Burka

Samir Nair

Reasons to Enlist Burkha in Global Fashion

Whenever we talk about fashion, we always refer to Western countries like Europe Milan fashion week, Cannes fashion, etc. But only a few will admit that the rapid growth of traditional Islamic wears like burkha and hijabs has identified a bigger market in countries like Indonesia, India, UAE, and in some other countries where the Muslim population is fairly high!

One of the major reasons to include hijab in modern fashion is,

· Its popularity as a Muslim fashion is on the rise in countries like Indonesia 

· There’s a huge growing market where women are much prone to wear veil and headscarf

· Veils and Hijab is no longer a taboo amongst maximum women to conceal their face behind the curtains 

However, there’s a quite high demand for veils and headscarves for a long time in India. According to one of the Bangalore based fashionable Islamic clothing and garment store owner, “Last year I have sold more than 1000 pieces of embroidered burqa along with designed abayas and Aztec kaftans. From the beginning of the year itself, bulk orders have already been dispatched to UAE, and plenty of orders are yet to be dispatched”. However, a deep insight through the reasons behind the increasing demand for Burka as a fashion accessory justifies the following facts that admit traditional Islamic wears a part of global fashion now. 

Growing market and customers 

The growing market for combo hijab and burqini is not a new thing. However, today, Islamic fashion has breached the eastern and western markets, becoming a profitable business now. More than 60-70% of women prefer wearing scarves and veils in different ways in Indonesia. It’s one reason why a social media platform like YouTube has become an ideal place for online hijab tutorial sessions, offering several ways to fold a headscarf and gently part hair according to different folds. Each fold symbolizes the unique form of Burka Fashion accepted globally after going viral on the internet rapidly. Such an increasing rise in Islamic fashion opened up several avenues for boutiques and garment stores where maximum products are combo veils with abaya coats, Moroccan kaftans, burqinis, Jalabia dresses.

It’s about comfort rather than pinning it down as a social taboo.

In a country like Afghanistan, post to the ‘fatwa’ launched by the Taliban’s the fashion industry faced a grave loss. If the economic survey is believed, the kaftan traders faced an irreparable loss due to one such initiative. That’s one reason why traditional Islamic dresses are blended with modern fashion to cater to a rather contemporary fashionable look. In countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, veils are handcrafted by the traders and boutique store owners and are sent in bulk quantity to Gulf countries. Such initiatives are helping the Islamic fashion industry to gain popularity, and that’s how they’re slowly coming to fame.

Emirates turned into a hub for Iranian styled Combo hijabs, burqini, and abaya coats.

Emirates are one of the fastest-growing countries in the world where modern fashion has been assimilated with conventional dresses, and the buyers have accepted innovative burka designs. According to one of the boutique owners, during the time of Ramzan, they roughly make a profit of 50 to 60 lakhs in INR from the combo styled burqini, abaya coats. In addition, the Moroccon georgette zari work embroidered kaftans have also taken sufficient acceptance in the market due to its offbeat style and rich embroidery works.

A lot of celebrities have shown their interest in Islamic Fashion

Even a well-known celebrity and a fashion icon like Lady Gaga was once seen setting the red carpet of the Cannes film festival on fire with her iconic burqa on the launch of her ARTPOP album in 2013. Several celebrities have tried their hands on various combinations that primarily focus on traditional Islamic fashion sense. Some even admitted that the royal black burqa is a gorgeous complement with Moroccan quarter sleeves and quarter neck kameezes. Global fashion has broken down every boundary to enlist popular viral fashion trends these days, and it’s nothing absurd if the hijab has already been categorized in it. 

After all, a specific outfit or a costume turns popular when it’s acclaimed worldwide. 

Samir Nair

Islamic Clothing can be Stylish to look Fashionable

Wearing Islamic clothing does not imply that the person has nothing to do with the style quotient. Rather those who prefer Islamic dresses believe in the expansion of the inner beauty rather than the outer beauty along with following a modest fashion.Islam is a complete way of life and every aspect of the Islam community is designed by the creator to advance happiness, prosperity, healthy communities, and also to ease the path to eternal bliss in paradise. The primary purpose of the dress code is to protect society as a whole and to promote Islamic clothing and behavior as well.

