The Definitive Hijab Style Guide
The Classic
These tried-and-true styles from around the world are absolute wardrobe staples to form the foundation of your hijab repertoire. Whatever your personal style, there’s something for you – these versatile looks are called “classic” for a reason!
The Everyday Wrap
The most iconic of all Classic styles, the Everyday Wrap is one of the most recognizable and widely-known hijab styles around the world. It’s very simple to tie and looks great with all fabrics and face shapes.
Instructions
- Frame the hijab around your face as you like, making sure to keep one side longer than the other.
- Cross the longer end over the shorter end and wrap it over your head very loosely, being sure to keep some volume all around. (Note: if you’re not a volume person, simply wrap it around your head a little tighter.)
- Secure at the top and side of your head with a magnet.
The Everyday Wrap
What's it good for?
- Rectangle hijabs
- All face shapes
- Extra coverage
- Perfect with glasses!
The No-Hassle Tassel
This is a super simple and versatile style. Depending on the fabric you choose and how tightly you tie the hijab, the look can range from carefree whimsy to elevated grace. When styled with jersey, woven and modal, this style doesn’t require ANY pins.
Instructions
- Frame the hijab around your face, keeping one side shorter than the other. Secure under your chin with a magnet.
- Bring the longer side across and over your head, then wrap the rest around your neck and let the ‘tassel’ drape downwards in front of your shoulder.
- Alternatively, just wrap the longer side around your neck once and let the ‘tassel’ hang. The style depends on your personal preference.
The No-Hassle Tassel
What's it good for?
- Rectangle & square hijabs
- All face shapes
- No pins needed with non-slip fabrics!
- Works well with a brooch
The Casual Chic
This style radiates simple elegance. The front strands are optimal for extra coverage and an overall effortless look. If they get in your way, simply toss one or both over your shoulder!
Instructions
- Frame the hijab around your face, keeping one side slightly longer than the other. Secure hijab under your chin with a magnet.
- Wrap the longer side around your neck and let both sides hang loose.
The Casual Chic
What's it good for?
- Rectangle hijabs
- All face shapes
The Tucked-In
Polished and chic, these looks are ideal for professional outfits, vintage glam, or anytime you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated. Use these tucked-in styles when you want to keep it prim and proper.
The Melanie
Popularized by the CEO and Co-founder of Haute Hijab, Melanie Elturk, this style is polished, professional, and chic. It’s the go-to style when tucking your hijab into any high-neck top. To complete the polished look, pair with a collared shirt and blazer or turtleneck!
Instructions
- Fold your square hijab into a triangle and frame around your face, ensuring a flawless curve above your forehead. Using a magnet, secure under your neck with both strands at equal length.
- Cross each side over the other, and wrap tightly around your neck, securing with a magnet in the back.
- Tuck everything into your shirt.
The Melanie
What's it good for?
- Square hijabs
- All face shapes
The Parisian Knot
This Tucked-In style keeps you polished and professional with a dash of personality. Perfect with either a solid or printed square hijab, this look is stylish yet understated.
Instructions
- Fold your square hijab into an uneven triangle, and place over your head. Frame around your face. Using a magnet, secure under your chin with one side shorter than the other.
- Take the longer side and bring it around your neck, back to the front. The back triangle of the hijab will now be in the front along with the initial strand you brought forward.
- Tie the side you brought forward with the “back” part of the hijab on the side of your neck. Don't use the "shorter" side yet. Be sure to double knot so it stays in place all day.
- Finally, take the "short" end that has been unused, and drape it across your neckline to provide extra coverage – or simply tuck it into your shirt!
The Parisian Knot
What's it good for?
- Square hijabs
- All face shapes
- Great with crew necks!
The Whimsical Bow
Perfect for days when you’re looking for a statement style, the Whimsical Bow is charming, fun, and not overly bulky. It looks great with crew neck shirts.
Instructions
- Frame the hijab around your face, leaving one side slightly longer than the other.
