Written by Sondos Amer
There’s a common situation every Muslim girl who lives in a Western country faces: finding the perfect modest clothes.
Picture yourself in a shop. You’re scanning the racks when suddenly you spot a perfect dress. It’s the right length, the right sleeves, the right size...and even the color is perfect. But the moment you turn that beautiful dress around, you realize it’s backless.
It’s frustrating and may even seem impossible to find simple modest wear, especially when not everyone has the privilege of traveling to a Muslim country or paying for expensive international shipping. It can also be mentally exhausting, we all want to take time to study, work, practice our deen, and have fun, while also feeling comfortable and confident in what we’re wearing.
I’ve felt that frustration a lot throughout my modesty journey. The first time I made a big modest clothing purchase was not too long after I started wearing the hijab. I spent a lot of time searching for the perfect dresses on a Turkish Muslim website. The pictures looked amazing, and it felt so convenient, I chose a variety of styles: some casual and comfortable for everyday wear, and others for special occasions like Jummah or Eid. I was so excited to start wearing my new outfits.
I placed my big order and waited weeks for international shipping. When everything finally arrived, my excitement faded a little as I started trying things on. The clothes looked like the images, but the issues were in the fabrics and sizing, they just weren’t perfect for my personal needs. Some dresses needed awkward alterations because parts were tighter than expected. Others could only be worn in colder weather because the fabric was heavier than I had imagined when I planned to wear them on warmer days.
I had to face the reality that even though I spent so much time choosing what I thought were the best options, I didn’t do enough preparation or research to truly get the right pieces.
Over time, I’ve realized that finding the best fits or pieces is an art. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, as a hijabi or non-hijabi, I want to share three tips I’ve learned through my journey:
Check the Fabric/Material
Understanding which fabrics work best for you is essential for a comfortable fit. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen can feel very different in weight and breathability compared to synthetics.
Always Read the Reviews
If shopping online is your only option, try to choose items that include reviews from real customers—especially those with photos. Honest feedback can help you understand how a piece fits on different body types and how it actually feels to wear.
Measurements Over Sizes
Sizes vary widely between stores—a “medium” in one place can be completely different in another. Take the time to measure yourself and write down your body measurements. This can make a huge difference in getting the right sleeve length, fit, and overall look.
All of these small details can feel overwhelming, but having a place you can rely on makes all the difference. If you’re in the OC area, you’re in luck—visit The Nour Company and experience it for yourself. Try on different designs, find your perfect size, and feel the fabrics in person. This isn’t your average modest shop—they offer a wide range of sizes, including abayas up to 5XL, along with one-size-fits-all styles. Plus, every abaya is priced under $65, making it easier to find something that fits a variety of budgets.
Overall, practice makes perfect. Modesty is a journey, and it all comes down to intention. Social media can sometimes make it seem like everyone else has their wardrobe perfectly figured out, with endless outfits that look effortless. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison and feel like you’re falling behind or doing something wrong because you haven’t found “the one” outfit yet.
On those days when nothing feels right or the stores don’t have what you’re looking for, take a step back and remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. It’s about more than just a dress, it’s about honoring your deen and growing as a Muslim.
Building a wardrobe that makes you feel secure, beautiful, and true to yourself takes time, trial, and error. When you shift your mindset from trying to mimic someone else’s style to discovering what works for your life and your values, the process becomes less of a chore and more of a rewarding experience.
Be patient with yourself. Allah knows what’s in our hearts. May Allah grant us ease in this journey and bless us with pure intentions. Ameen.