I've been wearing hijabs for years, but it took me a long time to realise that maybe the reason my hijab wasn't sitting how I wanted it to wasn't my styling skills, but because I simply had too much fabric to work with.
For context, I'm 5'1. So being short and finding clothes that actually fit properly has always been a bit of a struggle. Trousers are too long, sleeves are too long, and sometimes even the most basic outfit requires a little bit of adjusting. And apparently, the same goes for hijabs.
I used to spend ages trying to get my hijab to sit a certain way. I'd wrap it, unwrap it, fold it, tuck it in, pull it back out again. Honestly, it was like a daily negotiation with a piece of fabric, and somehow I was always losing. For the longest time, I didn't really consider that the length of the hijab might be the issue. I just assumed I needed to get better at styling it.
Until I started wearing minis.
So, why are mini hijabs so popular?
At RĀHA, we've seen so much demand for our mini hijabs. Our modal minis have been selling incredibly quickly, and it's been interesting seeing just how many of you prefer a smaller hijab. And I'm definitely one of those people now. I get the hype!
I think a lot of it comes down to how you dress. My personal style is quite oversized and boxy. I love loose trousers, oversized shirts, structured jumpers and outfits that have a bit of shape without being fitted (soon to come at RĀHA).
And of course, hijab is about modesty and coverage, including covering the chest. That's something I always consider when getting dressed. But I've realised that how much hijab fabric I need really depends on what I'm wearing. If I'm wearing a loose, oversized top that already gives me the coverage I want around my chest, I don't always feel the need to have lots of extra fabric hanging down the front. Sometimes, I actually find that too much fabric overwhelms my outfit.
I want my hijab to sit neatly, without having to spend five minutes figuring out where to put all the extra material. And that's where a mini works so well for me and I've actually replaced most of my everyday classic hijabs with minis.
But minis aren't just for petite girls!
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions. Yes, being petite is one reason I love them. But I think minis are just as much about your styling preferences as they are about your height.
For example, if you like wrapping your hijab quite closely around your face and tying it at the back, a mini means you have less fabric to gather and secure.
If you like tucking your hijab into a jumper, sweatshirt or shirt, there's less material bunching up underneath. And if you've ever tucked a full length hijab into a jumper and then spent ages trying to smooth out all the lumps, you'll know exactly what I mean.
Ultimately, it's not really about being short or tall. It's more about how you like your hijab to sit and what feels comfortable with your outfit. They're also lovely for those days when you want a simple, effortless wrap without a tight layer around the neck
Does that mean I've stopped wearing classic hijabs?
Not at all. There are still plenty of times when I reach for a classic length hijab.
If I'm wearing something that isn't as oversized, I might want more coverage across my chest, so I'll choose the classic size. Other days, I might want more fabric to drape over my shoulders or down my back. And sometimes I just prefer how a longer hijab looks with a particular outfit.
That's what I love about having the option. I don't think one length is better than the other. It's about finding what works for you, your wardrobe and the level of coverage you're comfortable with.
From left to right – lightweight, classic and mini.
And now, printed minis!
One thing we've noticed at RĀHA is that once people find a hijab size they love, they really stick with it.
Our plain modal minis have been so popular, and we've had so many requests to introduce more options in the smaller size. So, we've finally done it!
Our printed modal hijabs are now available in mini sizes too!
I'm particularly excited about this because I personally love wearing prints, but sometimes I want the print to be a smaller detail in my outfit rather than having lots of patterned fabric around my shoulders. For me, the mini size works perfectly for that.
And if you're someone who loves your classic hijabs, don't worry. They're not going anywhere either.
I think the biggest thing I've learnt is that sometimes your hijab doesn't need more adjusting. You might just need a different size.
So I'm curious. Are you a mini hijab girl, a classic hijab girl, or does it depend on your outfit?
I'd genuinely love to know, because judging by how quickly our minis have been selling, there are a lot more mini hijab lovers out there than I realised.