Difference between Jilbab and Khimar

Assalamu Alaikum everyone. Today I will write about Jilbabs and Khimars, and what's the difference between them. Let's first take a look at their definition, what is Jilbab and what is Khimar

What is Jilbab?

Jilbab is a piece of cloth that starts from head. It has no neckline, no arm line, even no shoulder. It's free size. The term jilbāb or jilbaab (Arabic: جِلْبَاب‎) refers to any long and loose-fit coat or outer garment worn by some Muslim women. Wearers believe that this definition of jilbab fulfills the Quranic choice for a hijab. (Wikipedia)

What is Khimar?

A Khimar refers to a very long piece of cloth that drapes all the way from the head to the wrist. The word “khimar” comes from the root Khamara, meaning “to cover”. It is a piece of cloth which is used by a muslim woman to cover her head”.

After reading the definition of both, you are even more confused, right? Both are same defintion, then where the difference is?!

Well, the answer is,

The basic difference between Jilbab and Khimar is in their cutting.

Cutting of Jilbab is called straight line cut. It can be cut at any length. Like any other kamij, selwar or dress, you just fold the fabric in your desired length and cut with the pattern. So Jilbab length is customisable.

For more info about Jilbab, you can check here https://modestcollectionbd.blogspot.com/2020/06/all-about-jilbab.html

Full length Jilbab

On the other hand, cutting of khimar is called umbrella cut. Like any other umbrella cut, the maximum length depends on fabric width. If your fabric is 60 inch width, the maximum length of the khimar will be 58 inch. So khimar length is still customisable, but you can shorter it, you can't make it more that 58 inch if your fabric is 60 inch width. With the same width of fabric, you can make a jilbab in any length. But Khimar is more flared than Jilbab as it is umbrella cut.

Jilbab can be made with pocket system, while Khimar is not

Niqab Khimar

Jilbab and khimar both covers you, both are loose one piece garment starts from head, both are ideal according to Islamic law.

So to me, jilbab and khimar is almost same with little differences…

How to wear Jilbab and khimar?

Here is the video of Jilbab tutorial

Hope you loved my blog, here you will find more jilbab and khimar designs https://www.modestbd.com/modest-collection/jilbab-khimar