The modest fashion market has been growing rapidly, with a market value of over $295 billion worldwide and expected to reach $375 billion by 2025.
Despite the growing market in modest fashion, many Muslims, especially women, are still finding it a challenge to find different varieties and styles that meet their personal preferences. If we look at the market right now, common offerings are dresses, abayas, or tunics.
However, there are modest clothing items, like outerwear and layered skirts, whose coverage is often without reaching above ankle length.
1) Understand the Culture and Values Behind Modesty
Muslims don’t just cover themselves for the sake of their religion but also as a part of their culture, identity, and modesty. First, understand what wearing modest clothing should look like. Modest clothing should cover the entire body appropriately without it being too tight, see-through, or revealing, which can be seen as immodesty. For it to meet these criteria, the fabrics of clothing and the way it is styled are important.
2) Focus on Creating Quality, Comfort, and Modest Clothing
Muslims appreciate modest clothing that brings them comfort while they are still able to cover their awrah. For women, it must cover everything except the face, hand, and feet (though it may vary in certain interpretations). While the men, need to cover themselves from the navel to the knees.
Since women need to cover most of their skin, the fabric choice is very important. Fabrics that are breathable, soft, and durable, such as cotton, linen, and modal, are highly valued. This is especially a must-have in their wardrobe, like in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia), the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar), North Africa, and other similar regions.
To add more, the quality of the craftsmanship matters—well-made, long-lasting clothing builds trust and customer loyalty.
3) Create Versatile and Stylish Collections
Islam encourages people to dress in a way that is both beautiful and elegant. It doesn’t forbid dressing nicely; in fact, it supports it as long as it’s done in a modest and respectful way. Therefore, modest clothing does not have to be boring and dull, especially since not everyone prefers it that way.
Today’s Muslim consumers are looking for modern, trendy, and versatile clothing that fits into their daily life needs. Brands can create collections that suit various occasions, from formal corporate settings to casual outings with friends. Think stylish maxi dresses, tunics, long skirts, abayas, and wide-legged pants that blend elegance with practicality, offering comfort and sophistication for different lifestyles.
4) There is no one-size-fits-all
One way to appeal to Muslim consumers is by recognizing their diverse preferences. Some may prefer clothing that complements their body type, offering a natural and flattering fit that provides proper coverage without being too loose or too tight.
Today, personalization is key to attracting customers. Clothing brands may provide a large selection of modest clothing options appropriate for a variety of occasions by meeting these tastes. A line includes a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors that can cater to different people with different preferences.
5) Ensure Ethical Practices
More people are becoming aware of the importance of how a brand produces its products or services. Consumers expect brands to align with their values, such as avoiding harm to animals and ensuring fair labor practices, including the prevention of child labor.
This concern also resonates with Muslims, who, like many others, appreciate brands that prioritize ethical practices. However, many brands are still falling short when it comes to incorporating ethical practices into their business models.
For example, fast fashion is often seen as unethical and unsustainable, despite its appeal due to low prices. In fact, according to UNEP, 60% of the materials used in the fashion industry are made from plastic.
Currently, the Asia Pacific region holds the largest share of the ethical fashion market, accounting for 33% of the global market.
Conclusions
To create a successful modest clothing line for Muslims, it’s important to understand their values and preferences. Recognizing that each person has different needs is key, so providing a variety of styles and sizes will help attract more customers. It’s also crucial for brands to practice ethical production, as many consumers care about sustainability and fair practices.
