Can Muslim women wear men's-style clothes?
It depends on the item. Unisex clothes like hoodies, sneakers, jeans, oversized shirts and blazers are fine. What Islam forbids is a woman dressing like a man: wearing what your society sees as specifically men's clothing, or trying to look like a man. Most "boyfriend" and oversized fashion doesn't cross that line.
The hadith
The Prophet ﷺ cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men (Sahih al-Bukhari 5885). In another narration, he cursed the man who wears women's clothing and the woman who wears men's clothing (Sunan Abi Dawud 4098). It's a serious matter, and the point is that men and women should keep their own identity rather than erase the difference.
What counts
Scholars explain that what counts as "men's clothing" depends on custom: what people in your time and place recognize as specifically for men. That's why the same garment can be fine in one country and not in another. In the West today:
- Fine: jeans, trousers, hoodies, sneakers, puffer jackets, oversized shirts, women's suits.
- Questionable: items cut and sold as men's wear and worn to look masculine, like a men's suit with a tie.
- Not allowed: deliberately dressing to pass as a man.
Unisex clothing
Much of today's clothing is designed for everyone. Wearing your brother's hoodie or buying an oversized shirt from the men's section isn't imitation, especially when worn with your hijab and in a feminine way overall. Many modest dressers love oversized pieces because they're loose and cover well.
The heart of it
The hadith is about identity and intention. If you're simply comfortable in practical clothes, there's no issue. If someone wants to reject being a woman through how they dress, that's what the hadith addresses. Islam values men and women equally while recognizing their differences (Quran 49:13). See Can Muslim women wear trousers? and Can hijab be stylish and fashionable?
- Women imitating men is forbidden.
- What counts depends on local custom.
- Unisex clothes like jeans and hoodies are fine.
- Oversized fashion is usually not imitation.
Comments (0)
Please keep it kind and respectful.