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Under hijab: what is it for and how to choose the right one?
When we talk about the hijab, we often first think of the veil itself: its fabric, its color, or the way it is worn. Yet there is a much more discreet accessory, almost invisible once the hijab is in place, but which plays an important role in everyday wear: the undercap.
What is an undercap?
At the beginning, I mainly wore the Syrian two-piece hijab. This model, very common in Syria, consists of an integrated bonnet and a lightweight veil that is placed over it. Its advantage was that it was simple and practical: everything was already designed to keep the hair in place and ensure proper coverage.
Over time, I started wearing other types of hijabs, especially simple veils that are usually paired with an undercap (also called a hijab bonnet). Today, there are several types: tube, closed or full undercaps, as well as different materials such as cotton or lycra. But they all share the same purpose: keeping the hair in place, helping the hijab stay secure, and ensuring proper coverage.
When the undercap becomes too tight
The first undercap I wore was the tube style. It is probably the most well-known and widely used: easy to put on, discreet, and practical for everyday wear.
But it also had a drawback that many women know well : it was often too tight and too narrow. After a few hours, it could cause headaches or a feeling of discomfort that would only disappear once the undercap was removed. I remember that sometimes I would take a pair of scissors and slightly cut the seams on the sides of the bonnet, just to loosen it a little. It was a small trick that many people used to make it more comfortable.
Over time, I realized that the problem was not the undercap itself, but its cut and size. A well-designed undercap should keep the hair in place without putting excessive pressure on the head.
When the hijab becomes too light
But in other situations, the undercap becomes almost essential.
Personally, I really like crêpe hijabs. Their fabric is light, fluid, and very comfortable to wear. But this lightness also has a small drawback: the veil can move more easily throughout the day, especially with sudden movements or wind. So I often found myself having to readjust it to stay properly covered.
It was in this context that I especially appreciated another type of undercap: the full undercap. This model covers not only the head, but also the neck and sometimes the shoulders. It helps ensure stable coverage, even when wearing very lightweight hijabs.
How to choose your undercap?
The choice of an undercap mainly depends on the type of hijab you wear and the level of comfort you are looking for. Here are the main models:
Tube undercap (or tube bonnet)
It is the simplest and most widely used model. Easy to put on, it keeps the hair in place and provides a smooth finish under the hijab. Wider models are often more comfortable because they avoid pressure on the head. Belle et Voilée therefore offers wide tube undercaps designed to gently envelop the hair without a compressing effect
Closed undercap (or closed hijab bonnet)
This model fully covers the head and stays securely in place under the hijab. Belle et Voilée offers several variations designed to suit different needs:
- the classic closed undercap, simple and comfortable, ideal for fully covering the hair and ensuring a neat finish under the hijab
- the adjustable closed undercap, with an elastic band or ties at the back to adjust the fit, ideal for long hair or for letting a bun or ponytail pass through
- the lycra closed undercap, more stretchable and refined
The full undercap (or full hijab bonnet)
The full undercap covers the head, the neck, and sometimes the shoulders. It is ideal under very lightweight hijabs, such as crêpe hijabs, as it ensures stable coverage throughout the day.
Thanks to its enveloping shape, it allows you to stay well covered without constantly readjusting the hijab. It is certainly one of my favorite undercaps.
Materials: cotton or lycra?
Beyond the shape of the undercap, the material also plays an important role in everyday comfort. Some women prefer natural fabrics like cotton, while others favor more stretchable materials such as lycra.
The cotton undercap
Cotton is appreciated for its softness and breathability. It is often chosen for everyday wear, especially when looking for a natural and comfortable fabric to wear for several hours.
The lycra or microfiber undercap
Lycra and microfiber provide greater elasticity. These materials easily adapt to the shape of the head and remain discreet under lightweight hijabs. They often allow for a more flexible hold and a very smooth finish.
Conclusion
The undercap is a discreet accessory, but essential for improving the fit and comfort of the hijab in everyday wear. Depending on the model and the material, it helps keep the hair in place, ensures proper coverage, and provides a neater finish under the veil.
At Belle et Voilée, we have chosen to offer different types of undercaps — wide tube, closed bonnet, or full bonnet — so that everyone can find the model that best matches the way they wear their hijab.
