Hijabs in Helsinki – Where Modern Fashion Meets Tradition

The summer sun shines on Kallio Square in Helsinki, and among the passing crowd, a woman stands out in a soft, olive-green hijab. This isn’t just a religious garment—it’s a part of her style, identity, and everyday comfort. In recent years, the meaning and appearance of the hijab have evolved in Finland, and more and more Muslim women are looking to blend faith, aesthetics, and functionality in what they wear.

One of the key figures in this movement is Rimma Gar-Zaripova, the founder of the Finnish brand Garaza. She has become a leading voice in modern Islamic fashion in Finland, and hijabs are among the brand’s best-selling products. Garaza is known for offering stylish, comfortable options specifically designed for Finland’s unique climate and lifestyle.

“In Finland, we have four seasons and very unpredictable weather,” Gar-Zaripova explains in her small showroom in Myllypuro, Helsinki. “It was important to find fabrics that breathe, withstand the wind, and still look beautiful and are easy to wear.”

Garaza's hijabs are not just religious coverings—they’re created for modern women who want to live active lives. Whether cycling, studying, working, or traveling, they shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or elegance.

“I’ve experienced how frustrating it can be when a hijab won’t stay in place, feels too tight, or makes your head sweat. Our hijabs don’t require pins and don’t itch or slide around. We’ve paid special attention to their shape and stretch,” she says.

Garaza uses a unique viscose-polyester-elastane blend that is both lightweight and structured. Recently, they’ve begun making hijabs from bamboo fabric—a breathable, eco-friendly material that’s perfect for warm days.

According to Gar-Zaripova, choosing a hijab is also a cultural and deeply personal process.

“Women from different countries wear hijabs in different ways. Turkish styles are very different from Somali or Arab styles. Here in Finland, we have the opportunity to create our own Nordic hijab identity—something that reflects our climate, lifestyle, and values.”

She’s noticed that the diversity among hijab wearers in Finland is growing.

“We’re seeing young women trying hijab for the first time, and also second-generation Muslims who were born here and want to blend tradition with modern life. Garaza offers them options that don’t shout, but quietly speak of style and conviction,” she says with a smile.

Interestingly, she’s also seen interest from non-Muslim customers.

“Many non-Muslim women have asked for lightweight summer scarves, and we’re happy to offer them without any religious implications. What matters most to us is that every woman can find something that feels good on the skin and suits her lifestyle.”

While hijab is often a sign of faith, it’s also a part of fashion and self-expression. In Finland, a new generation of Muslim women sees the hijab not as an obligation, but as a choice. It represents pride, everyday ease, and a sense of belonging—whether in Helsinki, Tampere, or Oulu.

Gar-Zaripova is optimistic about the future of the hijab.

“There’s still much to do. I want to develop more eco-friendly options, and my dream is to see a Finnish-designed hijab on an international runway—not as something separate, but as part of global fashion. We belong to this time, this country, and this story.”