What Is a Ghashwa? Ghashwa, Gashwa and Ghatwa Explained

If you have seen women in the Gulf with their face fully covered by a soft, sheer black veil and no opening for the eyes, you have seen a ghashwa. It is one of the most graceful pieces of modest wear, and one of the least explained. This guide covers what a ghashwa is, why it has so many spellings, and how to choose and wear one.

What is a ghashwa?

A ghashwa is a full face veil. Unlike a niqab, which leaves an opening for the eyes, a ghashwa covers the whole face with a light, see-through fabric that you can look through. It is traditionally worn in the Gulf countries, often over a niqab or together with a sheila and an abaya, for complete coverage.

Because the fabric is sheer, you can see out clearly while your face stays covered. This is what makes a well-made ghashwa so comfortable: the quality of the fabric decides how clearly you see and how softly it falls.

Ghashwa, gashwa, ghatwa: are they the same?

Yes. The word comes from Arabic and is written in English in several ways. You will see ghashwa, gashwa, ghatwa and sometimes boshiya used for the same kind of full face veil. At Uluwia we use ghashwa, but if you searched for gashwa or ghatwa, you are in the right place.

Ghashwa vs niqab: what is the difference?

• Niqab: covers the face below the eyes, with an opening for the eyes. It can have one, two or more layers.
• Ghashwa: covers the whole face, eyes included, with sheer fabric you can see through.
• Worn together: many women wear a niqab and lift or drop a ghashwa over it, so they can choose more or less coverage during the day.

If you are new to face covering, a niqab is usually the first step. A ghashwa is often added when you want complete coverage, for example outdoors or in crowded places.

How to wear a ghashwa

1. Put on your sheila or hijab first, pinned so it sits securely.
2. If you wear a niqab, tie it in place over the sheila.
3. Place the ghashwa over your head so the front panel falls over your face.
4. Adjust it so it drapes evenly and you can see comfortably through the front.
5. With a two-layer ghashwa, you can wear both layers down for full coverage, or lift the top layer when you need clearer vision.

What to look for when buying a ghashwa

• Fabric: soft, lightweight chiffon breathes well in Indian weather and drapes gracefully.
• Layers: a two-layer ghashwa gives you a choice between more coverage and clearer vision.
• Size: choose a size that covers your face fully and falls evenly at the front and back.
• Finish: neat edges and a deep black colour keep it looking elegant over time.

The Sitrah Two Layer Ghashwa

Our Sitrah Two Layer Ghashwa is made from premium chiffon with a two-layer design for enhanced coverage and a graceful, flowing drape. It comes in Small, Medium and Large, and like every Uluwia piece it is checked by hand before it is packed.

You can see all our ghashwas in the Ghashwa collection, and pair them with a niqab or a sheila for a complete look. We deliver across India, with free delivery on orders over ₹3,000.