Scarves & Shaylas

Modal jersey and light crinkle are the most comfortable in heat: modal breathes and stays put without pins, and crinkle needs no pressing. Chiffon is light too but slightly sheer, so it is usually worn over an under-scarf cap, which adds a layer.

An under-scarf cap holds your hair back, stops a silky shayla from slipping and gives coverage under sheer chiffon. It also protects the shayla from hair oils. Choose a colour close to the shayla or your hair; once unsealed, caps cannot be returned for hygiene reasons.

Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, swish rather than rub, and roll it in a towel to remove water. Dry it flat or over a hanger in the shade. Chiffon presses easily on a low setting; silk print scarves are best dry cleaned.

Only if it is still sealed in its packaging, within 14 days and with your order number. Once a hijab or under-scarf cap has been unsealed, it cannot be returned for hygiene reasons. Shaylas sold without sealed packaging follow the usual unworn-with-tags rule.

A crinkle shayla is woven or finished with a permanent textured crinkle, so it holds its drape and never needs ironing. It grips better than smooth chiffon, which makes it easier to style without many pins, and it travels well.

Tonal shades are the safest: a shayla one or two tones lighter than the abaya, or the colour of its trim, always looks deliberate. For black abayas, ivory, sand, dusty rose and saffron are the easiest accents. The complete-the-look strip on each abaya suggests pairings.