10 Ways to Style Chiffon Hijabs
Styling ·
Chiffon is light, a little sheer and endlessly adaptable. Here are ten ways to wear it, from a five-minute weekday wrap to a draped look for an evening out.
Chiffon is the fabric most of us reach for when we want a hijab to look finished without feeling heavy. It drapes beautifully, folds into neat pleats and comes in almost every color. It can also slip, so most of the styles below start with a snug underscarf or cap to give the fabric something to hold on to.
1. The simple wrap
Center the scarf on your head with one side longer than the other. Pin under the chin, bring the long side around the back of your head and pin it at the opposite temple. It takes five minutes and works with everything.
2. The shoulder drape
Wrap as above, but instead of tucking the long end, let it fall loosely over one shoulder. A light, flowing finish for dresses and abayas.
3. Front pleats
Before pinning under the chin, fold three or four small pleats along the front edge of the scarf. The pleats frame the face and give a plain chiffon scarf a tailored look.
4. The double layer
Fold a wide chiffon scarf in half lengthwise before you begin. Two layers soften the sheerness, which is useful for paler colors.
Pastel and neutral chiffon pairs with nearly anything, so a few of them go a long way in a capsule wardrobe.
5. The turban-inspired twist
Twist the two ends together at the nape of the neck, bring the twist up and over the crown, and tuck the end in at the back. Pair it with a high neckline or a light scarf for coverage.
6. The side gather
Gather the fabric at one side of the neck and secure it with a small brooch. It adds shape at the shoulder and suits wide necklines.
7. The layered evening look
Wear two chiffon scarves in tones of the same color, one wrapped closely and the second draped over it. The colors show through each other, which is lovely under evening light.
8. The criss-cross
Bring both ends of the scarf to the front, cross them under the chin, and take each one back over the opposite shoulder. It stays put on busy days.
9. The loose everyday drape
Pin once under the chin and let both ends fall to the front. Effortless, and it shows off a printed scarf.
10. The accessorized finish
A decorative pin, a fine chain or a hijab clip can lift any of the styles above. Keep it to one statement piece, since chiffon already has plenty of movement.
A note on care
Chiffon lasts longest when it is washed gently. Check the label first; many chiffon scarves do best hand-washed in cool water and dried flat, away from direct heat. A cool iron through a pressing cloth takes out creases without shine.
