Types of Hijab: Styles, Names, and Differences Explained

The hijab is more than a piece of fabric. For millions of women, it is an expression of faith, culture, and personal style. There are many types of hijab worldwide, and the different types of hijabs vary by shape, coverage, fabric, and region. Some are wrapped and pinned, some slip on in seconds, and some cover the whole body.

This guide explains each style, what it's called, where it comes from, and how it differs from related garments like the niqab, burqa, and abaya. It also helps you choose the right one for your face shape, climate, and daily routine.

Quick answer: The most common types of hijab are the shayla, square hijab, instant hijab, al-amira, turban-style hijab, and wrap. Fuller-coverage options include the khimar and chador. The niqab and burqa are face veils, not hijab styles.

What Is a Hijab?

Hijab is an Arabic word meaning "cover" or "barrier." In everyday English, it usually means the headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover the hair and neck, and sometimes the shoulders and chest.

The word is also used for the wider idea of modesty in dress and conduct. That is why "hijab" (the concept) and "hijab styles" (the garments) are different things. The concept is shared, but the styles vary widely by country, fabric, and personal taste.

A hijabi is a woman who wears the hijab. In English, the hijab is also called a headscarf or a Muslim head covering, though "headscarf" is a broader term (more on that below).

Different Types of Hijabs at a Glance

Different Types of Hijab Styles

There are dozens of different styles of hijab, and the types of hijab styles below are the ones you'll see most often. Here is each style, what defines it, and who it suits.

Shayla

The shayla is a long rectangular scarf, wrapped around the head with the ends draped or pinned over the shoulders. It is popular across the Gulf and the wider Arab world, and it works for both casual and formal looks. Its length gives you room to style it several ways.

Best for: everyday wear, formal events, and anyone who likes a flowing drape.

Square Hijab

The classic square hijab is folded into a triangle and worn over the head, with the point falling at the back. It is one of the most familiar styles and works well in cotton, chiffon, satin, and modal.

Best for: beginners and everyday wear. Chiffon or satin versions also dress up easily for events.

Instant Hijab

An instant hijab is pre-sewn and ready to wear. You slip it on and you're done, with no wrapping and usually no pins. Jersey instant hijabs are especially popular for their stretch and comfort.

Best for: busy mornings, work, school, and travel. If you're new to hijab, this is the easiest place to start. Browse our instant hijabs or see our 3-look instant hijab tutorial.

Al-Amira

The al-amira is a two-piece hijab. It has a close-fitting cap and a tube-style scarf that you pull over the head. It stays put without pins and is comfortable for movement.

Best for: sports, workouts, and active days. It's also good for anyone who wants a secure fit without fuss. Our two-piece slip-on hijabs follow this idea.

Turban Style Hijab

The turban style is wrapped around the head in a twisted or knotted shape. The neck is often left visible unless you add a neck cover or inner piece. It is a fashion-forward look, especially popular among younger hijabis in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Best for: casual outfits and trend-led styling.

Hijab Wrap

A hijab wrap is a large, soft scarf, often in a pashmina-style fabric, draped and layered around the head and shoulders. The generous size gives you coverage and warmth in one piece.

Best for: cooler weather and layered, relaxed looks.

Hijab Styles by Fit and Look

Beyond the named types, hijabs are also described by how they sit and look:

• Loose or draped hijab: relaxed folds, minimal pinning, soft and easy.
• Sleek or tight hijab: neatly secured and smooth, often with jersey or an instant style.
• Layered hijab: two scarves or layers for depth, colour contrast, and volume.
• Half hijab: a lighter, shorter wrap with less coverage, popular for casual looks. What counts as enough coverage is a personal decision.
• Bun or volume hijab: a scrunchie or volumizer under the scarf for shape and height. Our scrunchies are made for this.

Check this rich article for a detailed explanation of how you can wear hijabs in trendy ways.

Full-Coverage Hijab Styles

If you want a full cover hijab, these styles give more coverage across the chest, arms, or whole body:

• Khimar: a long, flowing veil that covers the head, shoulders, and chest, often falling to the waist or below. It is common for prayer and daily modest wear.
• Chador: a full-length, semicircular cloak that covers the head and body. It is traditional in Iran and is usually worn without pins.

To build a full hijab outfit, pair a long hijab or khimar with a loose modest dress or abaya, and add arm and chest covers for extra coverage.

Different Hijab Names and Styles by Country

The different hijab names you'll see often come from the region where a style is most common. Styles vary within every country, but these are the general patterns:

• Turkish hijab style: often a square, patterned scarf, wrapped in structured folds and layered for volume. The Turkish head wrap (a neat, tucked wrap) is a popular variation.
• Arab and Gulf styles: the shayla and tarha, often worn with an abaya and a simple, elegant drape. Many Gulf looks add volume at the crown.
• Saudi hijab style: commonly a black or neutral shayla or tarha worn with an abaya, in a clean, understated drape.
• Egyptian hijab style: often a coordinated scarf and undercap, layered and pinned for a neat, structured shape.
• Iranian and Shia traditions: the chador for full coverage, and the rusari, a loose headscarf, for everyday wear.

Hijab vs Niqab vs Burqa vs Abaya vs Chador vs Khimar

These terms are often confused. The table below shows what each one is.

Hijab vs Burqa

The hijab covers the hair and neck and leaves the face visible. The burqa (also spelled burka) is a full-body garment with a mesh panel over the eyes. It is most associated with Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia. They are very different garments, and most Muslim women who wear hijab do not wear a burqa.

Niqab vs Burqa

A niqab covers the face except for the eyes and is worn with a headscarf and usually a long outer garment. A burqa covers the entire body, including the eyes, behind a mesh panel. A niqab leaves the eyes visible, while a burqa hides them behind mesh.

Hijab vs Headscarf

A headscarf is any scarf worn over the head, and many cultures wear one for weather, fashion, or tradition. A hijab is worn with the intention of modesty, in line with faith. In practice the same piece of fabric can be either, depending on why it's worn.

Types of Muslim Head Coverings: A Quick Glossary

If you've searched "Muslim head covering," "Muslim headscarf," or "Muslim headwear," these are the main terms:

• Hijab: the standard headscarf covering the hair and neck.
• Shayla: a long rectangular scarf, draped around the head.
• Al-amira: a two-piece cap-and-tube hijab.
• Khimar: a long veil covering the head, shoulders, and chest.
• Chador: a full-length cloak covering head and body.
  
• Turban style: a wrapped head covering, often more fashion-focused.
• Niqab: a face veil that leaves the eyes visible.
• Burqa: a full-body covering with a mesh panel over the eyes.

This guide focuses on women's head coverings. Muslim men may also wear caps such as the kufi or taqiyah, or turbans, which are separate traditions.

Hijab Fabrics: A Quick Guide

Fabric changes how a hijab drapes, feels, and holds its shape:

For a deeper look at hijab fabric types and which materials suit which season, read our full guide to types of hijab materials, or our pick of the best hijab for summer.

How to Choose the Right Hijab Style

Face shape:

• Long face: add width with side drapes and soft layers, and avoid tall volume at the crown.
• Round face: try a structured front and a longer drape to elongate.
• Square face: soft folds around the jaw help soften the outline.

Oval face: most styles work.

• Occasion: instant or jersey for work and school, chiffon or satin for events, al-amira for sport.
• Climate: light chiffon, modal, or cotton for heat, and jersey or wrap styles for cold.
• Outfit: solid colours balance patterned outfits, and a printed hijab can lift a plain one. Yes, hijabs can have patterns. Our printed modal hijabs are a good example.

Styling and Accessories

• Pins and magnets: these secure folds without damaging fabric. See our guide to types of hijab pins, or browse hijab pins.
• Hijab without pins: choose jersey or instant styles, or use magnets, so nothing needs pinning.
• Hijab without a cap: a well-fitted jersey or instant hijab stays in place without an undercap. Chiffon usually benefits from one.
• Undercaps: they add grip and keep hair contained. Browse undercaps.
• Matching sets: a hijab and undercap in the same shade make dressing quick. See our matching sets.

Want to try new looks? Read our guide to how to wear hijab in trendy styles.

FAQs About Different Types of Hijab

1-What are the different types of hijab?

The main types are the shayla, square hijab, instant hijab, al-amira, turban style, wrap, and tarha. Fuller-coverage options include the khimar and chador.

2-What is the difference between a hijab, niqab, and burqa?

A hijab covers the hair and neck and leaves the face visible. A niqab covers the face except for the eyes. A burqa covers the whole body, with a mesh panel over the eyes.

3-What is the difference between a hijab and a headscarf?

A headscarf is any scarf worn on the head, and many cultures wear one. A hijab is worn for modesty in line with faith.

4-What hijab style is best for beginners?

Instant hijabs and jersey hijabs are the easiest. They stretch, stay in place, and need little or no pinning.

5-Can hijabs have patterns?

Yes. Printed and patterned hijabs are common and can be styled with plain outfits for contrast.

6-Are all hijab styles worn for religious reasons?

Not always. Many people wear hijab for faith, while some styles are chosen mainly for fashion, culture, or comfort.

Find Your Style

There is no single right way to wear a hijab. Now that you know the types of hijab and how each one differs, try a few and see what fits your day. Start with our jersey hijabs, chiffon hijabs, or modal hijabs.