Prayer clothing seems a simple purchase, but the differences in fabric, cut and finish are large. This guide explains what to look out for — and what you can skip.
What is prayer clothing?
Prayer clothing is loose clothing that can be put on and taken off quickly, and that fully covers the body. It usually consists of two parts: a long top with an integrated head covering, and a loose skirt. One-piece models also exist.
The difference from everyday clothing lies mainly in the ease: no pins, no coordinating, on in a few seconds.
The fabric: the most important criterion
Cotton and cotton blends
The most comfortable choice. Cotton breathes, feels soft and does not irritate during longer wear. Ideal at home and for warm months. Downside: it creases faster.
Viscose and modal
Soft, light, and they fall softly. A good middle ground between comfort and look. Do watch the opacity, though — thin viscose can show through.
Polyester
Cheap, crease-free and easy to care for, but it breathes badly. Anyone who wears it for longer or is in a warm room notices immediately.
What to look out for
Hold the fabric up to the light before you buy — or ask the seller about the opacity. This is the most common problem with cheap prayer clothing.
Cut and fit
Three points determine whether the garment sits comfortably:
- The width at the knees. You must be able to kneel and stand up again comfortably without the fabric pulling.
- The sleeve length. Too short and the wrists are exposed when bending; check this standing with your arms forward.
- The face opening. Too tight becomes uncomfortable, too loose slips off.
When in doubt, always choose the looser size: freedom of movement matters more here than the line.
One-piece or two-piece?
Two-piece is the most chosen. You can wash and replace the parts separately, and the fit is easier to adjust.
One-piece goes on faster, but the sizing has to be exact — nothing can be adjusted.
Practical details that make the difference
- An included storage pouch. Indispensable if you take the garment in a bag.
- Elastic at the waist instead of a drawstring: faster and more comfortable.
- Flat seams near the face, to prevent irritation.
- Little or no decoration. Beads and sequins get in the way and break quickly in the wash.
Care
Wash at 30 °C on a delicate programme. No tumble dryer: hang it up while damp, then most creases pull out on their own. Cotton models can be ironed at low temperature.
Store it folded in its matching pouch, not loose in a drawer — that prevents dust and permanent folds.
How many do you need?
Two is enough in most cases: one in use, one in the wash. If you travel often, a third light set in a compact pouch is handy to keep in your bag.
Prayer clothing or ordinary loose clothing?
Special prayer clothing is mainly a matter of ease. If you already wear loose clothing every day, a long abaya with a hijab often does the job very well — provided the fabric is opaque and the cut loose enough.
Our complete sets in breathable fabrics are particularly suited to this: loosely cut, covering, and pleasant to wear for a long time.
Where is it best to buy?
Watch for the same three signals as for any clothing purchase online: the composition is stated, the sizes are concrete, and returns are possible. Within the European Union you also have 14 days to change your mind.
In conclusion
Choose a breathable fabric, a loose cut and a simple finish. Those are the three criteria that count — the rest is secondary.
Discover our latest collection, shipped from Belgium.