Hijabi Fashion Revisited

For the last couple of days, I have been really, really obsessing over abayas. In particular, abayas from the Islamic Boutique. [Muslim ladies, has anyone ordered from them before? A good experience?]

Here is an example:

The abayas are mostly machine wash, custom sewn to your height and basic measurements, and you can pick a matching scarf! Their colors are a good selection of basics (yay for me, brown and tan are included!). Three of these plainer ones, plus two dressy and I would be set for work wear. Toss in some colorful head scarves and comfy but nice shoes, my wardrobe is set.

They also carry under skirts, pants and slips in matching colors.

Alana was having a yen for a uniform. Maybe these would work? Perfect lengths on sleeves and skirt for monastery wear and…no belts! Depending on your head covering, you wouldn’t look like a nun or a Muslim.

Just a thought.

Transitioning into Modesty

Kim left a comment on my About page this week, asking:

Fifty years old and feel led to start wearing a covering! Last month I felt lead to begin wearing long skirts or dresses after wearing jeans for many years. I think I’m scaring my husband, not to mention my children. Been a Christian for most of my life, but only recently have been moved to modesty. Any suggestions for dealing with my poor family?

Many ladies have transversed this path, Kim; you are not alone! Any sort of meaningful spiritual change as reflected in our daily lives will inevitably cause  discomfort for someone. They may not even wish to understand or care, for that matter. You still have to live with them. So , what to do?

From my experience, being absolutely clear and upfront in your motives is the best amelioration. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a full family meeting (unless this is what your tradition is) to declare your conviction. Start with your husband first. Start off with an icebreaker like, “You’ve probably noticed I am wearing skirts/dresses more frequently now. What do you think of it?” If he is truly freaking over the change, try drawing him out as to why. Maybe he might offer some suggestions as to style of dresses he likes better (modest, of course.) Men appreciate direct arguments. He may argue, but at least he knows where you stand.

Children, I’m guessing older, are another kettle of fish. “Mom’s off her rockers!” “Will she make us wear the same stuff?” Simplify the argument from the husband conversation above and make it clear that this is your choice. You might encourage your girls to follow your example, but they need to look at Scripture/Tradition and make their decision.

I hope this helps, Kim. Anybody else have some suggestions?

Modest and Cool

This was last Saturday’s outfit: brown linen blouse over a tan t-shirt, beige linen skirt, beige and gold headscarf and pink flowered flip-flops. Alana, you’ve inspired me!

Through the Week in Modest Dress - Saturday

End of the week already? How does the time zip past! The weather is sunny and warm today, so I pulled out my “hippie” outfit to wear. The blouse and skirt are from Goodwill. I am wearing a white t-shirt underneath the blouse. This is my favorite combination for summer wear: light blouse layered over a tank top or other shirt. I feel covered yet not smothered.

The headscarf is from Tznuis.com, tied in the crown style.

Through the Week in Modest Dress - Friday

On Fridays, I can be a little more casual at work. I chose my oversized soft corduroy shirt, denim skirt (not shown) and my tan Mary Janes. The headscarf is from Hijab Girl. Their prices are unbeatable on the internet. Oh, my, it is so comfortable! I tied it in the crown style.

Through the Week in Modest Dress - Thursday

Normally when I cook, I wear an apron, but that would cover up this day’s dress. I call this one my “teacher dress”, because it is entirely school-marm or librarian. Goodwill find! I combined it with my cream eyelet veil, knee-highs (shhh, no one knows) and brown T-strap oxfords. I also wore a cream-colored cotton sweater while at work.

We ate Tofu Curry last night, if you are curious as to what is in the pan.

Through the Week in Modest Dress - Wednesday

Oh, no, bare tootsies! I did wear my black boots that day, but they came off as soon as I got home from Bible Study. This is my apple jumper, which is a lightweight corduroy print. It is another Goodwill find! My headscarf is a black cotton scarf I found at Wal-Mart a month ago for $4. There are little tassels along the edges, which is ok. I tuck them in when I wrap the two ends of the triangle over my head.

Links on Friday

Here are some excellent articles/blog posts for your weekend reading pleasure:

• A lengthy exposition on 1 Cor. 11, worth the time and attention.
•  Christian Unity offers another Scripture exposition.
• Help this brother out with some brilliant ideas!
• Wow, I actually perpetuated some of these myths…while I need to do some fact-checking to see if the author is correct, I see lots of good points here.
• Does headcovering provide a safe-guard against divorce? Hmmm….
• Mood-Brightener!

