Jilbab, khimar, abaya, chador: the terms are often used interchangeably, including in webshops. Yet they are different garments, each with its own practical advantages. Here is the difference — and what suits you.
What is a khimar?
A khimar is a cape that starts at the head and falls down over the shoulders. The length varies: to the hips, to the knees, or to ankle height.
It is worn over other clothing. So you always still need a skirt, dress or trousers underneath.
What is a jilbab?
A jilbab is a complete set: head covering and body together. Usually two-piece — a long top with an integrated head covering plus a loose skirt — sometimes one-piece.
The big difference from the khimar: you need nothing else with it. Put it on and you are ready.
And the abaya?
The abaya covers only the body, not the head. You combine it with a separate hijab of your choice. That gives the most freedom of style, but does require some coordination.
The practical comparison
- Fastest to put on — the jilbab
- Most combination possibilities — the abaya
- Most versatile over existing clothing — the khimar
- Best for changing temperatures — the khimar (easy to take off)
- Most suitable for beginners — the jilbab (no draping needed)
- Best price per outfit — the abaya
Which do you choose?
Choose a khimar if...
You have a wardrobe you are happy with and only want an extra layer over it. The khimar fits over almost everything and is quick to take off once you are inside.
Also practical if you switch between indoors and outdoors throughout the day.
Choose a jilbab if...
You have little time in the morning or are not yet used to draping a hijab. Everything is fastened, nothing shifts.
Also ideal to take travelling: one set replaces several garments.
Choose an abaya if...
You like to vary. With five hijabs you make five different looks from one neutral abaya. It is also the safest choice in terms of size: loose cuts forgive a lot.
See our abayas.
What to look out for when buying
- The total length — for the jilbab and khimar measured from the top of the head, not from the shoulder. This is the most often misunderstood.
- The opacity — check the fabric against the light, especially for light colours.
- The face opening — too tight is uncomfortable, too loose slips off.
- The fabric — jersey and crêpe provide hold; satin slips and is not advisable for the jilbab and khimar.
Care
Wash at 30 °C on a delicate cycle, no tumble dryer. Hang jilbabs and khimars on a wide hanger — a thin hanger leaves permanent bumps at the shoulders.
Do not fold them at the head covering: otherwise a permanent fold line forms exactly where it shows.
Can you combine them?
Certainly. Many women have all three: an abaya for variety, a jilbab for busy days, and a khimar for over existing clothing. They do not rule each other out.
Want to start with one piece? Then a neutral abaya is the safest first purchase — it goes with everything you add later.
In conclusion
The difference is not a matter of better or worse, but of how much time you want to spend and how much variety you are looking for. Little time → jilbab. Lots of variety → abaya. Over existing clothing → khimar.
Discover our latest collection and complete sets — with the composition and sizes on each page, shipped from Belgium.