Dressing modestly in the United States is an idea not completely uncommon, but not so easily accepted in many places. The idea of modesty is commonly misunderstood and always raises eyebrows when in actuality, it’s pretty simple and open to interpretation per individual. Modesty is merely having humility and a bit more simplicity in yourself. While it is okay to have confidence and pride, modesty aims to show a certain shyness, in sense. Each person has their own meaning to the word modesty to show what matters to them if it is through actions, words, or clothing. In Islam, Muslims– both men and women– are told to be modest, to show piety in the individual; though to what extent it is practiced differs from person to person.

When dressing modestly, there’s always a confusion as to how to dress modestly in the U.S. while also retaining your own sense of identity– dressing modestly, but fashionably. This, in turn, leads to the struggle of where exactly to shop for clothing that fit these requirements, and modest dressers often find themselves searching through stores such as Forever 21 and H&M. Excitingly enough, Macy’s has recently partnered with the clothing brand, Verona Collection, to sell the brands more conservative, chic clothing and hijabs in its stores. This means it is now possible for modest dressers to shop at Macy’s for hijabs, long dresses and shirts. This is a big step for a retail store housed in the United States and an incredible feeling for inclusivity for many hijab–wearers and modest–dressers.

However, one brand’s clothing style can’t encompass all modest dressers. So in delight of a big step in inclusivity– here is a short list of places to shop at for modest clothing:

1– Modanisa

Modanisa is a company based in Turkey which sells more than 300 brands of clothing, all tailored toward modest dressing. The website keeps up with the latest styles in the fashion world and has various styles and options (and has frequent sales). It offers formal wear, casual sweaters, swimwear and more. It is a must to check out and will definitely not disappoint. The company also publishes a fashion magazine and hosts a Modest Fashion Show every year for fashion lovers around the world.

2– Bulbul Clothing

Bulbul is a brand which centers around selling hijabs, but also sells dresses and festive clothing. Based in New Jersey– where the first storefront was located– they have expanded to an online store. The brand’s unique patterns and styles created by the owner, an artist, consist of different sizes and shapes, catering toward many. This store is one you can never leave without picking up at least one item.

3– Austere Attire

A company based in LA, Austere Attire always has fresh styles focused on the generally warm weather of California. Its large variety of hijabs, always coming out in the newest hijab styles, will never fail to satisfy. In every shade and from comfort to fancy, its hijabs can stock your closet. The brand also sells gorgeous statement necklaces, perfect to pair with its dusters (full-length open front kimonos).  

4– Modcloth

While Modcloth is not a Muslima-centered company– the brand has great modest styles inspired from vintage clothing. Their various designed long dresses, skirts, even rompers can appeal to a variety of tastes The company prides themselves on their range of sizes, believing fashion is for every body size. If you love retro and vintage themed clothing, this is one store to absolutely check out!

Fashion, in general, has always been open to opinion and preference, but still follows strict rules of what to wear, what to never touch, and what to keep at the back of the closet. In more modern fashion, variety has been expanding more as more people are stepping out of the lines and trying their own styles. Fashion has never been about keeping up with the latest styles that brand name companies come out with, but instead creating your own comfort zone and expressing yourself with your body. Without any bounds of gender, religion, race– whatever it may be– fashion should continue to be something personal and independent with only regards to each individual person. While it is okay to bounce off other’s styles, it is also important to recognize your own enjoyment in what and how you decide to decorate yourself.