The Hijab Style Guide - Fabrics and Styling Tips

THE HIJAB STYLE GUIDE

Choosing the Right Hijab for Your Style

Finding the perfect hijab is about more than just fabrics, colours or how it looks, it's about how it feels, complements your lifestyle, and reflects your style. Whether you're a seasoned hijabi or a new Sister hijab shopping for the first time, selecting a hijab that suits your needs makes a world of difference. With so many options available – from jersey to satin… how do you decide which is right for you? 

With this guide we'll break it down, covering what works best for different face shapes, personal preferences, and everyday wear so you can feel confident and comfortable in your hijab. 

WHY FABRIC MATTERS

Your hijab isn’t just an accessory. It’s meaningful, and it's something you wear for hours at a time, so its fabric can influence your comfort, style, and functionality, not to mention your confidence. Considerations like breathability, weight, durability, and how easily the fabric stays in place are all essential factors. Here’s how to assess what might work for you.

MOST POPULAR HIJAB FABRICS AND THEIR BENEFITS

JERSEY HIJABS

 Soft and Stretchy

If comfort is a priority, jersey hijabs are a great choice. This opaque, stretchy material makes it effortless to style - no pins required! Jersey has a natural elasticity that allows it to fit snugly without losing shape, making it an excellent option for everyday wear. 

Best for: Active lifestyles, casual outfits, and cooler weather.

Face shapes it complements: Oval and round face shapes benefit from the soft drape of jersey fabric, which frames the face smoothly without adding bulk.

Why you’ll love it: Jersey hijabs stay in place all day long, even if you're constantly on the move. Plus, they come in a variety of colours to match any wardrobe.

Cons: Jersey is possibly the most popular casual style, so if your go-to look is more on the elegant side, this might not be the choice for you. Jersey is also quite a heavy fabric compared to some of the other options available, so keep this in mind when it's time to shop.

CHIFFON HIJABS 

Elegant and Breezy 

Chiffon hijabs are loved for their lightweight and flowy texture. They’re the go-to for formal occasions but can also work well in daily looks if paired with an undercap for non-slip grip.

Best for: Special events, summer weather, and polished looks.

Face shapes it complements: Square or rectangular face shapes, as the sheer, flowing material adds softness and creates a more balanced silhouette.

Pro tip: Layer chiffon over a cotton undercap to prevent slipping and to keep everything in place.

Cons: There are 2 consistent cons across the hijabi community regarding chiffon hijabs, both of which can be solved with a simple hijab cap. The first is its tendency to slip when pins are not being used, and for some sisters who are partial to the no-pin style, chiffon can be a no-no. The other is its sheerness, this fabric can become translucent depending on how many times it is wrapped, the colour and also the type of chiffon used.

Psst... Our Premium chiffon fabric has been specifically designed to battle these issues. 

SATIN HIJABS 

Luxurious and Glossy 

For an added shine and touch of sophistication, satin hijabs are your answer. Their sleek, glossy finish makes them perfect statement pieces for parties, weddings, or any event where you want to stand out.

Best for: Formal occasions, photography, and bold fashion statements.

Face shapes it complements: Heart-shaped and oval faces, as the shiny texture reflects light beautifully and highlights features.

Heads up: Satin can be a bit slippery, so pairing it with an undercap and securing with pins is a must in order to stay properly covered.

Cons: We love the luxe style that satin hijabs can offer, however the difficulty here has got to be the fact that they tend to have no stretch element, and also suffer with the slipping issue. Here, once again, your trusty hijab cap will come to your rescue.

COTTON HIJABS 

Breathable and Stylishly Practical 

A classic favourite, cotton hijabs are known for their durability and breathability. They're light but sturdy, offering a great combination of comfort and longevity. Cotton hijabs are extremely versatile and work in virtually any setting, from work to casual outings.

Best for: Everyday wear, warm weather, and those who prefer natural fabrics.

Face shapes it complements: Round and oval faces, as cotton fabric maintains structure and gives off a neat, clean look.

Why you’ll love it: This low-maintenance fabric is machine-washable and easy to style.

Cons: We'll be honest... it is a struggle to find any cons for this beautiful hijab style, other than mentioning that they can tend to be a little more on the opaque side compared to chiffon for example. But if coverage with breathability is what you're after then the cotton Hijab won't disappoint.

MEDINA SILK HIJABS

The Perfect Blend of Elegance and Practicality 

Medina silk stands out as the ideal hybrid between luxurious satin and lightweight chiffon. With a smooth matte finish, medina silk hijabs offer elegance without being overly shiny, making them suitable for both formal occasions and day-to-day wear. 

Best for: Versatility, professionals, and anyone looking for balance between polished and practical.

Face shapes it complements: Oval and rectangular faces, thanks to its structured flow that adds dimension.

Standout feature: Unlike other occasional hijab fabrics, medina silk doesn’t slip as much and offers a smoother experience for all around.

Cons: It's worth bearing in mind that the medina silk hijab may look like chiffon, but it is in fact quite a bit thicker and more opaque. This makes it more suited to structured hijab styles rather than the delicate wispy drape that you may get from chiffon.

WORKING WITH YOUR FACE SHAPE

Selecting a hijab fabric isn’t just about the material but also how it looks on your face. Here are some tips for matching hijab styles to your face shape.

• Oval Faces: Almost all fabrics work well with an oval shape, giving you free rein to experiment with different textures and drapes.

• Round Faces: Fabrics like jersey and cotton are great for creating defined lines that streamline a rounder face. Avoid overly bulky fabrics.

• Square or Rectangular Faces: Go for chiffon or medina silk, which soften angular features with their loose, flowing drape.

• Heart-Shaped Faces: Satin hijabs draw attention to your natural beauty by accentuating your cheekbones and jawline with their shine.

EVERYDAY COMFORT vs SPECIAL OCCASIONS

One useful strategy is to build a hijab wardrobe with everyday staples and a few special-occasion pieces. For example, you might rely on jersey or cotton hijabs for work, errands, and casual gatherings, while reserving satin or medina silk for weddings or celebratory dinners.

When in doubt, opt for neutral tones like beige, black, or grey for everyday wear, and add patterned or bold-coloured hijabs to your collection for occasions where you want to stand out.

SOME EXTRA POINTS TO CONSIDER

• Climate: Breathable fabrics such as cotton and chiffon work well in summer, while jersey provides warmth ideal for cooler months.

• Hair Type: Stiffer fabrics like cotton and medina silk can help hold voluminous hair more securely, while chiffon works well with finer hair. 

• Lifestyle: If you’re constantly on the go, jersey and cotton could be your top picks since they’re low-maintenance and long-wearing.

DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT HIJAB STYLE

Choosing the right hijab fabric can feel overwhelming at first, but it all boils down to a combination of comfort, style, and practicality. Whether you’re drawn to the stretchiness of jersey, the elegance of chiffon, or the sustainability of cotton, there’s something for everyone. 

For those still unsure, consider trying a mix of fabrics to discover what suits your style and lifestyle best. You’ll be surprised by how much the right hijab can elevate your look and confidence!

Shop our full hijab collection right here