Types of Hijab: 10 Styles Explained (With Fabrics & Prices)

If you are new to modest fashion, the different types of hijab can be confusing – the same word means different things in different countries, and shops use the names loosely. This guide explains each style in plain words: what it covers, whether you need pins, and when to wear it. Where we sell a style at Modesty EStore, we have linked it with its current price so you can see real examples.

What are the main types of hijab?

The main types of hijab differ in how much they cover and how you put them on. A hijab scarf covers the hair and neck and is wrapped and pinned. A khimar is a one-piece cape that also covers the chest. A niqab adds a face veil, and a burqa, jilbab or chador covers the whole body.

Types of hijab explained

1. Hijab scarf (shayla)

The everyday hijab: a rectangular or square scarf wrapped around the head and pinned under the chin or at the side. It is the most versatile style – you can drape it loosely, wrap it close or layer it. Our black hijabs in matt Nida (₹399) and real chiffon (₹299) are popular everyday choices.

2. Al-Amira

A two-piece hijab: a close-fitting cap plus a tube-shaped scarf that you pull over it. It is quick to wear and popular for school and sport, though it offers fewer styling options than a scarf.

3. Khimar

A cape-like hijab that slips over the head and falls over the shoulders and chest, often to the waist. It needs no pins, which is why many women wear it for namaz and travel. See our Cotton Prayer Khimar (₹249) and Long Khimar Hijab (₹299).

4. Niqab (naqab)

A face veil that covers the face below the eyes and is worn together with a hijab or khimar. Short nose-piece naqabs tie at the back of the head; longer styles fall to the chest. Our naqabs start at ₹99 for a single-sheet nose piece.

5. Burqa (burka)

Internationally, a burqa is a full-body covering that includes the face, sometimes with a mesh screen over the eyes. In India, “burqa” or “burkha” usually means an abaya worn with a naqab and hijab. See our guide to new burka designs for 2026.

6. Chador

A large, full-length cloak that covers the head and body and is open at the front, held closed by hand. It is most common in Iran and rarely worn day-to-day in India.

7. Jilbab

A long, loose outer garment that covers the whole body. In India, jilbabs are often sold as prayer dresses with a matching hijab – like our free-size Prayer Dress with Hijab (₹699).

8. Turban-style hijab

A scarf wrapped and tied like a turban around the head. It is a fashion-led style that usually leaves the neck and ears showing, so many women pair it with a high-neck outfit.

9. Ready to wear (instant) hijab

A pre-shaped hijab you slip on in seconds – no wrapping, no pins. Khimars are the most common example. Compare styles on our ready to wear hijab page.

10. Hijab under cap

Not a hijab on its own but worn beneath one. It keeps hair covered and stops the scarf slipping. Our hijab caps range from a ₹40 under cap to a ₹160 ninja inner cap.

What are the different hijab fabrics?

The fabric changes how a hijab drapes, how warm it feels and how easy it is to pin. Cotton suits daily wear and hot weather, chiffon is light and floaty, satin adds shine for functions, georgette drapes softly, and Nida is opaque and holds its shape for office and college.

Which type of hijab should you choose?

Choose by where you will wear it most. For college and work, a Nida or cotton hijab scarf is easy to style. For namaz and travel, a khimar or ready to wear hijab is quickest. For weddings, pick a satin or embellished hijab. If you are new to hijab, start with a khimar – it needs no pins.

• Daily wear and college: cotton or Nida hijab scarf with a hijab cap underneath.
• Namaz: a khimar or prayer dress.
• Weddings and Eid: our Wedding Hijab Scarf (₹299) or other party wear hijabs.
• Beginners: a ready to wear hijab – no pins, no wrapping.

Which accessories do you need with a hijab?

Most hijab styles need just three accessories: an under cap to stop slipping, a few pins to hold the folds, and an optional brooch for occasions. Magnetic pins are kindest to delicate fabrics such as chiffon and satin because they do not pierce the cloth.

• Hijab pins – loop, long and magnetic pins from ₹60.
• Hijab caps – from ₹40.
• Hijab brooches – from ₹200.
• Arm sleeves – ₹100, for full arm coverage.

Frequently asked questions about types of hijab

Ready to find your style? Browse the full hijab collection or start with a khimar.