Stylish Irish Muslim women on how they use modest fashion to express faith and identity

Iman Khamissa, @imankhamissa

Modest fashion is a beautiful balance between faith and personal expression. It’s deeply rooted in my values, but it’s also about celebrating elegance, femininity, and creativity. It’s never felt like a restriction, it’s more like a canvas that challenges me to be more inventive with how I dress.

The joy of modest fashion is definitely in standing out and embracing timeless elegance. It’s a unique space to be in. The challenge lies in finding season-appropriate pieces, especially for summer. And while it’s empowering to represent something different, it can also feel isolating at times. Being one of the few modest fashion creators in Ireland means I often have to create the representation I want to see.

Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and lightweight wool are my go-tos for warm weather. I gravitate toward flowy maxi dresses, wide-leg trousers, and oversized shirts layered over tanks. Neutral and pastel tones also help keep things light and breathable. My favourite hack? Investing in quality underlayers. Uniqlo’s Airism range is a lifesaver, especially their long-sleeve tops that work so well under sheer fabrics without feeling heavy.

The most stylish person in my life is my mum. She’s always been effortlessly elegant and knows how to dress with grace and flair. I’ve been drawn to fashion from a young age, I used to style my own outfits and put on home fashion shows in my sister’s or mum’s heels with my best friend. She taught me that confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room, it’s about staying true to yourself.

Representation has improved, but we still have a way to go. I often find myself creating the space I wish existed, especially where modesty meets luxury. I’d love to see more Muslim women in mainstream campaigns, media features and on panels where we’re not just visible, but truly heard.

The advice I would give to younger Muslim girls trying to find their identity through style is that you don’t need to follow every trend. Use them as inspiration, but build a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Discover the colours that flatter your skin tone and body. The pieces closest to your face, like a hijab, top, or even a hat, can really elevate your look. Most importantly, remember that style is a journey. Modesty isn’t about hiding, it’s about honouring your elegance in a way that reflects your unique spirit.

Hannan Ebrahim, @halalgirldublin

When I started dressing modestly, it came from a desire to express my faith through how I present myself. Over time, I have found ways to make it my own. I have learned how to dress modestly in a way that I genuinely love and feel good in, while still staying true to my faith. Now, it feels like a blend of both, guided by my beliefs but also a reflection of my personal style.

It has been really inspiring to see so many women sharing their journeys and everyday outfits. Social media has played a big role. It has created space to explore different ways of dressing modestly and made it easier to find and shop for modest pieces both locally and internationally. Over time, I have picked up bits of inspiration from different people, but I have also developed my own style that feels true to me and still reflects modesty.

The joy of dressing modestly is that I get to represent who I am and what I believe in just through my clothing. Especially living in a country where Muslims make up such a small minority, it is comforting to dress in a way that I love and that genuinely reflects my identity. I really appreciate that I can dress modestly at work. It means a lot to be in an environment where my faith and style are respected, and where I can be myself without having to compromise my values. That kind of support makes my modesty journey much easier. At the same time, there are some challenges. People who do not understand why we dress modestly may react with ignorance or curiosity, and the comments can sometimes be difficult but I believe we are living in a time where more people are learning about and appreciating different cultures and religions. I am hopeful that, over time, dressing modestly will become even more accepted and understood.

I prefer wearing light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Abayas are great because they are usually lightweight and easy to wear in warmer weather. I love coloured linen abayas during summer. They are airy, modest, and add a lovely pop of colour to my wardrobe. I also gravitate towards flowy, loose-fitting dresses made from similar breathable materials. They are perfect for staying cool while still feeling modest and put together. For extra coverage, I often pair them with a light open abaya, so I am not layering too much.

I have learned a lot about modesty from my mum. Growing up, I watched her design and tailor dresses because modest outfits were not always easy to find in stores. I did not fully appreciate it back then, but now I really wish I lived closer. It would be amazing to have her tailor some of the designs I would love to bring to life.

Finding your style and identity is a personal journey and it is okay if it changes along the way. Stay true to your values, but do not be afraid to explore different looks until you find what feels right and comfortable for you. Modesty is not about limiting yourself. It is about expressing who you are in a way that reflects both your faith and your personality.

Stephanie Constantinescu, @stephaniestantinescu

I started to intentionally dress modestly once I converted to Islam three years ago. Since then, it really has become my sense of style. My outfits took a while to start hitting while I tried to figure it all out. Paying more attention to my clothes pushed me to consider what silhouettes suit me well. I found out that I love long, drapy pieces, and that with my tall build, A-line cuts do me a lot of justice.
My decision to dress modestly is due to my being Muslim, but being a fashion girly, I really enjoy the challenge of boxing myself into a style and deciding how I want to play with that style and express myself through it.

