Chador (Islamic Clothing)

An outer garment worn by women in some parts of the Middle East, particularly Iran and Iraq. It is floor-length and hangs from the top of the head, flowing over the clothing underneath in order to hide the shape or curve of a woman's body. Unlike the abaya (common in some other Middle Eastern countries), the chador does not usually have sleeves and does not close in the front. Rather it stays open, or the woman herself holds it closed by hand. The chador is often black, and is sometimes worn with a scarf underneath which covers the hair.