In the early 2000s, modest fashion emerged as a new term to describe the style preferences of women who choose to cover for religious or personal reasons. Since then, a lot has happened.
Modest fashion has grown into one of the most in-demand sectors and is currently valued at $277 billion and is estimated to reach $311 billion by 2024, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2020/1. Major labels such as Louis Vuitton and Max Mara have released modest collections during Ramadan and Eid to diversify their audience and tap into the Muslim pound.
The latest trends appeared at Modest Fashion Week shows in London, Istanbul, Dubai and, more recently, Riyadh – more notably, we witnessed fashion's first hijabi model, Halima Aden, reach supermodel status before quitting modelling in 2021 because she felt it compromised her religious beliefs. Halima is now back in the fashion industry, on her own terms, but essential conversations around what modest fashion actually looks like were sparked.
So, what is modest fashion?
While the look and feel of modest fashion can vary from person to person, it generally refers to wearing less revealing clothing – think higher necklines, long-sleeve shirts, looser cuts and free-flowing silhouettes.
Some modest dressers may consider covering their bodies from head to toe as the standard, whereas others may have more of a relaxed approach. “Modest Fashion to me is dressing in a way that doesn’t show your body shape or skin,” says fashion and beauty influencer Nasra Salah @sailingnas.
“A lot of people limit modest fashion to Muslim women, but I know many non-Muslim women that choose to dress modestly too,” she adds. "Breaking into the fashion industry and having to explain to people my boundaries as a Muslim woman – in terms of what I can and can’t wear is never easy – and it's always interesting to hear their responses,” says fashion content creator, Aisha A @aishaxahmada. “I think representation is important because it gives those who might not have someone to look up to a confidence boost to be able to wear what they like and switch up their style while sticking to their modest boundaries,” she adds.
For many British-Muslim women like myself, there is much more to dressing modestly than simply choosing the right outfit. Often, our decision to dress modestly is influenced by many other factors, such as our upbringing, cultural traditions and how connected we feel to the religion. Islamophobia in the UK is also an added fear factor for many who believe that dressing modestly – with or without a hijab – will make them a target for discrimination due to the negative stigmas often associated with being visibly Muslim.
I was raised in a religious family with traditional values, and even though I was always encouraged to dress modestly, it was always from a place of love and was never something forced on me.
In my early 20s, I did feel the societal pressure to keep up with the latest fashion trends and show some skin because, as someone who was born and raised in the UK, that was just the norm. But now that I am in my thirties, my connection to my faith is far more important to me than what people might think about the clothes that I choose to wear, so I really could care less.
Choosing modesty is now my preference and makes me feel confident and like my most authentic self. And thanks to the rise of modest fashion, I now have plenty of modest brands and designers to shop from.
These are the best modest bridesmaid dresses to make every member of your bridal party look and feel incredibleGallery16 PhotosThe Trends As Seen At Modest Fashion Week 2023
The eighth edition of Modest Fashion Week has just taken place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.
From catwalk shows to style presentations and panel discussions featuring industry insiders, the three-day event showcased the true diversity of modest fashion. Some key trends we saw included pastel shades, shimmery textures, floral prints, pleats and romantic silhouettes, as seen at the Miha Official catwalk by Turkish designer Hicran Önal.
Meanwhile, London-based brand MTM Dresses showcased elegant evening gowns and modest headwear adorned with hand-sewn sequins and crystals. Elsewhere, modest activewear took centre stage with a presentation of sportswear and athleisure for Muslim women and beyond.
Looking for more modest fashion ideas? Scroll down to see GLAMOUR's edit of the best modest fashion brands to shop below…1. DASKA
As seen at Modest Fashion Week 2022, Daska is a London-based brand. Founded by Maryam Khan in 2021 to give modest dressers access to trendy and timeless pieces that have been made with high-quality, sustainable fabrics. From long-sleeve maxi dresses to printed co-ords and oversized tailored suits, Daska's seasonal collections feature full-coverage clothing that evolves with contemporary trends, while maintaining a modest twist.
2. LEEM
Metallic Foil Printed Dress, £154, Leem
Leem is a modern Middle Eastern modest fashion brand that recently launched in the UK exclusively at Next.co.uk. Inspired by catwalk trends, Leem re-imagines global fashion with premium fabrics and sophisticated cuts to cater to an all-inclusive modest customer – who may choose to cover for culture, religion or as a personal preference of style.
3. AAB Collection
Snake Print Maxi, £95, AAB Collection
AAB Collection is one of the first modest fashion brands to be seen on the high street at mainstream retailers such as Debenhams, John Lewis and Next. From hijabs to maxi dresses, jumpsuits and abayas, founder Nazmin Alim, creates a full range of modest options. This dress is available in sizes XXS-XXL with five length options for the perfect modest fit.
4. PODUR
Podur is a UK-based modest fashion e-commerce brand which was born when Amna Hameed was frustrated with the lack of fashionable clothing options for Muslim women. If you are looking for something for a special occasion, then we are almost certain that you will find a dress or abaya that you'll love on Podur.
5. IMANNOOR
Ivy Black Dress, from £220, IMANNOOR
IMANNOOR is a Turkish e-commerce brand that specialises in the production of luxury silk scarves, shawls and clothing for modest women across the globe. As seen at Modest Fashion Week, IMANNOOR incorporates signature motifs, futuristic prints and elements of silk into every single piece in the collection.
6. VEILED
Jacquard Merino Wool Knit Cardigan in Deep Teal, from £110, Veiled
Veiled is a New York-based label that re-invents seasonal styles for the modest woman. From smart tailored suits with wide-leg trousers to tunics, trendy outerwear, and everyday essentials, Veiled is the perfect place to shop when updating your modest wardrobe.
7. NYLAH Collection
Nylah is a UK-based brand best known for its beautiful abaya collections that feature monochromatic shades, statement satins and super luxe finishes. Plus all the abayas in the range come complete with a matching hijab for styling ease and added value.
8. ASOS
High Neck Maxi Satin Tea Dress in Colourblock, £46, ASOS
ASOS is one of the first UK-based etailers to dedicate an entire section of their website to modest fashion. From tops to dresses, suits and skirts, you can shop the latest looks in a fit that suits you thanks to the ASOS modest edit.
Save when you shop for modest fashion with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
9. LOUELLA By Ibtihaj
Tie Dye Tunic, from £45, Louella By Ibtihaj
Founded by US Olympic fencing medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad, Louella By Ibtihaj is a family-operated business that produces high-quality, functional and comfortable clothes for modest dressers.
10. MODANISA
Emerald Suit, £125.99, Vavinor at Modanisa
Turkish brand Modanisa is the world’s leading and largest modest fashion retailer stocking over 650 brands with worldwide shipping.
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