Am I basic if I say I find style inspiration from Pinterest? Because I can sew, I look at modest dress everywhere and try to blend it into my own interpretation.

Loose Abayas for the win in the summer, and extra large men’s button down shirts, and as much denim or linen on my legs as possible. I really love to wear khimars or jersey hijabs in hot weather because I don’t need to wear an undercap. We’ve had quite a few dreary summers these last few years, but with this current heatwave, 2025 is looking like the year to wear your sunglasses out. I’m definitely going to be challenged to discover as many clever styling hacks as possible. People think it’s hard for hijabis in the hot weather. They don’t realise that we are living the good life in our ultra baggy, loose, flowing dresses.

I think the modest fashion scene is really under-served at the moment. For the longest time, you couldn’t even get a floor length denim skirt without a slit. Since then, several high street brands have put out highly flared, long denim skirts, which is good. I haven’t seen anybody take a young, Western approach to designing modestly – maybe it’s because Muslims value simplicity in their dress. These days, if you want to dress ‘modern’, you have to go for a menswear look. More effeminized interpretations of streetwear that serve the girlies are what I really wish to see coming from brands going forward. I would love to see more Muslim girls, women of colour and modest enthusiasts in general get into design. Designing clothes is really opening up now and becoming more and more accessible, and I think we’re gonna get the right pieces and the right trends coming out if their source is the people who live this style in the first place.

I’ve been on a journey to dressing modestly. It’s not easy sometimes, because you could have a fire outfit but no matching hijab so you’re forced to save it in the drafts for later. I’ve found that dressing modestly, while being girly, streetwear, and alternative has really allowed me to find my space in the creative scene in Ireland – I feel like my style has become really recognisable now.

I would advise any young Muslim girls trying to find their identity through style to learn to sew. When you can make clothes, you’re really able to bring your own style identity to life. Unless you have loads of cash lying around and can fill your wardrobe with unique pieces, learning to sew is really the cheat code to personal style in a microtrend.

Yara Abdelsalam, @yourjarofhappiness

Modest fashion to me means dressing the way that I’m required to dress with the way I want to dress. My modesty in my wardrobe is mainly faith-led. As a Muslim Hijabi, I am required to cover my head, wear full sleeves and wear full-length trousers. II find joy in fulfilling that because I enjoy fashion so much and work in the industry so I enjoy dressing up and adding layers to my fits.

I gain style inspiration from my line of work. Because I work in fashion, I’m constantly seeing beautiful outfits put together. If I see something I would love to wear, I imagine the simple ways I can make it modest. It could be adding another layer over or under an item, it could be adding a long trench or longer or wider trousers. It takes a lot of creativity – and bravery if you ask me – to challenge myself with a non-modest piece (like a halter neck top) and find ways to wear it modestly.

One joy of dressing modestly in Ireland is the weather never affects me! I’m never too warm or too cold. It’s honestly a bliss. What I find challenging but keep trying to brush it off is the fact that I am aware that I am visibly different. I know people could see me as a different person or create assumptions about me before they actually get to know me. I would love to be embraced as a normal part of society. Not to sound vain, I think I’m the best-dressed person in my circle of family and friends. I have taught myself so much about colours, proportions, cuts and body types. I know what suits me and what doesn’t. I know how to combine fabulous colours and pieces together, even if they are not modest-friendly. I believe having this edge has allowed me to just dress for myself. I don’t need to conform to how people ‘should’ dress.

In Ireland, I struggle to find markets, brands or even shops that have pure modest options. It would be a dream to have a shop you can walk into that has modest options from A to Z. It could cater to anyone’s form of modesty, not just long and flowy.

Whenever I’m shopping, I look at a piece that I like and think of the following questions; Is it me? Do I see myself wearing this at least 10 times? Does it scream my personality? Am I going to go home and think about it if I don’t buy it? Do I love it? If I see it on someone else, am I going to want it for myself? These are all questions I force myself to answer before buying anything, and this has allowed me to curate the wardrobe of my dreams, featuring beautiful, authentic pieces you would not find people wearing on the street every day. Some of the pieces I find could be second-hand, new or vintage.

