It is a little simplistic but a good reference that I am posting for my own benefit.
The word hijab comes from the Arabic for veil and is used to describe the headscarves worn by Muslim women.
These scarves, regarded by many Muslims as a symbol of both religion and womanhood, come in a myriad of styles and colours.
The khimar is a long, cape-like veil that hangs down to just above the waist. It covers the hair, neck and shoulders completely, but leaves the face clear.
The chador, worn by Iranian women when outside the house, is a full-body cloak. It is often accompanied by a smaller headscarf underneath.
The al-amira is a two-piece veil. It consists of a close fitting cap, usually made from cotton or polyester, and an accompanying tube-like scarf.
The shayla is a long, rectangular scarf popular in the Gulf region. It is wrapped around the head and tucked or pinned in place at the shoulders.
The niqab is a veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear. However, it may be worn with a separate eye veil.
The burqa is the most concealing of all Islamic veils. It covers the entire face and body, leaving just a mesh screen to see through.
I am the proud owner of an Al-amira. I also have what I was told is a Chador...but it just the black long coat-like light thing used on top of other clothing to cover it entirely. And I also own a black face veil that can be used in Yemen since the part that comes down is made of three layers: one always stays down to cover the face below the eyes, one can be lifted and cover the top of the head but has a slit for the eyes, one is a shear piece of fabric you can put on top this one is designed to also cover eyes but let you see.
