Why Does No One Like Crinkle Cotton Hijabs? (And Why You Might Want to Reconsider)
Last July, I did a survey on Threads to see what the most and least popular hijab materials are. You may not be shocked to hear that out of nearly 60 responses, no one mentioned crinkle cotton as their favorite. Crinkle cotton hijabs get a bad rep--they're associated with stiffness, bulkiness, and an outdated look. But is the hate justified?
While many hijab-wearers gravitate toward buttery-soft jersey, flowy chiffon, or drapey modal, crinkle cotton often gets overlooked. Yet this textured fabric has some underrated perks: it's breathable, holds its shape well, and adds subtle volume without extra styling effort. Plus, its natural wrinkles mean no fussing over perfect drapes—ideal for low-maintenance wear.
Love them or hate them, crinkle cotton hijabs deserve a second glance. When I wear mine, I always get compliments! Below, I've rounded up affordable, high-quality options, plus styling tricks to change your mind about this misunderstood material.
Styling Crinkle Cotton Hijabs
Many find styling crinkle cotton hijabs to be difficult. When I style mine, I use these tips:
1. Full Coverage Undercap
Wearing a full coverage undercap with your crinkle cotton hijab can allow you to pin it down in places you otherwise wouldn't be able to.
2. Pin At Your Jawline
I prefer to pin my crinkle cotton hijab to my undercap between my earlobe and jawline. With some trial and error, I've found that this pin placement gives the most flattering shape!
3. Face-Framing Fabric
Leave a border of fabric loose around your face, like I have in the top image. This creates a dramatic effect and can mimic the face-framing effect of hair, preventing the "egg-head" effect.
4. Don't Double Up
I usually don't fold the crinkle cotton hijab and leave the raw hem around my face--it looks less bulky.
Shop My Picks
This cotton-hemp blend crinkle hijab from Amazon is ideal in a neutral greige hue.
This cotton crinkle hijab in soft pink by Modern Hijabi is a perfect shade for spring and summer!
These 6 piece Crinkle Cotton hijab sets from Amazon are the perfect purchase for someone with blue or brown eyes—check my color theory guide to see why!
Give Crinkle Cotton Hijabs a Second Chance
Crinkle cotton hijabs may not be the most popular choice, but they’re far from the fashion faux pas many make them out to be. With their breathable fabric, effortless texture, and budget-friendly prices, these underrated scarves deserve a spot in your hijab collection—especially for casual, low-maintenance days.
Key Takeaways:
Versatile & Practical: No-fuss wrinkles mean no ironing and easy styling.
Budget-Friendly: Most crinkle cotton hijabs cost under $5—perfect for experimenting.
Breathable Comfort: Ideal for moderate and hot climates!
Unexpected Style: Follow the tips above to avoid bulk and create flattering shapes.
Your Turn!
Have you tried crinkle cotton hijabs? Do you love them or still on the fence? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear which hijab materials you swear by!
For tips on how to enjoy hijab, check this article!
P.S. Don’t forget to pin this post for later or share it with a friend who needs hijab styling inspo!
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