It can get really challenging, and that’s the whole point. The world views dressing modestly as an act of oppression when in reality, it’s a way to prevent objectifying women and their bodies. Women are free to dress however they want without the media pointing fingers and setting the standards for what should be ‘normal’. It’s so important for the world to recognise that other cultures are allowed to exist and perform what they believe aligns with their true core. My advice would be to be proud of who you are and be proud to be Muslim, no matter how challenging it can get. It’s okay to be curious and experiment with different styles but never give up who you are to feel accepted and welcomed by others. If they can’t accept you the way that you are, they don’t deserve to be part of your circle anyway.

Edwina Anandita, @edwinafaa

For me, modest fashion is very much a blend of both faith and personal style. While my faith certainly influences how I dress, modesty goes far beyond just clothing. I believe modesty is deeply personal; what feels modest to one person may look very different to someone else. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept, and that’s something I truly respect and embrace.

To me, modesty is as much about character as it is about clothing. It’s reflected not only in how we choose to present ourselves outwardly, but also in how we carry ourselves, with humility, kindness, and a sense of grace. I see modest fashion as a way to express creativity and individuality while still honouring my values.

Inspiration is everywhere if you’re paying attention. As I grew older, I became a people-watcher. I’ve always been fascinated by how others express themselves through clothing. I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot, and every country I visited felt like a new chapter in my personal style education. I’d soak in everything – street fashion, traditional dress, colours, patterns, and the way people carried themselves. Even beyond clothing, inspiration comes from unexpected places like architecture, art galleries, old magazines, museums, and local culture. I think when you have a curious eye, anything can spark an idea for how to dress modestly in a way that feels expressive and modern.

One of the joys of dressing modestly in Ireland is how friendly and open people are. I often get lovely compliments from strangers, whether it’s about my outfit or how I’ve done my make-up that day and what’s beautiful is that it’s not always about the fact that I wear a hijab. It’s about the overall effort and personal style, which feels really encouraging and is seen in a genuine way. The challenge, though, lies in actually finding the clothing. Modest fashion options, especially hijabs or pieces that align with my personal standards of modesty, can be quite limited here. Sizing can also be difficult, especially as someone petite; even when I find something I love, tailoring or altering is often
necessary. Still, these challenges have pushed me to be more creative and intentional with how I dress.

Navigating modesty in summer is all about being smart with fabrics and creative with styling. I gravitate towards light, breathable materials that allow airflow without compromising coverage. Choosing the right fabric is so important; anything too synthetic or plastic-like won’t absorb sweat and can leave you feeling (and looking) uncomfortable. Comfort is key, especially when temperatures rise. My go-to pieces are button-down shirts and lightweight trousers, they’re endlessly versatile. A button-down can be styled in so many ways: worn loose, cinched at the waist, tied, or even worn backwards. I also love adding interest through layering, especially on the bottom half. Sometimes I’ll wear a flowy skirt over pants, but I always choose ultra-light fabrics like chiffon or lace to keep things breathable and to add texture without adding bulk. It’s my way of staying modest and stylish all at once.

The most stylish people in my life have always been my mom and grandmother. They were my first style icons. No matter where they were going, they’d leave the house with perfectly coordinated accessories and their signature red lipstick. From them, I learned that style is more than just clothes, it’s about self-respect, confidence, and the story you tell before you even speak. They also taught me an important lesson: being inspired doesn’t mean you have to copy someone else’s look exactly. Style should reflect your values, lifestyle, and what’s accessible to you. I didn’t grow up with a lot, so I learned to be resourceful. My mom and grandma would reinterpret inspiration in a way that fit their budget and beliefs and that stuck with me. I’ve been thrifting for as long as I can remember, but even now, I’m trying to be more intentional. I used to chase pieces just to recreate a look I saw online or buy something just because it was branded and cheap. Now, I ask myself: how many ways can I style this? Does it truly fit into my wardrobe? That mindset shift toward thoughtful, value-driven fashion is something I owe to them.

Suad M, @sucaad.irl

My religion is at the centre of everything I do. My personal style reflects that while still being true to my own sense of self – it is definitely a blend of both.

I delve into various forms of media for inspiration including Vogue archives, old fashion shows on YouTube and Pinterest which are all so readily accessible. I also lean into my Somali heritage. My culture is rich, vibrant, and at its core Islamic. I have an utmost respect for this and try to implement it in my style when possible.

Dressing modestly in Ireland isn’t the social norm. Not showing skin or not wearing tight-fitting clothes can be received with displeasure or general staring which is usually the case. One joy is seeing another modestly dressed Muslim and exchanging salam with one another and a simple smile – a passing acknowledgement that we see each other in our modest clothes and feel proud to be out dressed as we are.