Muslim Clothing promotes Modest Fashion

All the Muslim clothing is made in line with their dress code that needs to be strictly followed by the followers of Islam that promote Muslim clothing. Islam states that the body of both men and women should be covered. It plays extra emphasis on the dress code of women stating that Muslim women need to cover their whole body even their eyes as well. 

A brief history of the burqa

For this purpose, the burqa was introduced. The wearer’s entire face and body get covered after wearing a burqa and one sees through a mesh screen over the eyes. The burqa is most commonly worn by Muslim women in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the use of burqa by Muslim women has become mandatory by law.

As per oral history, the word burqa was in use in Arabia before the advent of the Islam religion in the first quarter of the seventh century. During the seventh century, the term burqa implied a piece of clothing that was used as protection especially during the harsh winters. 

As per the records of history, the present-day burqa or veil came into vogue in Persia. Under the influence of the Iranian culture, the burka was adopted by the Muslims. Gradually the burka became Islamised, and it became an integral part of Islamic culture. 

The burka is held in place by a fitted, quilted cap which consists of embroidery on the cap of the same color as that of the fabric. From this cap, many yards of fabric are flown downwards which are gathered with masses of pleating at the sides and at the back as well that goes on to create a hunched look. A small panel of open crochet work is given over the eyes to permit vision. In permitted circumstances and situations, this section of the apparel can be thrown back over the head, thus exposing the face.

Burqa Fabrics

The fabric used in the making of the burqas is usually light in weight such as rayon, cotton, silk, nylon which are available in limited color variants such as brown, grey, black, pale blue, or green. 

Samir Nair

Burqa: Sign of Modesty and Modernity

Whenever we hear the word burqa or Burkha or Burka, the first picture that pop-up into our mind is of a woman wearing a black long flowy dress. But in real now the burqa is no longer black and boring. It has been transformed according to modernity and changing fashion needs.

For the past 1500 years, Islamic women are using Burqa as a symbol of modernity. But now it no longer black and boring. Though the burqa has always been a prime topic for debate, it has been able to grow according to the changing fashion. The term ‘Burka fashion’ is used to describe the whole scenario. 

Women wear different colors Burkha Designs

In the current time, Women are seen wearing a lot more colorful burka. They use to wear it at the office, public places, and even at parties. It makes them look extremely sophisticated. Burqas are also available in different designs while some are available in different embroideries. Also, women can wear matching accessories with burka to add some glittery effects to it. Earlier the burqa was just used to cover women’s bodies and protect them from the bad eyes of men, but now, the burka has become a new concept of modernity. There are many burka designs available in the market. They can choose from different fabrics, embroideries, colors, and everything. They are not forced to wear Black Burqa. 

Modern Burkha clothing changing trends

Women have the freedom to choose from different types of Islamic clothing items. They just have to follow the dignity of their culture. Women can now buy their garments online or from regular stores. They have a lot more variety from which they can choose according to their taste. Even many actresses have been seen wearing a burqa. It is a very good example of changing trends and modernity.

The demand for modern burka is giving many new designers to show their creativity on plain cloth. It has been seen that many designers are selling some amazing collection of Burka. It gives a chance for women to get the garment of their choice. They are experimenting with their style and survive in this modern world. Few have shifted from Black Burqa to hijab. In this way, they are maintaining the modernity and dignity of their religion.

Old Generation Thinking vs Modern Generation Thinking

But do you think wearing a simple Black burqa is a big deal? Many old Islamic women still believe that the original color of the burka is black or blue. They say that they can only maintain their dignity by wearing it. In contrast to this, the new generation thinks that modernity is very important to survive in this century. They also added that women are free to opt for anything. 

Though we live in the 21st century, this argument over wearing a black burqa is still going on. The only solution for this problem is that women should be given freedom for wearing whatever they love while maintaining the dignity of their religion.

Samir Nair

Beautiful 5 Burqa Designs for the Modern Ladies

The Burqa or Burka is the traditional attire that every Muslim woman is seen wearing. They are long robes that mostly come in black, which hold great importance in the Islamic culture. Muslim women all over the Middle Eastern countries don this traditional garment.

