MODESTY AND MODERN IDENTITY: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ISLAMIC FASHION ON THE SELF-PERCEPTION OF PAKISTANI GIRLS

Abstract

Pakistan has emerged as a prominent center for Muslim fashion, redefining the global perception of Islamic attire from traditional and rigid to modern and expressive. Over the past two decades, technological advances and cultural shifts have helped embed Islamic dress into Pakistan’s evolving fashion landscape. This study examines how wearing Islamic clothing influences Pakistani girls’ self-perception and their views of others who adopt similar attire. Utilizing a quantitative approach, 300 girls aged 20–28 responded to open-ended questionnaires. Content analysis of their responses revealed that Muslim fashion enhanced feelings of devotion, beauty, confidence, and social belonging. The study highlighted how Islamic attire contributed to both self-empowerment and communal identity, although interpretations of modesty and beauty remain diverse.