The glorious feel of fabric. Designers covet it. They know how to work it to achieve the best. Even those who sewed their own clothing recognized the properties of different fabrics. Sometimes, practicality won out over beauty. In the case of Islamic clothes, neither originally seemed to have triumphed initially.
Traditional Fabrics
Traditionally, Islamic clothes were homespun. The women of the household relied on local plants and animals to provide the basis for the cloth. They prepared the material and dyed it. In many instances, the animals at hand were sheep. They provided the basic fabric – wool.
Wool is a heavy material. Combined with the preference for earthy colors, particularly black, it absorbed the rays from the sun to increase heat. In other regions, cotton could be accessed. This material made the heat more bearable. Silk and other richer materials were also available for the wealthy. However, Islamic men, while they could sport cotton and wool, were not permitted by their religion to wear silk. Males who wore it were perceived as being impious Muslims.
However, silk embroidery has been permissible throughout certain decades. Another rich fabric was also a possible clothing fabric for individuals of a certain status. This was satin.
Modern Fabrics
The advent of technology, unleashed a wave of fabrics on the public. While traditionalists continued to adhere to the older fabrics and materials, many came to see the advantage of new fabrics. The result became manifest clearly in women’s Islamic clothes. Designers and those who made their clothing at home, embraced the fabric and its potential.
Consider the fabrics now used to produce the abaya and the jilbab. A complete list is lengthy but sure to include:
- Silk
- Polyester
- Georgette
- Velvet
- Rayon
- Nylon
- Crepe
- Chenille
- Dobby weave
- Denim
- Jersey
While purists may object, many others embrace the new fabrics. They often do so out of practical reasons. The clothing is adapted to modern weather conditions and temperatures. This ensures anyone can wear Islamic clothes, traditional or modern, and still express their culture and belief system. At the same time, they can wear apparel that is suitable for the climate they live in.
Another practical benefit of modern fabrics concerns the everyday nature of life. If you are the one responsible for doing laundry, you can appreciate how simple the process of keeping the clothes clean now is. In the case of most everyday wear clothing, you can toss it into the washer and then the dryer. In most instances, you do not even have to worry about ironing.
Today’s Islamic clothing and fashion are no longer restricted to traditional fabrics. You can purchase clothing made from pure and hybrid fabrics. The materials are often less expensive to purchase and require less work. This is particularly true when it comes to day-to-day maintenance and the formerly demanding tasks of washing and drying them.