However, with the passing times, this Muslim clothing has undoubtedly seen a major evolution from its traditional simplicity to its modern extravagance! Nowadays, women can get many different burka designs and styles in the market, which meet the various modern trends in the fashion industry!

Therefore, we have listed the 5 major burqa designs that have taken the traditional fashion by a storm for women who wish to modernize themselves through their wardrobes!

1. Kaftan Style Burqa!

The Kaftan-style burkhas are popularly worn by women for parties, functions, and all different types of traditional occasions! These Kaftan Burqas are often loose and long, with robe-style sleeves! You can also find this Islamic dress with a belted tunic cut, which gives you a very beautiful look!

They are very elaborately designed with embroidery and also come with attractive embellishments. Such burqa designs can be easily found in a variety of fabric types ranging from georgette and silk to cotton and satin!

2. Open Style Burqa!

This style of burkha falls under the more modern and contemporary style which is adorned by the more fashion-forward women! These burka designs flatter your body very elegantly and make you look regal and sophisticated! Such burqas often have thin belts on the waists that make it possible to tie the open fronts, to style them uniquely!

Such a style is perfect to be worn to fashionable parties as well as to formal occasions! They provide you with a very modern look while still being suitable as per the traditional norms!

3. The Butterfly Burqa

This type of burkha is called the ‘butterfly burqa’ because of its unique sleeve design! The sleeves of such burka designs are wide and open, which makes them look like wings attached to the body! This modest dress is made up of fabrics that are flowy and soft such as chiffon or silk! 

There are often intricate embroidery and beadwork on the hems and neckline of these styles of burqas, which makes them perfect for casual, party, or even formal occasions! 

4. Floral Print Burqa

Being very different than traditional black burqas, the floral printed burkha designs are one of the most popular ways of making yourself look fashionable and trendy! The simple plain burkhas can also be turned into this style by embroidering floral patterns on the plain cloth! 

Styling such burqas for various occasions is very easy as you can wear them for casual outings as well as for high-end parties!

5. Moroccan Style Burqa!

The Moroccan-style burqas are probably the most attractive forms of Muslim Clothing. Being very elegant and beautiful in designs, this style of burkha falls around your body perfectly! It is very popular among women like this style suits women of all body types!

The above-mentioned burqa designs are a few of the popular ways in which the traditional garment is made to match with the modern styles! If you are someone who likes to be fashionable, while still being traditional, opting for these styles is the best way to do so!

Samir Nair

Get to Know the Detailed Information about Burka

Burqa or Burka is something that is often assumed to be forced by men on women. But it is not true in every context. In many countries, women don’t have equality and basic rights and therefore, the burka may seem like patriarchal control. Let’s understand more about the burka.

Burkha is a full-body outfit that covers women completely, while you can only see their eyes and hands. Many times, this term is conflated with Niqab. But in actuality, Niqab is just a face veil that only reveals the women’s eyes.

You must get cleared about the burka, but do you know this particular Islamic clothing has its pros? Yes, you heard it right. Let’s talk about them:

1. Burkha is a symbol of authority, seriousness, and respect. Women prefer to wear a burqa at parties, business meetings, and family gatherings. Some of them look at it as their lucky charm. They think that most of their work gets successful because they wear the burqa. They believe that burka is something that spreads positivity.

2. Many women wear burqas as they feel it spreads equality between women. You must have heard that ‘beauty is a myth’, but we have also heard many people saying that ‘this lady is beautiful and she should be allowed to do a particular task’. What if someone cannot see the looks of a woman? They can’t make such judgments and every woman will get an equal chance to achieve something. 

3. Burkha has its history. This particular Islamic clothing has been originated in the desert area and was functioned as a sand mask. It uses to look like a dress and it is worn by both women and men, the only difference is that they both are named differently. Even the tribal people use to wear it at the time of raids. Today, the burqa is helpful in every situation. In London, Burka was used as a mask to protect the people from stinky smells. It also helps you to stay away from the unhygienic environment.

