“Now You See Me": Examining the Sartorial Practices of Young Migrant Muslim Women

Abstract

Sartorial practices of Muslim women are often viewed through a lens of fashion identity and religious identity. This research explored the intersectionality of young migrant Muslim women and how it shaped their lived experienced. This research methodological approach focused on a critical literature review, semi-structured interviews and wardrobe interviews. The critical literature review allowed an in-depth analysis of existing research surrounding different themes of the dressing practices of Muslim women in a Western context. In addition, the semi-structured interviews and wardrobe interviews allowed a personal in-sight in understanding how intersectional identities are presented through dressing practices. The findings indicate that the sartorial practices of young migrant Muslim women are impacted by gendered Islamophobia, intra-religious conflict, spatial visibility and challenging Western norms. It was uncovered that the participants engaged in situational dressing practices which allowed them to shape the perception of their identities. In doing so, they adjust their garment through spatial visibility.