Tonight I will post a photo of myself in my work clothes…been meaning to do that, in case you all were interested? Even better, how about I do a “Through the week in modest dress” series?

Covering for Beginners - What

Now that you have decided when to start covering, what do you wear?

If you have clicked through my blog at all, you will see that I have worn just about every type of covering available on the market over the past year. Some are of my own manufacture, some have been gifts to me from other sisters, and most of them I ordered from various vendors. Even after all this time and experimentation, I have not settled into one particular style. One facet of any covering I wear, however, that I have settled on is to have at least 80% of my hair/head covered.

This brings us to the balancing act between the symbolism of a Christian covering and the modesty aspect. If you are comfortable with having a small triangle of lace pinned to your hair everyday to satisfy the symbolism, then that is covered enough. If you are like me, I find that my hair is one of my best features. Men really are attracted to long, healthy hair! Since my hair is a special thing for my husband to see, I cover it up. That simple.

A second consideration is whether or not you desire some denominational identification “tag”. The most common covering associated with a church is the Amish cap. They are practical, especially if you tie them under your chin, no clippies required. But, you have to be prepared for all the questions. If you are not aligned with the Anabaptist/Quaker theological tradition, I suggest staying away from caps.

The next, deeper connotations involved in choosing a covering style is the “hanging veil” versus a cap-like or snood-like covering. The Greek words detailing the NT covering used in 1 Cor. 11 describe something that hangs down or that can be wrapped around. Does this delineate the type of covering, or are the words only what Paul had to use to describe the covering? Lots to think about.

So, onto the fashion gallery of coverings:

• A veiling, as pictured above. These require one’s hair to be pinned up and also require at least two clippies to hold it onto your hair. PrayerCoverings.com offer several versions, including one or two styles that tie under your chin.
• The cap. I like caps, because my theology does line up with the traditional cap-wearing churches. And they do stay put without extra metal secured to my head. This is important for those living on the windy prairie!
• Scarves. This is where your artistic/fashionable sense can shine. I love scarves for the same reason I love caps. Once you can handle tying them in the way you like, they do stay put. Tznius.com and Modest World sell the best, most beautiful scarves. I’ve also sewn some summer scarves of my own out of cotton voile.
• Hijabs. I’ve been known to wrap my scarves into a traditional Muslim style. The look might make you feel uncomfortable in the “religious cross-dressing” category. I find it rather…well, comforting and feminine.
• Snoods offer a variation on the scarf theme. I have not worn snoods, but many ladies are dedicated snood-wearers. Modest World has a nice selection of snoods, as well as She Maketh Herself Coverings.
• You can also find an assortment of covering styles designed for medical hair loss.

There are so many choices out there, that I am sure you will find the right balance between modesty and symbolism. Try out several different coverings at first to see what works for your family and situation. Give away the coverings you don’t use to another sister.

Covering for Beginners - When

You are here, reading this blog, because you’ve been somehow drawn towards the ancient Christian practice of covering one’s head. There are the usual reasons for the conviction, from reading Scripture in a new light to seeing another woman who covers and becoming intrigued. How ever which way you ended up here, it is clear to you that God has spoken and you must obey. But how? I will go through several questions every woman must clarify, especially if she is not a part of a church that actively promotes covering. Let’s start with,

When do I cover?

There are basically two sides to the timing of when a woman should cover her head. First, there are those who think women should cover during all waking hours because we are to “Pray without ceasing.” [1 Thes 5:17] This does not include showering/bathing, of course. Some women even keep a shawl by her bedside so that should she awaken during the night and feel the need to pray, she is ready.

On the other side of the coin are those who think the covering should be only for public Christian assemblies. For them, the covering is a symbolic act which is necessary for a worship gathering (Mass, Bible Study, etc.).  These ladies may also choose to cover during private prayer and devotions in the home.

As with most anything else in life that is left up to mostly personal interpretation, there is a wide spectrum in between the two extremes. Within my covering practice, I’ve left some room for flexibility. For instance, I take my covering off when at home for my husband. He loves my hair and enjoys seeing it down. For most any other occasion that takes me outside my front door, I cover. The covering, for me, is an act of modesty as well as a spiritual symbol.

Finding the right level of obedience takes some time. I suggest that women try a “training wheels” approach at first. Put on your covering when in private prayer or devotions. Remember to do it every time. Then, when you feel “steady”, try it out at your church gathering. Again, consistency is the key. If your calling is to go full-time, and your husband is hesitant over the issue, grant him a test period of at least a week or two. Pray like the house is on fire the entire time, so that the grace of God will shine through this act! He may be won over to the Lord over this issue because of your attitude.