- Wrap both sides around your neck, and bring them back to the front, letting them meet at the side.
- Tie into a bow.
The Whimsical Bow
What's it good for?
- Rectangle hijabs
- All face shapes
- Great with crew necks!
The Voluminous
Luxurious layers and breezy pleats make these styles perfect for those who like a little extra volume in their hijab looks. These voluminous styles deliver extra flair in your style step!
The Side Twist
This classic style is a great way to incorporate volume into your look with no bulk in the chest area. Due to the many folds, it works great with glasses! Perfect for a day when you want a relaxed style but are looking for that extra twist of personality.
Instructions
- Frame the hijab around your face as you like, making sure to keep one side shorter than the other. Secure under your chin with a magnet.
- Take the shorter side and wrap it backward over your head.
- Bring the longer side around your head over the shorter side. The two pieces should now be layered atop your head. Secure the top of your hijab with a magnet.
- Style the "tail" end of your hijab by twisting it back a few times, then secure with a magnet to the fabric at your neck, hidden underneath the folds.
The Side Twist
What's it good for?
- Rectangle hijabs
- All face shapes
- Perfect with glasses!
The Loose Drape
A great option for women looking for extra coverage, the Loose Drape is versatile and works with most fabrics. This style is well suited to pair with a necklace or brooch.
Instructions
- Frame the hijab around your face, keeping one side significantly longer than the other.
- Wrap the longer side around and over your head, fluffing it up on top to create some volume, and back to the front over your shoulder.
- Take that same strand and bring it around your head once more, pinning it to the top of your head. Fix the fabric in front for the desired loose drape.
- Tuck the untouched shorter side underneath the front drape.
The Loose Drape
What's it good for?
- Rectangle & square hijabs
- All face shapes
- Extra coverage
- Perfect with glasses!
- Works well with a brooch
Over the Shoulder
A favorite among the influencer set, these playful over-the-shoulder styles are beloved for their breezy, bohemian vibe. Wrap yourself in one of these chic styles for a look that is equal parts effortless and glamorous.
The Turkish Wrap
If you spend a week in Istanbul you’re sure to see this iconically Turkish hijab style everywhere! Be sure to use a square sized thicker satin fabric (shiny or matte) to obtain that classic point over your forehead.
Instructions
- Wear an undercap that coordinates with your hijab.
- Fold your square hijab in an uneven triangle. Place over your head, keeping both sides even, styling with a point at the top. Secure under your chin with a magnet.
- Take the two hanging sides, cross them over each other and around your neck. Use a magnet to secure or tie them together under the triangular tail in the back so it’s hidden.
The Turkish Wrap
What's it good for?
- Square hijabs
- All face shapes
- Best with an undercap
The Throwback
Simplest of the Over-The-Shoulder Styles, the Throwback radiates a relaxed vibe. This look is perfect for crew-neck shirts and only requires one pin to stay in place.
Instructions
- Frame the hijab around your face, keeping both sides even. Secure under your chin with a magnet.
- Take one side and toss it over your shoulder. Pull it tightly and let it trail down your back for a more streamlined look, or let it drape softly over your shoulder for a more relaxed effect. (Optional: Secure with a magnet).
The Throwback
What's it good for?
- Rectangle & square hijabs
- All face shapes
- Great with crew necks!
The Chic Flare
This style is perfect for the girl looking for a graceful look with delicate artistry. To achieve this ethereal billowing effect, be sure to choose a light-weight fabric.
Instructions
- Frame the hijab around your face, keeping one side very short, and the other very long.
- Take the back edge of the longer side (as if you’re pulling it inside out) and wrap it around your neck, leaving the fabric framing your face loosely billowing. Secure behind your neck as tight or as loose as you like depending on your preferred front coverage.
- Take the shorter side that has been unused until now, and bring it under the billowing fabric and around your neck, letting it hang over your shoulder.
The Chic Flare
What's it good for?
- Rectangle hijabs
- Oval, Round, Heart & Square Face
- Best with an undercap
The Turban
Turbans have long been a mainstay in many cultures, from the colorful headwrap traditions of Africa to the voluminous pleated styles prevalent in Asia. Especially ideal for ladies with a strong jaw and curved forehead, these looks are rooted in rich history, with a modern, creative vibe.
The Side Knot
One of the most versatile turbans, the side knot changes drastically depending on the fabric you choose. Select a light-weight fabric for a simple, serene effect and a bulkier fabric for more drama. The long tails of the fabric give you plenty of room for creativity so have fun with it!
Instructions
- Fold your hijab in half lengthwise, and put it over your head (covering your ears), then bring both strands to the nape of your neck and tie them together.
- Bring one side back to the front, over your shoulder.
- Grab both ‘tails’ on the side of your head and tie a knot.
The Side Knot
What's it good for?
- Rectangle hijabs
- Square & Round Face
- Perfect with glasses!
The Criss Cross
This simple turban is differentiated by an artistic criss-cross above the forehead. The elevated style is perfect for a long day when you want your hijab to stay in place and out of your way.
Instructions
- Fold your hijab in half lengthwise, and put it over your head. Cross both pieces toward the back, at the nape of your neck.
- Take one ‘tail’ and wrap it toward the front of your head, and back around toward the nape of your neck. Tuck the end into the hijab under your bun.
- Repeat for the other side, being sure to preserve the criss-cross look at the top of your head when you wrap it.
The Criss Cross
What's it good for?
- Rectangle hijabs
- Square & Round Face
- Perfect with glasses!
The Refined Turban
The Refined turban emits an aura of glamour and sophistication due to its symmetry and simplicity. All excess fabric is tucked seamlessly inside the turban. Dress it up for an elegant evening or down for a casual day around town.
Instructions
- Before you put your hijab on, tie your hair in a bun – not too high and not too low.
- Fold your hijab in half lengthwise, and put it over your head, keeping one side much shorter than the other. Cross both pieces toward the back, at the nape of your neck.
- Wrap the shorter end around your bun, tucking it into itself to secure.
- Then wrap the longer piece around your bun several times. Once again, tuck the remaining fabric into itself. Secure with a concealed magnet.
The Refined
What's it good for?
- Rectangle hijabs
- Square & Round Face
- Perfect with glasses!
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Rosie-the-Riveter
Named for a feminist icon, this powerful turban will make you feel capable of accomplishing anything you can dream! Have fun with big earrings for an unexpected twist.
Instructions
- Drape the hijab over your head, keeping both sides equal.
- Grab the hijab from your temples, and pull forward, bringing the hem of the hijab in the back up to the base of your neck, right before your back hairline.
- Grab both ends of the hijab, and cross them over your head, tying once at the top (and front) of your head, leaving a small amount of fabric draping over your forehead.
- Then, bring each side to the top of your head once more, cross them, and bring it around your head to the back, flattening the fabric along the side of your head.
- Cross them in the back and tuck remaining fabric into itself along the sides of your head.
- Pull remaining flap draping on your forehead up and over the front knot and tuck it in behind the knot.
Rosie-the-Riveter
What's it good for?
- Square & Rectangle hijabs
- Square & Round Face
- Perfect with glasses!
The Top Knot
This bold style is perfect for the woman on a mission. The power knot exudes personality, creativity and fearlessness.
Instructions
- Drape the hijab over your head, keeping both sides equal.
- Grab the hijab from your temples, and pull forward, bringing the hem of the hijab in the back up to the base of your neck, right before your back hairline.
- Grab both ends of the hijab, and cross them over your head, tying once at the top (and front) of your head.
- Wrap each side around the knot, until you have your large top knot.
The Top Knot
What's it good for?
- Square & Rectangle hijabs
- Square & Round Face
- Perfect with glasses!
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