Understanding modest fashion: 3 women on why they choose to cover up
Image by (Keira Burton / Pexels)
Written by Namra Khan
Interviews have been slightly modified for concision and clarity.
In recent years, hijabi influencers and models have spearheaded the modest fashion movement, showcasing creatively intricate ways to manipulate more clothing through layering and fabrication knowledge.
Modest fashion is a way of dressing focused on covering one’s body. While Muslim, Catholic or Orthodox Jewish women and men may adhere to dress codes due to religious devotion, others may favor less skin-baring outfits simply for comfort and convenience.
We live in a world that objectifies women and girls through subconscious sexualization. As a Muslim hijab-wearer and modest dresser myself, dressing modestly is a way to assert control over my body.
I try my best to focus on what I feel confident in — shoulder-to-ankle coverage consisting of loose dresses, flowy skirts, hyper-layered button downs with corsets and straight cut jeans. I don’t operate under the expectation of what society and the male gaze cater to.
To find different perspectives on why some women choose to dress modestly, I spoke to three women on why modest fashion is important to them.
What does modest fashion mean to you and why do you choose to dress modestly?
Habiba Abdelhalim:
I choose to dress modestly because of my faith, and I feel that dressing this way helps me maintain a close relationship with my God and reminds me of what’s really important. In addition, I feel like it has become a way of self-expression. Modest fashion makes me feel comfortable and cute at the same time, which in turn makes me feel confident about myself. Just styling outfits and wearing a hijab that matches in color is extremely fun, and a great way to start my day!
Shelby Hall:
I choose to dress mainly modestly for my own personal comfort. It’s not religious or cultural, it’s personal. I prefer longer shorts, skirts and dresses and [clothes with] higher necklines, at the very least square necks. Low necks are very uncomfortable with a bigger chest than I was used to when I was younger. I also won’t wear a short skirt or dress (knee length or any higher) without bike shorts underneath.
Cassandra La Flor:
Modest fashion to me means to cover and dress in a way that reveals less of my figure. I dress modestly for God. I do it imperfectly, but [the] number one reason I dress modestly and wear hijab is so I’m prayer ready.
What is one thing you wish people would understand about your choice to dress modestly?
Habiba Abdelhalim:
I wish that they would understand that it’s my own choice, that I wasn’t forced or coerced to dress the way I do and that this choice does not diminish my ability to be myself and do anything I want to do. I also wish that people would stop giving me unwanted advice on what to wear. I can’t control what comes to people’s minds when they see my hijab, but I wish that people would keep an open mind and not confine me to a certain image they have. Although dressing modestly and wearing the hijab is a huge part of my identity, there’s still more to me than what I wear, and I wish certain people could understand that.
Shelby Hall:
I wish people knew my comfort level and how it shouldn’t matter how I dress. People are people, and we should all be treated the same. I’m from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is known as “Amish country,” and I’m often told that I look Amish with my dress choices, which should not be used as an insult as it often is.
Cassandra La Flor:
I dress modestly for God. No man has ever told me to dress modestly or forced me. I’ve had more negative reactions to dressing modestly. My father [used to tell] me I’m trying to be Arab (I’m Caribbean and South American). After a year, he respects my choice and has even fixed my hijab when it slips. My mom [wanted] me to go out in a turban when the Christchurch massacre happened because she feared for my safety. I dress modestly with my own free will. I do it because nothing feels better than showing my commitment to my Creator.
Modest dressing has come a long way from its humble beginnings — from the British-Muslim YouTube community to mainstream fashion brands viewing modesty as a way to elevate their sophisticated designs.
Its popularity has also coincided with social and political movements that call for women to have autonomy over their bodies.
Modest fashion isn’t going anywhere. Layer up, get creative and expand your fashion horizons by empowering yourself through modesty.