4. Some Non-Muslim nations wear a burkha to experience how it feels to be in a different culture. Even a White reporter decided to wear a black burqa so that she can experience life for a Burqa wearer. She has received huge respect and honor from Muslim people and many people came and talk to her. She also realized that she is getting inner peace after wearing a Burqa, but few people tried to harass her.

5. It is very easy to wear and carry Burkha as it can be worn as an alternative to the Hijab (which is again a type of Islamic Clothing). It is perfect for a woman who is in a rush.

6. Burka is cozy to wear and feels very comfortable. A woolen Burka is suitable for the winter season, while cotton or airy burka is suitable for the summer season. 

Like every clothing item, wearing a burkha is something that depends on women’s willingness. They can’t be forced to wear something until and unless they wanted to wear it. Though, these days Burqa is counted as one of the most modest Islamic clothing items as now it is available in every color, fabric, pattern, and print. You can choose according to your choice and enjoy a perfect combination of traditional and modest attire.

Samir Nair

Different types of Muslim Dress Code for Women

Different religions have different sets of rules for their followers. A large extent of what we do, what we eat, and what we wear is influenced by the religion we follow. Islam is the second-largest religious group in the world followed by Hinduism and Buddhism. Islam has made some pretty strict rules on the dress code for women. Some women follow these rules with all their hearts while others do it just for the sake of following them. According to Islamic rule, women must wear a burka in front of all those men who could theoretically marry her. This means that she doesn’t have to wear a burka in front of her father, children, husband, brothers, and uncles. Muslim women are also not required to wear the burka in front of other women as well.

It is not clear as to what the Quran states about burka but it is very clear that burka, niqab, and hijab are all modest pieces of clothing. According to Islamic theory, Muslim women need to adhere to the strict dress code because it protects them from the lustful gaze of men. There are 4 main types of Islamic dresses that women wear; burka, niqab, hijab, and chador. All these are worn differently and have different significance in different Islamic countries.

  • BURKA: A burka is a cloth that covers the entire body including the head. Only the hands are visible in this piece of clothing. There is a grill on the headpiece through which the women can see, breathe, and speak. It is mostly worn by Muslim women in Afghanistan.
  • HIJAB: A hijab is very different from the burka and the niqab. A hijab is a headscarf that covers the ears, neck, hair, and some part of the forehead. The face is completely visible in the hijab. It is worn by Muslim women across all parts of the world.
  • NIQAB: People often use niqab and burka interchangeably. There is very little that separates a burka from niqab. A niqab is also a veil that covers the entire body and flows till the ankle. The only difference is that the niqab has slits for eyes. It is widely worn by Muslim women in urban environments.
  • CHADOR: Chador covers the head and the body and flows just below the knees. The face is visible in this piece of clothing and the chador is mostly worn by women in Iran and Afghanistan. However, Muslim women don’t need to wear this Islamic dress.

Depending on where you stay in the world, the pressure of adhering to the modest clothing rules varies. There are places where a violation of the dress code can lead to legal prosecutions, and then there are areas where there is no pressure to veil or not wear a veil.

Samir Nair

Understanding the difference between Islamic Headwear: Burka, Niqab, Hijab, and Chador

There has been a rise in the number of bans about Islamic clothing because governments in many countries believe that terrorists may hide behind these apparels. Countries such as Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Austria, Denmark, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Latvia, Bulgaria, Chad, China, Gabon, Morocco, etc. have banned various types of Islamic headwear. Hijab, Niqab, and burqas are words we all have commonly heard somewhere or the other but what are the differences between the three different styles Muslim women choose to wear?

1.       HIJAB: A hijab is commonly known as a headscarf that covers the hair and chest. The word itself means curtain or veil and is a symbol of modesty in many branches of Islam. Others don’t wear it because in the western world it draws attention which contradicts the rule of modesty. The word hijab can also be used as an umbrella term referring to practices of modesty related to contact and behavior between women and men. The hijab can be employed to mean any kind of covering encompassing niqab and burkas.

2.       NIQAB: A Niqab is a face covering that covers the mouth and nose and often hangs between the two ears. It is a common garment in the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Eastern Africa. The niqab leaves a woman’s eyes clear but covers her mouth and nose. Khimar which is a head covering is worn over it.

