Common Misconceptions about Muslim Mid Eastern Clothing

We wanted to clear up a few common misconceptions about Muslim Mid Eastern Clothing. To begin with you do not need to be Muslim or Mid Eastern to wear Mid Eastern Clothing. Anyone can wear the clothing, it is just clothing. If you have heard the recent publicity surrounding celebrities and others wearing the Ghutra for example, you will see that anyone can wear this style of clothing.

While the clothing is native to Mid Eastern people most of whom are Muslim, it is not tied to the Muslim religion. In fact there are some Mid Eastern people who are Christian, and they still wear many of the clothing particularly the Mens and Ladies Salwar Kameez Suit outfits and scarves.

Many Christians also wear scarves to cover their head, like Mary did. Nuns also will often cover their head with a scarf. Amish people cover their heads and so do Jewish people. Other people cover their head for Fashion, like Rappers or Cowboys for example.

Many people of various religions and of different regions including the United States and Britian, prefer to wear modest clothing that does not show off their assets. Modesty is often a personal decision that may or may not have roots in religion or region of birth. Some people prefer to be modestly covered and do not like to draw attention to themselves. Some will also wear the clothing for comfort as most of it is quite comfortable. Many wear it simply because it is beautiful, with its unique designs and lovely embroidery that put some big names in the Fashion Industry to shame.

Secondly wearing Muslim (Islamic) Mid Eastern clothing does not make people feel you are being disrespectful of their religion. They understand you are not mocking them, and enjoy seeing all people in Mid Eastern Muslim dress. Some people will also wear the clothing if they are in a play or other Theatre production and may also wear the clothing for a school project.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to wear this fashion of clothing. And while there may be a few people who may not approve, like everything else in life there are some people that you cannot please who will take offense at any and everything. But for the most part that is a small percentage of people.

So whether you wear Muslim Mid Eastern style clothing for reasons of religion, region of birth, fashion or just for the fun of wearing it; Go ahead, its just clothing, anyone can wear it We certainly do not mind.

Ghutra a New Fashion Statement but not really a New Trend!

The latest in Celebrity Fashion is currently the Ghutra or Shemagh. This is a scarf that is usually red and white or black and white with a diamond print or also in plain white, but also comes in many other colors and prints. While it may seem to some like a new fashion trend the Ghutra has been around for centuries as part of traditional dress. This traditional head scarf was originally made for men to wear to protect themselves from the hot sun in Saudia Arabia and other mid eastern countries. It is held in place with an Igal or an Egal which is a black cord made of wool or camel hair which sits on top of the head. Recently, it has turned into a fashion statement with many celebrities both men and women, wearing it as a scarf wrapped around their neck. We at Odds & Ends have carried Ghutra's at our store and on-line for several years. We have them in different styles and quality and at very reasonable prices. While they have been quite popular for awhile they seem to be gaining in popularity as the new item to have in the World of Fashion. Please visit our store in the Atlanta area or on-line if you wish to purchase this item. It is quite traditional and has been around for some time so whether you are looking to wear a ghutra for tradition or for fashion you can find what you want at Odds & Ends Islamic Store and One Islamic Clothing. Ladies can still wear a solid color hijab or head scarf in addition to a ghutra around their neck to enjoy this new fashion. We also carry Igals if you wish to wear it the traditional way. So enjoy the ghutra and we hope to have a place in helping each one of you to find the beauty and tradition of this wonderful scarf.