To be truly honest, summer is my least favourite season to dress. I still make the effort to dress authentically yet practically to fit the hot temperatures we occasionally get to in Ireland. Anything linen is a staple in my closet for summer. I definitely oversize substantially in my clothes to allow the breeze to cool me down. I tend to wear lighter colour hijabs and lighter material, such as modal and chiffon. I always take out my sleeves too, I have sleeves that I wear so that I don’t have to wear long sleeves under tops. This is definitely my most helpful hack.

The most stylish person in my life is my best friend Kimberly Chaila. Fashion was how we first connected when we met. She has taught me so much in terms of layering and colour blocking. We bounce off each other for styling tips and have very similar styles of dressing. She encouraged me to dress in whatever I want, no matter how loud or out there the outfit may seem. Dress for your most authentic yourself.

My individuality and creativity come alive when I wear my outfits. This could be through my layering, a play on silhouettes or my multicoloured hijabs. I love having a bright coloured hijab or satin scarf. If I were an object in this world, I think I’d be a bright hijab, which seems appropriate. I love wearing my knee-high boots, but then wearing really long jorts to cover the leg area. I might wear my hijab and pop on long dangly gold earrings once I’ve wrapped my scarf. My personal favourite is layering a skirt onto pants – still modest and still very much me.

The advice I give to younger Muslim girls trying to find their identity through style is to give yourself grace. It’s taken me years of going through different eras of style to find the one that suits me while still figuring out how to spin it modestly. Do not let people tell you how to dress. Everyone’s journey with modesty is personal, and you shouldn’t let anyone’s opinion affect your decision. Only you know what it’s like to dress and feel comfortable in what you wear, so always trust your gut. Lastly, don’t lose your values trying to dress in a certain way. Hand on my heart, I have had moments where I questioned whether something was really modest and if it aligned with my Islamic values. Hold onto your values and let go of opinions. Trust yourself.

Aishat Oyebanji, @aishat_oyebanji

Modest fashion is quite subjective as a whole and different for everyone. For me, modest fashion is mainly faith-based, followed by my own personal style. I try my best to follow the guidance for dressing in my religion and seeing how I can intertwine that with what I like to wear. I see modest fashion as a way of representing Islam.

One of the joys of dressing modestly and wearing the hijab in Ireland is that when people see me, they see my hijab and the way I dress and know I am a Muslim woman. I take great pride in that. I love that one piece of fabric allows me to represent my religion. There is a lot of speculation on what people think the hijab and dressing modestly is and what it represents. I believe wearing hijabs gives me more freedom to express my individuality and creativity. Being Black hijabi in Ireland means I am the odd one out in a room a lot of the time. I might get the odd stare every now and then. It is hard to find representation sometimes, but it is slowly but surely getting better.

If I am completely honest, I am still trying to navigate modesty in the summer. Since I have only been wearing the hijab just over two years now, I feel like I learn something new each year. One hack I have learnt is sticking to breathable hijab fabrics like chiffon and modal and for clothing, I try to stick to cottons and linens. I also found wearing black denier tights instead of leggings under dresses and skirts and wearing long-sleeved crop tops under big button shirts are helpful. It was only last summer that I discovered wearing caps are helpful in blocking out the sun and they also pull a look together. Lastly, you can never go wrong with just wearing a linen abaya. Simple, modest and helps overcome the heat!

Since modesty is so subjective, it is hard to tell who some brands are trying to cater for. Some brands may be modest but not necessarily ‘Islamically modest’, which makes shopping difficult for us Muslim women. Modest fashion is not a trend that will die off after a while, it’s a lifestyle for us. I have seen brands include a modest section on their website but the clothes still have slits or are figure hugging. I believe in 2025 I shouldn’t have to find ways to make clothing modest. I would love if brands would have Muslim women working with them throughout the creative process, so they can advocate for us.

Another gap that I have noticed and is a common issue a lot of Muslim women face is that the clothing that is modest is also extremely expensive. Brands should be able to cater to us and be affordable. This is extremely important for the young Muslim girls trying to figure out wearing the hijab and their sense of style. I recently took it upon myself to take classes and study fashion design as I would love to one day create a modest collection for Muslim women. It would be of different pieces that allow them to feel confident and beautiful whilst not having to compromise their religion.

I would say to the young Muslim girls to always try remembering why we dress modestly and why we wear the hijab. This helps me stay grounded. It is normal to go through a different phase, you will eventually find a style that works for you!