How to Dress Modestly in Winter

How to Dress Modestly Even in Winter

Tips for Combining Modesty and Comfort

Allah عز وجل said in the Quran :

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.”

(S24 v.31)

Dressing modestly while staying warm can be challenging in winter. In this article, I’ll share practical tips on how to maintain modest dressing even during the coldest seasons, all while ensuring comfort and style.

The Importance of Layering

In winter, layering is essential for maintaining body warmth, and this practice is even recommended in the Sunnah of our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Contrary to common belief, wearing multiple layers does not necessarily mean discomfort. By choosing the right fabrics and thicknesses, you can stay warm comfortably. Generally, the recommended number of layers for optimal comfort is three.

– First Layer: The first layer should be thin and comfortable, close to the body but not too tight. Choose soft clothing made of natural or lightweight synthetic materials that retain warmth while allowing the skin to breathe. A thin sweater, a long-sleeved T-shirt, or a cotton shirt can be excellent options.

– Second Layer: The middle layer is crucial for retaining heat. Opt for thick fabrics like wool or thermal fabric. This layer should be loose enough to avoid outlining the body shape but fitted enough to trap warmth effectively.

– Third Layer: In windy, rainy, or snowy conditions, a waterproof or windproof outer layer is essential. “A gabardine trench coat is an excellent outer layer, offering both protection and elegance. A waterproof trench coat or a long gabardine coat integrates perfectly into a modest winter outfit.

Oussama bin Zayd رضي الله عنه reported on this matter:

The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم dressed me with a thick Qutbiya that had been given to him by Dihya Al-Kalbi (may Allah be pleased with him). So I clothed my wife with it.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ‘Why don’t you wear the Qutbiya?’

I replied: ‘I have clothed my wife with it.’

The Prophet (may Allah’s prayer and peace be upon him) said: ‘Instruct her to wear a Ghilala underneath it, for I fear that the Qutbiya may describe the shape of her limbs.'”

(Narrated by Ahmad in his Musnad No. 21786 and authenticated by Sheikh Albani in Jilbab Al-Mar’a Al-Muslima, page 131, Hadith Isnad Hasan)

The term “Ghilala” refers to a garment worn only underneath another garment. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم thus instructed the woman to wear an undergarment beneath her Qutbiya so that it would not outline her body. Al-Qutbiya refers to a garment made from a white and fine fabric manufactured in Egypt.

Indeed, the legislated conditions of the hijab require it to be thick, non-transparent, and loose so as not to reveal the body’s shape, in accordance with the statement of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم:

“There will be, towards the end of times, women from my Ummah who will be dressed yet appear naked. They will have on their heads humps like the inclined humps of camels; curse them, for they are cursed.”

(Narrated by Al-Tabarani in Al-Mu’jam As-Saghir with an authentic chain of narrators)

These features make them ideal for winter, providing effective protection from the cold. However, when choosing these inner layers, it’s essential to select the right fit and size:

• Too loose: They will let the wind through, exposing you to cold drafts.
• Too tight: They may feel uncomfortable, overly warm, and damp from sweat, increasing the risk of getting sick.

Choosing the Right Fabrics

Not all fabrics are equally effective in facing winter. The choice of material plays a crucial role in staying warm while ensuring comfort. Here are the key fabric options from the OAM catalog to help guide your selection:

• Caviary Premium: A semi-thick polyester fabric known for its full coverage and fluidity. Not only does it guarantee opacity, but it also resists wrinkles, making it perfect for cold-season outfits.
• Whool Peach: Appreciated for its softness and lightweight feel, this fabric is more suitable for transitional mid-season periods. While exceptionally comfortable, it is not ideal for extremely cold days.
• Wool: A winter essential thanks to its natural warmth. Its excellent insulating properties make it a great choice for over-abayas or intermediate clothing layers.
• Gabardine: Made from cotton or wool, gabardine is a durable, insulating, and waterproof fabric. A gabardine trench coat serves as an excellent outer layer to shield against the elements while maintaining elegance and coverage.

Keeping Extremities Warm

The body’s extremities—head, hands, and feet—are particularly vulnerable to the cold, as heat escapes primarily from these areas. To stay warm, make sure to protect them properly:

• Hands: Wear thicker cotton gloves to retain warmth while maintaining a stylish look.
• Head: Opt for a beanie under your hijab during winter to insulate your head and prevent your hijab or khimar from slipping.
• Feet: Choose warm socks made of wool or insulating material. Additionally, wear shoes with thick soles to provide insulation from the cold ground.

Oummi Abi Moi’s Winter Collection

To meet these specific needs, our winter collection includes:

• The Oversized Trench Coat by OAM : Available in a classic and waterproof version, crafted from lightweight gabardine fabric and fully lined with thick satin to provide both modest coverage and elegance.

• The Fur Trench Coat: made from 100% water-repellent fabric and fully lined with a very soft faux sheep wool in beige color.

• The Assouan Over-Abaya : made with finely knit wool, ideal for those who feel the cold and want to layer up for warmth without adding too much volume to their outfit. A coat alternative designed for a look that is both practical and modest.

In summary, dressing in a modest way during the winter is entirely possible with the right choices of layers and fabrics. By layering appropriate clothing and opting for materials like Caviary or wool, you can stay warm while adhering to the principles of modest hijab. Stay warm, stylish, and modest this winter—explore Oummi Abi Moi’s winter collection today! 😉