Kids & Family Guide: Girls' Hijabs, School, Swimming Lessons, Prayer Sets and Eid Matching

The short answer: for girls, buy hijabs that go on without pins (amira or instant styles sized by age), a burkini or swim set in real swim fabric for lessons and holidays, and a prayer set she can put on herself. There is no fixed age to start wearing hijab — most families begin around 7–10 with a soft, easy style for school and prayer, and let comfort lead. Match adult and girls' pieces for Eid.

When do girls start wearing hijab?

There is no single answer. Many families introduce hijab gradually from around 7–10, first for prayer and mosque, then for school, following the child's own comfort and interest. What helps at every age is the same: soft, breathable fabric, no pins, and colours she likes. Our girls' hijabs run by age from 2–7 (for dressing up and prayer) to 7–12 years.

Secure hijabs for school and PE

School hijabs need to survive a whole day, PE and the playground. Amira styles (fitted cap plus tube) and instant pull-on hijabs are the answer: nothing to retie, nothing to lose. For PE and sports clubs, a pull-on sport or amira hijab in breathable fabric plus a loose, comfortable sports set. School rules differ by country: UK uniform policies usually allow a plain hijab in school colours and schools in Germany and Scandinavia generally allow it, while French state schools do not allow religious head coverings. Check your school's policy, and where colours are set choose black, navy or white.

Swimming lessons: girls' burkinis

School swimming lessons and holidays are the two moments a girls' burkini earns its place. Look for the same things as adult swimwear — named swim fabric with elastane, opaque wet, quick-dry — plus tops that stay down and leggings that stay up through jumps. Many pools accept burkinis in swim fabric for lessons, but rules vary (some municipal pools in France don't allow them), so check your pool's policy first. Shop girls' swimwear; the full logic is in the swimwear guide.

Prayer sets for girls

A khimar-and-skirt prayer set in soft jersey is the easiest way for a child to pray: two pieces, no pins, and she can put it on herself. Shop girls' abayas and prayer sets; adult prayer wear is explained in the prayer & worship guide.

Eid and mother-daughter matching

Selected abaya sets and prayer sets run in both adult and girls' sizes — the easiest way to a coordinated Eid. Order children's Eid pieces early (age-based sizes sell first). See the Eid 2027 outfit guide and the Eid & Ramadan edit.

Sizing by age

Girls' sizes are given by age or height on each product: hijabs in 2–7 and 7–12 years, prayer sets from 110 cm (3–4 years) to 160 cm (11–12 years), and swimwear in age sizes. When between sizes, size up for abayas and prayer sets (length) and down for swimwear (fit). All measurements are in the size guide.

Frequently asked questions

What age should a girl start wearing hijab?

There is no fixed age; many families begin around 7–10, starting with prayer and letting the child's comfort lead.

What is the best hijab for school?

A pull-on amira or instant hijab in a plain school colour — no pins, stays put through PE.

Can girls wear a burkini for swimming lessons?

Often yes, if it is made from swim fabric, but pool rules vary (some municipal pools in France don't allow burkinis), so check your pool's policy first.

Do you have matching mother-and-daughter sets?

Selected abaya and prayer sets run in adult and girls' sizes; matching styles are linked on the product page.

Related: shop girls & teens · hijab fabric guide.