Can I Wear a Hoodie and Joggers as a Female Muslim?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I was wondering, as a female, would I be allowed to wear joggers and a hoodie, or would this be for males only and classed as imitating them? Also, is it still acceptable to buy from fast fashion shops that might exploit their workers even if you have the money?

Answer

May Allah guide us in our shopping decisions and make everything we use a tool to seek Allah’s pleasure.

Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is defined as:

• Fast fashion describes low-priced but stylish clothing that moves quickly from design or style shows to retail stores to meet trends, with new collections being introduced continuously.
• Innovations in supply chain management among retailers make fast fashion possible.
• Zara and H&M are two giants in the fast fashion field. Others include UNIQLO, GAP, and Topshop.
• Fast fashion’s benefits are affordable prices and instant gratification for consumers, more companies’ profits, and stylish clothing’s democratization.
• On the downside, fast fashion is also associated with pollution, waste, the promulgation of a “disposable” mentality, low wages, and unsafe workplaces.
• Because of all this, fast fashion is challenging the established clothing labels’ tradition of introducing new collections and lines on an orderly, seasonal basis. It’s not uncommon for fast-fashion retailers to introduce new products multiple times in one week to stay on trend.

Although fast fashion is unprecedented and harmful to people and the environment, it is permissible to purchase it, even if one has enough money to buy from elsewhere. One should carefully weigh one’s decisions, assess one’s intention, and seek to please Allah in everything one does. Letting go of fashion ideals and media standards is an excellent way to start.

I recommend that everyone start their day with this hadith in mind: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whoever among you wakes up physically healthy, feeling safe and secure within himself, with food for the day, it is as if he acquired the whole world.” [Ibn Maja]

Hoodies and Joggers

One should wear what is loose and modest and try not to wear masculine clothing. For example, there are hoodies and joggers that are loose and made for women. My usual suggestion in this regard is to follow the Quranic injunction, “So be mindful of Allah to the best of your ability, hear and obey, and spend in charity—that will be best for you. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are ˹truly˺ successful.” [Quran, 64:16]

Some may feel that a hoodie and joggers suit their needs when leaving the house, while others do not. My teacher taught me that one’s top should at least reach one’s calf. Apply Islam to the best of your ability and seek an answer.

Allah has told us, “˹So˺ compete with one another for forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers. This is the favor of Allah. He grants it to whomever He wills. And Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty.” [Quran, 57:21]

Please see the many answers in this reader as well:
Reader on Modesty in Islam

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani