How to Care Your Modest Fashion Accessories: Scarves, Shawls and Underscarves

Modest fashion has become a strong expression of identity, elegance, and comfort for Muslim women worldwide. While abayas and jilbabs often take the spotlight, accessories such as scarves, shawls, and underscarves are equally essential—they complete the look and elevate practicality. To keep these modest fashion accessories fresh, long-lasting, and beautiful, you need the proper care routine. In this guide, we will explore how to care your modest fashion accessories based on fabric needs, cleaning tips, storage solutions, and preservation techniques that maintain quality over time.

Why Proper Care for Modest Accessories Matters

Scarves, shawls, and underscarves are worn regularly and directly against the skin. They collect sweat, oils, perfume residue, and pollution from daily wear. Without proper maintenance, fabrics may lose softness, vibrancy, and shape. Learning how to care your modest fashion accessories ensures:

• Longer product lifespan

• Better hygiene and fabric breathability

• Preserved colors and patterns

• Maintained fabric structure and elasticity

• Reduced environmental and financial cost

Investing in high-quality modest accessories is worthwhile—so taking proper care is equally important.

How to Care Scarves in Modest Fashion

Scarves are the most common accessory in Islamic clothing, made from various fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, silk, jersey, or satin. Each material requires specific care to maintain texture and quality.

Washing Tips

• Chiffon & Silk: Hand-wash only using cold water and mild detergent

• Jersey & Cotton: Machine wash on delicate cycle inside a laundry bag

• Satin: Hand-wash gently and avoid twisting to prevent wrinkles

Avoid using bleach or strong detergents, as they strip the color and cause thinning.

Drying Tips

• Air-dry on a flat surface to prevent stretching

• Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve dye colors

• Never wring or twist silk or chiffon scarves

Ironing & Steaming

• Steam is best for chiffon, satin, and silk

• Low-heat ironing for cotton and jersey

• Always iron on the reverse side to avoid fabric shine

By following these steps, you maintain the softness and luxury feel in scarves for years.

How to Care Scarves in Modest Fashion

How to Care Shawls in Islamic Fashion

Shawls are often larger and thicker than scarves, making them suitable for layering in cooler seasons. Materials like pashmina, wool, cashmere, or textured weaves require extra attention.

Cleaning Guidelines

• Dry clean preferred for wool and cashmere

• If hand-washing:

• Use cold water and wool-safe detergent

• Soak gently—do not scrub

Storage

• Fold instead of hanging to prevent stretching

• Use breathable storage boxes or fabric bags

• Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to repel insects naturally

Supporting the shape and thickness of shawls keeps them looking elegant and structured.

How to Care Underscarves for Modest Styling

Underscarves (bonnets or caps) are important for securing hijabs and keeping hair in place. Because they soak up oils and sweat, they must be washed more frequently.

Best Practices

• Machine wash after 1–2 wears

• Use gentle detergent to avoid irritation on the scalp

• Avoid fabric softeners—they reduce stretch and breathability

Let underscarves fully dry before storage to prevent odor and bacteria growth.

How to Care Shawls in Islamic Fashion

Shawls are often larger and thicker than scarves, making them suitable for layering in cooler seasons. Materials like pashmina, wool, cashmere, or textured weaves require extra attention.

Cleaning Guidelines

• Dry clean preferred for wool and cashmere

• If hand-washing:

• Use cold water and wool-safe detergent

• Soak gently—do not scrub

Storage

• Fold instead of hanging to prevent stretching

• Use breathable storage boxes or fabric bags

• Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to repel insects naturally

Supporting the shape and thickness of shawls keeps them looking elegant and structured.

How to Care Underscarves for Modest Styling

Underscarves (bonnets or caps) are important for securing hijabs and keeping hair in place. Because they soak up oils and sweat, they must be washed more frequently.

Best Practices

• Machine wash after 1–2 wears

• Use gentle detergent to avoid irritation on the scalp

• Avoid fabric softeners—they reduce stretch and breathability

Let underscarves fully dry before storage to prevent odor and bacteria growth.

How to Care Underscarves for Modest Styling

Smart Storage for Longevity

Proper storage plays a key role in how to care your modest fashion accessories:

• Fold and stack scarves by material

• Use scarf organizers or drawers with dividers

• Hang shawls only if they are lightweight

• Keep in a cool, dry area to prevent humidity damage

For long-term storage, breathable cotton bags are better than plastic, which can trap moisture.

Smart Storage for Longevity

Fabric-Friendly Mistakes to Avoid

To maintain the quality of modest accessories, avoid these common mistakes:

• Using hot water for delicate fabrics

• Ironing directly on embellishments

• Storing while damp

• Overwashing items unnecessarily

• Drying under direct sunlight for long periods

Being gentle is the key rule in modest fashion garment care.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to care your modest fashion accessories helps you preserve their beauty, functionality, and comfort. Scarves, shawls, and underscarves are everyday essentials for Muslim women, so treating them with proper cleaning, gentle handling, and smart storage ensures they remain fresh and stylish for years.

If you are looking for high-quality modest fashion pieces to upgrade your wardrobe — from elegant hijabs to beautifully designed abayas — explore Minnaba, a trusted destination for modern Islamic fashion that values comfort, style, and modesty. Discover your next favorite accessories and keep them lasting longer with the care tips from this guide.