Everyday in the United States there are people taking steps towards converting to Islam; learning to pray, taking shahada and yes changing their style of dress to dress in a modest, but complimentary way.  When women I meet discover that I have an online and land-based store the first questions they have are "where can I find clothes in my size, style or for my job?”  Do I have to wear black?  Is there anything more contemporary that I can wear.  The answer for all of this is yes it is all possible, with both time, patience and creativity on your part you can find and wear contemporary, stylish and comfortable Islamic modest attire.

One of the first things to consider is what is my personal style?  Observe some of the styles you have seen women wearing in your local Masjid.  Ask them what country the outfit, or article of clothing is from and think about what suits your day-to-day activities and needs.   Do you need clothing for different seasons?  Do you need stretchier fabric? Are you petite or full-sized?  Do you prefer certain fabrics over others?

Running a search for Islamic clothing, or Islamic clothing for women, can bring up literal hundreds of possibilities to shop and find Islamic clothing and style choices.  You will find that there are a variety of clothing styles, options and fashions available differing in every country.  This can help you develop an appreciation for the beauty of modest clothing and also realize you are not alone in the world of modest wear, there are many women just like you dressing modest and living modern happy lives.

Here are a few words that can help you develop a vocabulary for the common items found both online and in most Islamic clothing stores:

Hijab: generic word for almost all head coverings and scarves (large and small) worn by Muslim women

Khimar: Longer sewn hijabs that usually hang either to the bosoms, waist or knees.

Jilbab: Generic name for long dress worn by Muslim women.  Also the name for the overdress, more coat-like look found in many Arab Muslim nations

Abaya:  Name of the long dress that is more flowing and feminine, cut more A-line than the Jilbab and usually made of lighter fabrics

Jalabiya: Name of the Moroccan style dresses, can come with the hood or without.  May typically have a lot of West African –like embroidery.
Dishdasha – Elegant dressy-dress usually worn during Eids (parties) and decorated with embroidery, beads and other designs.

Salwar Khameez – A long tunic and pants (or skirts) outfit from the India and Pakistani region.  These can be found in both casual and dressy designs, with and without embroidery, in light and and heavier cottons, long and ¾ length sleeves with longer or shorter hijabs to match.  These are often worn by women in the west for both their ease and versatility to go from casual to work ready with one outfit.

Niqab – generic name for face veil; there are various sizes, styles, fabrics and layers.  Worn for both ultimate privacy and modesty.

With this basic information you should be well on your way to finding the clothing that suits your personal style.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match, old and new, East and West and find the styles that suit you best.