What are the main types of hijab?

The most common are the basic wrap (a rectangle scarf pinned under the chin and draped), the al-amira (a two-piece slip-on set), the shayla (a long scarf draped and pinned at the shoulder), the khimar (a cape-like covering over the shoulders and chest) and the turban (wrapped and knotted, leaving the neck open).

Which hijab style is easiest for beginners?

The al-amira, because it slips on in one move with no pins or wrapping. If you want a wrapped style, the basic wrap in a jersey scarf is the easiest to learn — jersey grips well and forgives an imperfect wrap.

What is the difference between a square and a rectangle hijab?

A rectangle scarf is long and narrow and is what most wrap tutorials assume; it tucks and drapes in every direction. A square scarf is folded into a triangle first and gives a fuller drape across the chest with a slightly more traditional line.

Styling guides

Types of Hijab Styles: A Guide to Every Wrap

Published 13 August 2026

Hijab is one word covering a great many different wraps. The style you choose changes how long it takes in the morning, how well it stays put, and how formal the finished look reads. Here are the styles worth knowing, and what each is actually good for.

Start with the shape of the scarf

Before the style comes the cut of the fabric itself, and it decides what you can do with it.

Rectangle — the most common. Long and narrow, it wraps and tucks in every direction. Most tutorials assume a rectangle.
Square — folded into a triangle before wrapping. Gives a fuller drape at the chest and a slightly more traditional line.
Instant or slip-on — pre-sewn into its final shape. You pull it on like a hood. Fastest option by a wide margin.

The everyday styles

The basic wrap

One side left short, the long side taken under the chin, around the head and pinned or tucked. It takes under a minute once learned and works for nearly everything. If you learn one style, learn this one — our beginner walkthrough covers it step by step.

The turban

Wrapped and knotted at the crown or the nape, leaving the neck open. Quick, cool in heat, and popular for a more fashion-forward look. Note that it leaves the neck exposed, which some wearers layer under with a high-neck top.

The draped or Spanish style

Both ends left loose over the shoulders rather than pinned tight. Soft, relaxed, and flattering in a fabric with movement like chiffon. Less secure in wind.

The layered wrap

Two scarves in contrasting or tonal colours, wrapped together so both show. Adds interest to a plain outfit without any other accessory. Best with lightweight fabrics, or the volume gets bulky fast.

The fuller coverings

Khimar

A cape-like covering that pulls over the head and drapes down over the shoulders and chest, sometimes to the waist or below. It covers far more of the upper body than a wrapped hijab and needs no pinning at all.

Al-Amira

A two-piece set — a fitted cap plus a tube-shaped scarf that slips over it. No pins, no wrapping, and it stays put through a busy day. Common for school, sport and anyone who wants zero fuss.

Shayla

A long rectangular scarf wrapped loosely around the head and draped or pinned at the shoulder. Associated with the Gulf and often worn in lighter, more fluid fabrics.

Matching the style to the occasion

Work or an interview — a neat basic wrap in a matte, plain fabric. Nothing that needs adjusting mid-meeting. See our interview guide.
Sport — an instant or al-amira style in a technical fabric. Nothing loose enough to move.
Occasions — a draped style in satin, silk or embellished chiffon, where the fabric does the work.
Hot weather — turban or a light draped wrap in cotton or modal, which lets air move.

The part nobody mentions: the undercap

Almost every style sits better over an undercap. It gives the scarf something to grip, stops hair showing at the forehead, and takes the friction off your hairline. If your hijab keeps sliding, the undercap is usually the fix — more on that in how to stop a hijab slipping.

Which fabric to choose for each of these is a separate question, and we cover it in the hijab fabrics guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of hijab?: The most common are the basic wrap (a rectangle scarf pinned under the chin and draped), the al-amira (a two-piece slip-on set), the shayla (a long scarf draped and pinned at the shoulder), the khimar (a cape-like covering over the shoulders and chest) and the turban (wrapped and knotted, leaving the neck open).
Which hijab style is easiest for beginners?: The al-amira, because it slips on in one move with no pins or wrapping. If you want a wrapped style, the basic wrap in a jersey scarf is the easiest to learn — jersey grips well and forgives an imperfect wrap.
What is the difference between a square and a rectangle hijab?: A rectangle scarf is long and narrow and is what most wrap tutorials assume; it tucks and drapes in every direction. A square scarf is folded into a triangle first and gives a fuller drape across the chest with a slightly more traditional line.