3.       BURKA: The burka is a long robe that covers the head, face, and shoulders and hangs to the ground. It is often one piece that leaves just a mesh or small slits to see through but it can also be a sacred piece of cloth draped over a niqab.

4.       CHADOR: Also called the Tchador, it is a cloak that falls to a woman’s feet and includes the head covering. Beneath the chador are usually a dress, blouse, and skirt, or blouse and pants.

There are many other burkas, hijab, and niqab styles that Muslim women choose to wear but these are the most common and the most commonly confused ones. Wearing or not wearing this is left totally at the discretion of women in some countries. But strict Islamic countries such as UAE, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, etc. persist that women should wear modestly at all times.

Samir Nair

Burka – The Best Designs of Modest Clothing

Burka is a piece of clothing, used by Islamic women. It was originated in the Middle East. Although, it is not limited to that area anymore. Burka is worn by women all over the world. In some parts of the world, it is called ‘Burqa‘, whereas, in some areas, it is called ‘Burka.’ Women these days are very enthusiastic about following fashion trends and burka fashion is also evolving with every passing day. The black burqa is the eldest and historic burka. It is still worn by women in many areas. A burkha is a piece of garment used by women to cover their bodies in public or front of men. It’s a flowing garment, worn over the regular clothes. It is to show respect, following the holy book Quran.

You can find burkha of all types and sizes online. It is the best way of shopping nowadays. Your work is made easy through online websites. It hardly takes five minutes if you know what to order. Not just that, if you want to look at other options such as different cuts and patterns, you can always find such options as suggestions on online websites. With pictures as samples, you get a clear idea of how the ordered product will look in reality.

Wearing a burkha is a choice in some countries and a necessity in other countries. As the thoughts of the people are improving, the restrictions on Islamic women are also reducing. Even though it has become a choice in some parts of the world, women still wear burkha and buy it. The demand of burka hasn’t decreased. There are many ways to wear a burkha, and not just one. Women choose to wear burkha because they feel that this way their privacy is not harmed. It makes them feel protected, especially if they go to any unknown areas. So the restriction is not the case always. Other modest clothing items such as abaya, hijab, and kaftans are used by Islamic women. These are also used to cover their bodies, by women. In some areas, people tend to confuse these different clothing items. All of these are different and are worn in different ways. Although, the main goal is the same, yet they are different in shapes, sizes, and looks.

Samir Nair

Burka – Journey of Being Traditional to Modern

You know that Burka is the traditional dress for Islamic women. Women living in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India wear the burka while stepping out of the house. It is a piece of clothing that covers a woman from top to bottom. Only the eyes are revealed and the entire body is covered. This garment is usually made up of light cloth which makes it comfortable in the summer days.  Muslim women in some regions only wear burqa while leaving their house. However, over time, this traditional dress has become fashionable attire in all around the world. Muslims who wear this dress should not feel monotonous as different burka designs are now available to make them look trendy and stylish. Read on to know how this traditional Muslim dress became a trend in the fashion industry. 

How Burka Became Modern?

Many fashion designers felt the need of changing the monotony of this dress. Previously, only black Burqa was worn by Muslim women in different countries. With time, the style has changed and now women wear different colored Burqa. You can get dark shades to lighter colors when you search Burka online. 

Using different fabrics also became the trend gradually. Previously, cotton Burqa was more common among Muslim women. However, now they can buy silk, chiffon, and other material Burkas to change their ordinary look to a gorgeous one. Designer Burqa is also a rising trend now. Many Islamic models wear linen styled designer Burka in any entertaining event or public gatherings. Therefore, the stereotyped look of this Muslim dress is changing gradually. The modern styled Burqa not only helps to carry the traditional look but also aid in upholding the traditional and cultural aura of the same. 

The business concerning Burqa has also evolved over the years. Not only in Islamic countries, but countries like France and India have also started their business in manufacturing designer Burqas. In India, the majority of Muslim women want to wear Burqa that is imported from Dubai. The businesses have also introduced customized Burka that has gems and precious stones stitched on the sleeves. These Burqas are very expensive and can cost 1 lakh to 5 lakh. Therefore, it can be said that designer and modern Burqa is very much in trend now and the fashion industry has given this attire a significant part.