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FashionLifestyle

by Alexandra Mansilla

Mai Yackout On 5 Brands She Chooses As a Modest-Wearing Woman

17 Jan 2025

We once had a conversation with Mai Yackout, a hijabi model, who shared an important insight: despite the progress fashion brands have made in becoming more diverse and inclusive, a significant problem still remains. You can walk into a store and see plenty of options yet still struggle to find something that truly fits — especially if you wear a hijab. So, we asked Mai which brands, in her opinion, are doing a great job creating stylish and inclusive clothing for hijabi women.
Personally, I find it challenging to pinpoint specific modest brands that I consistently like or wear. Instead, my approach is to identify a style that resonates with me and build my wardrobe around it. I prefer to select pieces from various brands that complement and enhance my personal style rather than adhering strictly to one brand.
My focus is on finding versatile items that seamlessly integrate into my wardrobe, allowing me to create outfits that feel authentic and true to my individuality. By choosing pieces that reflect my style, I can ensure that everything I wear looks and feels like it is a natural extension of who I am rather than just following a particular brand’s aesthetic.

Nora

Nora is a brand I have always admired, which is why collaborating with them on a capsule collection felt like such a natural choice.
As a modest dresser, I have always found it challenging to connect with any brand that truly caters to my style. This frustration led me to start creating my own clothing, which I have been doing for quite some time now. That is why my collaboration with Nora is so meaningful to me — we are focusing on designing pieces that make people feel included, allowing them to personalise their look and express themselves. The whole idea behind my designs stems from my own experience of not feeling represented, and I wanted to help others avoid that same feeling.
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For the past two years, I have been designing my own clothing, and through my collaboration with Nora, I was working to create a collection that merges modesty with a clean, chic aesthetic. This collection is designed to be versatile, offering pieces that can be worn by both hijab and non-hijab wearers, reflecting the evolving fashion landscape and bridging the gap between traditional modest wear and contemporary trends.
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The MY x Nora capsule collection was born out of a deeply personal experience — one that reflects the journey of a girl navigating the fine line between her cultural or personal beliefs and the ever-evolving world of fashion. It is a story of finding balance of embracing the new while staying true to oneself, and it is a journey that I believe many girls can relate to.
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What makes this collection special is not just the pieces themselves but the story they carry. My goal was to create something meaningful — designs that are versatile, inclusive, and adaptable. These aren’t just clothes I would wear; they are pieces that can be shaped and styled to reflect your vision, allowing everyone to feel connected and empowered to express themselves in their own unique way.

The Row

As someone who gravitates towards modest fashion, I have always admired brands that offer versatile pieces that can be styled in various ways. For me, The Row stands out as a top choice. Their collections are full of timeless, statement pieces — blazers, tailored trousers, jackets, and coats — that are perfect for layering.
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Source: therow.com

As a modest dresser, I often layer my tops or dresses with structured blazers or unique cuts of trousers, which are staples in The Row’s aesthetic. Their jackets and coats, in particular, add a polished touch to even the simplest outfits, making them ideal for creating modest yet elevated looks.
I don’t limit myself to brands that specifically cater to modest wear; instead, I seek out versatile pieces that can be styled modestly. The Row consistently delivers designs that fit this approach, offering endless possibilities for personal expression.

Harlienz

Harlinez is one of my favourite modest fashion brands in the Middle East, and I have had the pleasure of working with them before. I once styled one of their abayas as a coat, and I loved how effortlessly chic and versatile it looked.
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Instagram: @harlienz

What I admire most about Harlinez is how they elevate modest wear, presenting it in such a refined and stylish way. When I shop, I look for pieces that can be styled in multiple ways, and Harlinez consistently delivers on that. Their high-quality designs allow abayas to be transformed and worn in different ways, making them not only timeless but also incredibly versatile.

Phoebe Philo

I have been a fan of Phoebe Philo’s designs since her time at Céline. After she left to create her own brand, I found myself even more drawn to her aesthetic. Her muted tones, clean cuts, and timeless designs perfectly align with my personal style, and I find them incredibly inspiring.
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Instagram: @phoebephilo

What I love most about Phoebe Philo’s work is the effortless message behind her brand — it is sophisticated yet understated. As someone who gravitates towards statement pieces, I appreciate how her designs make a bold impact while remaining minimalistic. In terms of modest wear, her pieces are incredibly versatile; I can easily take one and style it in a way that feels uniquely my own.

Jil Sander

I have noticed that my favourite brands tend to share a similar aesthetic — timeless, minimalist, and inspired by ’90s classics. Jil Sander perfectly embodies this style with its clean lines and understated elegance, which is why it is one of my go-to brands.
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Instagram: @jilsander

When it comes to styling, I love taking one of their structured suits or minimalist dresses and layering it to create a modest yet chic look. For example, I might pair a Jil Sander oversized blazer with wide-leg trousers and a sleek turtleneck layered with one of my tops underneath from MY X Nora for a polished outfit that feels both modern and modest.
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