Quick answer: This modest fashion and wholesale glossary defines the terms buyers meet most often, from garments such as abaya, jilbab, khimar and farasha to trade terms such as wholesale, private label, OEM, ODM and MOQ.
Modest fashion has its own vocabulary, and so does the wholesale trade behind it. Here are the terms every boutique owner, reseller and modest-wear brand should know.
Modest garment terms
- Abaya — a long, loose over-garment or robe; the signature piece of modest wear, made in open-front, closed, embroidered, floral, plain black, kaftan and kimono styles
- Open abaya — an abaya worn open at the front over an inner dress
- Kaftan (caftan) — a long, loose robe-style dress, often used for occasion and evening wear
- Kimono abaya — an open-front abaya with a relaxed, kimono-style cut
- Jilbab — a long, loose outer garment that covers the body, sometimes as a two-piece
- Khimar — a long, cape-like headscarf that drapes over the head and down the upper body
- Farasha (butterfly abaya) — an abaya with wide, flowing panels that open like butterfly wings
- Hijab — a headscarf covering the hair and neck; also the general term for modest dress
- Shayla — a long rectangular scarf wrapped around the head
- Niqab — a face veil worn with a headscarf
- Tunic — a long modest top, often worn over trousers or a skirt
- Prayer dress (prayer set) — a light, easy-to-wear garment or two-piece worn for prayer
- Thobe (thawb) — a men's ankle-length robe, often stocked alongside women's modest wear
- Modestwear / modest wear — the umbrella term for covered, elegant clothing; also called Islamic or Muslim clothing, and tesettur in Turkish
Wholesale and business terms
- Wholesale — buying goods in bulk at trade prices to resell at retail
- B2B — business-to-business; selling to shops and brands rather than end customers
- Supplier / distributor / manufacturer — a supplier sells you stock, a distributor supplies many retailers, and a manufacturer makes the garments
- Factory-direct — buying straight from the maker, cutting out the middleman
- Private label / white label — selling a maker's product under your own brand name and labels
- OEM — Original Equipment Manufacturer; the factory produces to your design
- ODM — Original Design Manufacturer; you brand the factory's ready-made designs
- MOQ — Minimum Order Quantity; the smallest order a supplier accepts
- Ready-to-ship / ready stock — items in stock now, ready to dispatch
- Dropshipping — selling without holding stock; a partner ships each order
- Trade account — a registered business account that unlocks wholesale prices
- Boutique / reseller — a retail shop or seller that buys wholesale to sell on
Fabric terms
- Crepe — a lightly textured, elegant fabric with good drape
- Chiffon — a light, sheer fabric used for flowing, occasion pieces
- Jersey — a soft, stretchy knit that is comfortable for everyday wear
- Nida (nidha) — a smooth, matte fabric popular for abayas
- Linen — a breathable natural fabric, ideal for warmer climates
Buy modest wear wholesale from Neva Style
Neva Style is an Istanbul-based modest-fashion wholesaler and manufacturer offering abayas, tunics, dresses and sets, low minimum orders, private-label and OEM production, and worldwide shipping. Message us on WhatsApp to start.