What’s That You’re Wearing? A Guide to Muslim Veils

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Russell Goldman

Illustration by Antonio de Luca

They are banned in France, mandated in Saudi Arabia and a fashion statement in Indonesia. Veils for Muslim women come in all sizes, shapes and colors — and with terminology that can mean different things in different places. The Quran is oblique in its references to “hijab,” which is described not as an article of clothing but something akin to a curtain or “separation” that allows for privacy. Here’s a guide to how that looks around the Muslim world: Abaya, Burqa, Chador, Hijab, Jilbab, Khimar, Niqab [link]