How to Dress Modestly in Summer: Tips to Stay Cool and Covered

Allah عز وجل says in His Book (approximate meaning):

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, guard their private parts, and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof, and to draw their veils over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, those their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.”
(Surah An-Nur, 24:31)

Summer can be a real challenge for women who want to dress in a way that aligns with Islamic rulings, even during intense heat. How can you combine modesty, oppressive heat, and everyday comfort? In this article, I’m sharing practical tips to help you continue dressing in a Sharia-compliant manner even in the hottest months, without compromising comfort or style.

Reminder: The Islamic Dress Code for Women

Allah says:

“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:59)

Before talking about style and comfort, let’s review the conditions of proper Islamic attire for women:

• It must cover the entire body except the face and hands (some scholars like Shaykh Al-Albani رحمه الله consider uncovering the face permissible, but covering it is better).

• It must be loose-fitting, not tight or transparent.

• It must not resemble the clothing of men or non-Muslims.

• It should not be an adornment in itself or a means of attracting attention (perfumes, decorations, etc.).

• It should not be worn to impress others or gain fame (whether it’s luxurious or worn for show).

When temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F) in some areas, the temptation to wear lighter clothing can be strong. Yet, many comfortable and Sharia-compliant alternatives exist to stay cool without compromising modesty. The key lies in the choice of fabric and the cut, which can be especially suitable in warm weather.

Ideal Fabrics for Summer: Lightweight, Opaque, and Breathable

• Cotton is a safe bet: breathable and comfortable for undergarments or base layers.
• Linen is another option for its cooling properties, though it wrinkles easily and can be slightly see-through—layering or choosing tightly woven linen is best.
• Viscose blends are smooth, breathable, and often more opaque than linen.
• Chiffon is a favorite for khimars due to its softness and lightness.

For main garments like abayas, opt for fabrics that are light, breathable, and opaque to stay covered without overheating.

One great example is Whool Peach Premium: soft, flowing, and lightweight—ideal for hot weather. It drapes elegantly while remaining opaque, and its breathable texture prevents discomfort even in high temperatures. It’s the kind of fabric that lets you stay fully covered without feeling smothered.

Best Cuts for a Modest and Airy Summer Outfit

Good news: contrary to what some may think, Islamic modest wear is very well-suited to summer weather. Loose cuts allow air to circulate between layers, making them much more comfortable than tight-fitting clothes. Here are three outfit styles to prioritize for a modest and refreshing summer:

1. Flowy abayas without heavy lining

Avoid thickly lined or stiff abayas. Choose light, breathable materials and wide cuts like butterfly or straight styles that don’t cling to the skin. These designs allow airflow while meeting all the conditions of proper hijab: loose, opaque, and not form-fitting.

2. Cape and sleeveless under-abaya combo

A great option for hot weather is pairing a cape (or Kimo-style cape) with a sleeveless under-abaya. This provides full coverage while remaining breathable. The cape offers freedom of movement and adds an elegant touch.

3. Two-piece sets: comfort and flexibility

Loose-fitting sets made of a long tunic and wide skirt are also ideal. They offer modesty and ease of movement, making them especially practical for active summer days. The two-piece structure also allows for better adjustment throughout the day.

Pro Tip: Wear Light Colors

Black absorbs heat, while light shades like beige, cream, and light grey reflect it. In summer, opt for softer, lighter colors to stay cooler.

Is the Muslim woman’s clothing required to be black?

Answer:
No, the clothing does not have to be black. A Muslim woman may wear any color as long as the clothing:

• Covers what must be covered.

• Is not tight or transparent.

• Does not resemble men’s clothing.

• Does not attract attention.

And success comes only from Allah. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.
(Source: Fatwa no. 5089, vol. 17, page 108 – Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta)

Bonus Tip for Niqab-Wearing Sisters

Summer can be especially challenging for sisters who wear the niqab. To avoid overheating, it’s best to avoid long, thick niqabs (e.g., 1.5m styles). Instead, opt for Saudi-style or half-niqabs that expose the back and allow for better airflow.

Final Thoughts

Dressing modestly in summer is much easier than it seems—and it’s often more comfortable! With the right fabrics and loose cuts, you can stay both modest and cool, even under the scorching sun.

Modest fashion doesn’t have to mean discomfort—on the contrary, it’s often the best option for hot weather.