These three terms are often used loosely, but each refers to a distinct garment in modest Islamic dress.
Jilbab
A jilbab is a loose, full-length outer garment that covers the body from head to ankle. Prayer jilbabs are a specific version designed for Salah, often as a one-piece with an attached hijab.
Abaya
An abaya is typically an open or closed loose robe worn as outerwear, often over regular clothes, and is not always designed with prayer in mind the way a dedicated prayer jilbab is.
Khimar
A khimar is a cape-like headcovering that drapes over the shoulders and chest, separate from the body garment. Some two-piece prayer sets pair a khimar with a long skirt.
Our one-piece prayer jilbabs combine the coverage of a jilbab with an attached khimar-style hijab in a single garment — explore the collection here.