I hate to be the one to point this out, but I believe FF was somewhat impressed as well. Males worldwide are not known for their clothing sense, which is what I was teasing about. Neither do I believe this has anything to do with the caring or sensitivity of males of any culture, as you seem to imply.

I'm impressed! I really didn't think I'd get many male replies at all, and here he is doing all the work! Ah, but on a serious note, thank you to all of you for patience with me. I'm sure I'll have more questions later but for now I feel a little more satisfied that I'm at least using the right words to express myself. So many, many thanks for making this a much less confusing job

Okay... I think I'm starting to get it. And sorry to Ngonge for forcing the bluntness out So...technically, what is the difference between the jilbaab and the abaya? Any difference in puprose for occasions or anything? Or is it literally a difference in make?

Mmm...So, from new information gathered I believe I understand this: Abayas are the standard dress, worn, I'm assuming, indoors only. The jilbaab is placed over that for going out, then? Should the jilbaab cover the head? Because on one of the sites I was directed to said, "“Jilbab, plural of Jalabib: an outer garment or a cloak with it a woman covers her head and chest. And it is said: It is a long cloak that covers a woman completelyâ€." Which sounds, to me, like partially what the hajib should do. *sigh* this is one of my biggest concerns because many resources I visit have conflicting information. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for the link! This is excellent...but again, I need a few clarifications: About three quarters of the way down the page, there is a woman in a pink hajib with a caption that reads: This sister is wearing an underscarf, cape-style khimar, and a half niqab, with an elastic band that is set over her ears. Now, I read one place that 'khimar' is just a different name for 'niqab' in a different region. But what makes this a half-niqab? What are the differences between these two garments if they are indeed not two names for the same thing? Edit: Just above the picture I mentioned, there is a woman in a 'shalwar kameez'. Any one have any more pictures of that? It's gorgeous.

Hi- From what I've gathered by browsing the forum a bit before my registration approved, the last thing that's wanted here is yet another clothing thread. So I apologize in advance. I was hoping, though, to make this one somewhat relevant and informative. Mostly to myself. I came to this website to looking for some help. I am a Caucasian woman in Canada writing a novel set in a savanna/desert biome, something which I, obviously, have never experienced. I wanted the culture in the novel, though- in dress at least- to represent our real-world cultures in similar locations. So far my attempts at research have been limited to what I can find on the Internet- mostly online clothing stores. These pages, if not entirely commericialized, have been very misleading to my attempted understanding without any explanations. After seeing this thread, my hopes soared! I am hoping to get into contact with a few people who can help me understand some of this terminology, proper uses of clothing, among other things. I have tried to understand as much as I can from the above thread, but so many of the posts come with an assumed understanding of culture/language that I am obviously completely alien to. Some of the questions that I am looking to cover include: -the differences between a jilbaab and an abaya -the variations on spellings of the above and other garments -if these are over-covers (as is the impression I have recieved), what is worn beneath them? -how is a hajib properly worn? What sorts of restrictions are on the style of these pieces (my own past experiences in university confuse me- I am under the impression that these are garments to emphasize modesty, yet I saw young women in Calvin Klein scarves, which seemed opposite the point)? There will be many others as I think on them. I also apologize if these questions seem intrusive or offensive to anyone, but I feel they are things I must answer if I am to be accurate and inoffensive in the long run. As an aside, much of the novel I'm writing takes place inside the seclusion of a woman's world, which is why I posted here instead of in a more general area. If you have any questions for me as to the content of the novel, I'll be happy to PM you promptly. I am somewhat protective of my work and would prefer not to answer on the public forums. I would also like to assure any readers of this message that the novel's content is in no way derogatory towards Muslim culture, and will not abuse any facet of said culture. I am only looking for an honest, informed representation of styles of savanna and desert climate dress. Thank you all very much in advance for your time.