Prayer dresses explained: the kinds and how to choose

A prayer dress is the simplest garment in a wardrobe and one of the most used. It goes on over what you are wearing, covers fully, and is ready in seconds, at home, at work or while travelling. Our prayer wear comes in several forms; this guide explains each one.

The one-piece prayer gown

A single loose garment that slips over the head and falls to the floor, some with their own head covering. It is the easiest to put on and the one to keep by your prayer mat. Many of ours have elasticated cuffs, which hold the sleeves at the wrist during wudu and prayer.

The two-piece set

A long, full skirt with a separate top or khimar that covers the head and upper body. Two pieces let you adjust each to your height, and the top can be worn alone over a long dress.

The khimar

A khimar is a long head covering that falls over the shoulders and chest, sometimes in two layers. Worn over a loose dress or abaya it gives full coverage for prayer, and some of ours include a niqab.

The travel gown

Our crease-resistant gowns are made for suitcases: they come out ready to wear, and many have pockets. They are the ones to choose for Umrah, Hajj and long journeys. Our Umrah packing guide explains what else to bring.

For mothers and daughters

Some prayer sets are made in matching adult and children's sizes, so that a daughter can pray beside her mother in the same gown. Children's sizes are given by age on the product page.

How prayer wear is sized

Because it is cut loose, prayer wear is sized more simply than a dress:

• One size, for khimars and many gowns
• Paired sizes: XS–S, M–L and XL–XXL
• By height: Petite for about 155 cm, Standard for about 165 cm and Long for about 175 cm, so that the hem reaches the floor without trailing

Each product page lists the sizes of that piece.

Choosing the fabric

Satin is soft and fluid and feels pleasant against the skin, which suits prayer at home. Light woven fabrics are cooler in hot weather. Crease-resistant fabric is the practical choice for travel. The fabric of each piece and how to care for it are on its product page.

Good to know

For hygiene reasons, prayer wear can only be returned unopened, within 14 days of delivery; the details are on the returns page. If you are between two lengths, choose by your height: the shorter if you like the hem clear of the floor, the longer if you like it to reach.