversity is reflected in our everyday lives, adapted to each lifestyle within the team.
So, are you team hijab or team khimar? Let’s hear from the team, because beyond our professional and personal roles, the veil we choose each day is an expression of our love for our faith.
“For me, I’m a mix of hijab and khimar. I never really thought about why one and not the other, but sometimes I feel good in a hijab, and other times in a khimar.”
– Umm Manel
“I’m more of a hijab person daily because I find it more practical, but sometimes I’ll wear a khimar when going to the mosque or visiting a sister.”
– Bint Saïd
“Personally, I’m team khimar. I love the speed and ease it offers since you just have to tie it on! But for special events, I tend to go for a hijab.”
– Bint Fily
Conclusion
Finding the perfect veil—whether it’s a hijab or a khimar—is more than just a fashion choice. It’s a personal journey, expressing love for our faith, adapting to daily life, and embodying modesty.
The wide variety of options offered by Oummi Abi Moi in its extensive collection of khimars and hijabs shows a commitment to meet the needs of every woman.
Modesty is central to the teachings of Islam, defining a moral and ethical code for believers. Modesty goes far beyond clothing to encompass behavior, language, and social interactions. It’s essential for believers to preserve our modesty, as it is a shield against immoral behavior and a reflection of our faith.
As the Prophet ﷺ said, according to Abdullah Ibn Umar: “Modesty and faith are interlinked, if one is removed, the other is also removed.”
Whether you’re looking for lightness with a muslin hijab, practicality with a Whool Peach khimar, or warmth with a Caviary khimar, OAM has options to meet your needs.
Feel free to check out the khimar collection and explore the many color choices!
