Culture & Lifestyle • Clothing

Burka

A burka is a loose outer garment worn in public by some Muslim women that covers the body and face, usually leaving a mesh panel for the eyes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A burka is a loose outer garment worn in public by some Muslim women that covers the body and face, usually leaving a mesh panel for the eyes. The term is most closely associated with styles from southern Central Asia, especially Afghanistan, where it is often used interchangeably with chadari, though the terms are not identical. In Canada, the burka is relevant mainly as a cultural term in discussions of Muslim dress, religious freedom, and multicultural communities.

Definition

A burka is an outer garment that conceals the body and face, usually with a mesh screen over the eyes. Dictionary and encyclopedic sources describe it as worn in public by some Muslim women.

Regional usage

The term is most closely tied to southern Central Asia, and especially Afghanistan. In that region, burka and chadari are often used interchangeably, though the garments can differ slightly.

Design and appearance

Burkas are usually loose-fitting and can be made in different colours and styles. Sources note that blue is a common colour and that embroidery and pleating may appear in some versions.

Religious and cultural context

The burka is associated with modest dress in some Muslim communities, but sources note that it is not mandated by Islamic religious texts. Its use varies by culture, interpretation, and personal choice.

Key facts

A burka is a loose, enveloping garment worn in public by some Muslim women.
It typically covers the entire body and face, with a mesh panel that allows the wearer to see.
The term is used most specifically for body coverings from southern Central Asia.
Burka is often used interchangeably with chadari, although chadari is a slightly different garment primarily worn in Afghanistan.
The garment appears in different colours and styles; blue is commonly noted in Afghan usage.

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Canadian context

Burka is relevant in Canada mainly as a cultural term in discussions of Muslim dress, religious freedom, and multicultural communities.

Frequently asked questions

What is a burka?

A burka is a loose outer garment worn by some Muslim women that covers the body and face, usually with a mesh panel for the eyes.

Is burka the same as burqa?

Yes, burka is commonly treated as a variant spelling of burqa in English dictionaries.

Is a burka required in Islam?

Sources note that it is not mandated by Islamic religious texts, though it is worn in some cultures for modesty or tradition.

Where is the burka most associated?

It is most closely associated with southern Central Asia, especially Afghanistan.

What is the difference between a burka and a chadari?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but chadari is described as a slightly different garment primarily worn in Afghanistan.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/burka
Supports: Definition, body-and-face coverage, regional usage, relation to chadari, typical colour and design details
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/burka
Supports: Definition as clothing covering head and body with a hole for the eyes
Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burka
Supports: Definition as a loose enveloping garment covering face and body
Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/burka
Supports: Definition and variant spelling information
Cornell University Library — https://guides.library.cornell.edu/IslamWomen/DressCode
Supports: Statement that sharia does not require women to wear a burqa and notes on regional terminology
EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/ethnic-and-cultural-studies/burqa
Supports: Context on cultural use and note that it is not required by Islam