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Abstract
This qualitative study examined the experiences and sartorial practices of hijabi and non-hijabi Muslim women who choose to wear modest Muslim dress in the United States. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with eight participants. Three major themes emerged from the interview data: 1) The participants form a hybrid identity by negotiating their religious and American identity. This is the case regardless of whether the participants were born in the United States or moved here during their lifetime. 2) Sociocultural factors play a major role in influencing Muslim women’s corporeal choices along with the search for community and safety. 3) There is a disconnect between retailers and consumers of modest fashion lines in the eyes of Muslim women. Thus, this study gives U.S. retailers valuable insight into the Muslim experience and helps product developers understand what Muslim women, who choose to dress modestly, look for in apparel products today.