Modesty and Muslim go hand in hand. And at times, it can be challenging for practising Muslim women to find clothing that aligns with religious specifications, personal comfort, and aesthetic preferences. Five years ago, the concept of modesty was somewhat alienated in the fashion industry, but thanks to the influence of Gen Z and millennial content creators, the #modestfashion hashtags have gained popularity—with over 2 billion views—promoting traditional clothing like abayas and kaftans with a modern twist.
However, embracing modest attire is not limited to Muslim women alone. Non-Muslims are now recognizing the value of dressing in a more covered manner, revealing less skin. This movement aims to address the scarcity of fluid, covered, comfortable, and minimalist silhouettes in the fashion market.
Muslim or not, if you are looking to add modest pieces to your wardrobe or seeking inspiration to start, here are some of the best international brands founded by Muslim designers that focus on modesty and prioritise personal comfort.
Asiyam
Founded by Asia Hassan, Asiyam made headlines for showcasing modest fashion at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week last year, marking a significant moment in the fashion industry. Born in Somalia during a civil war, Asia started making her own clothes due to limited options available. She expressed her discontent with the emphasis on “sex sells” and advocated for modesty as the direction fashion should take in the future. — Asiyam.
Veiled Collection
Veiled Collection is a New York based brand, created for one aim: delivering luxurious everyday modest wear without having to compromise your style. With a strong following of over 400k on Instagram, the brand has become a prominent name in the modest fashion industry in the USA. Veiled Collection doesn’t only cater to Muslim women, but also provides versatile modest pieces for all women. — Veiled Collection.
Batul The Collection
Batul The Collection, established by the humble content creator Batul Bazzi, is dedicated to highlighting the essence of feminine modesty. Offering a range of dresses for everyday wear and striking abayas, this brand has garnered a devoted following due to its founder’s promotion of modest dressing. — Batul The Collection.
Hayaa and I
Yasmin & Halima, two Australian Muslim women, established this brand with a strong focus on promoting the principles of minimalism and exclusivity in modest clothing. The brand is named Hayaa, which means shyness in Arabic, reflected through its meticulously crafted designs, comfortable fabrics, and a colour palette that predominantly consists of neutral and sophisticated tones. — Hayaa and I.
AZRA The Label
Azra is another brand hailing from Australia that highlights minimalist fashion that seamlessly blends functionality, versatility, and effortless style. In contrast to the fast-fashion approach, the brand takes a different route by producing limited quantities for each collection, ensuring the utmost quality and exclusivity. Whether it’s dresses or abayas, every piece is thoughtfully created to cater to all individuals. — AZRA The Label.
