Are loose trousers acceptable for women?
As the title says: can women wear loose trousers? I've heard different answers. Some say no, only abayas or jilbabs are allowed. Others say yes, as long as they are not transparent, they don't show the body's shape (so truly loose), and they cover all the skin that should be covered. So what's the correct view? I'm a bit confused because I used to wear baggy trousers outside, with a loose top/jumper/coat that covered my backside. Lately I've been trying abayas to go to uni, but it's been a mixed experience. Sometimes I feel comfortable, sometimes not. I live in the UK and it's winter now, so an abaya can be impractical. The wind often shows the shape of my legs, which didn't happen with the trousers I used to wear. Going on a hike in an abaya was really uncomfortable and difficult to manage. I don't mind wearing abayas or long skirts in spring and summer, but they feel like a hassle in wet, windy winters. I also know the point of hijr is to avoid drawing attention. Living in central London, I sometimes feel like a black abaya gets more looks, which feels odd. I recall a sheikh mentioning coloured abayas and advising to choose colours that blend in with the society you live in so you don't attract attention. Would the same idea mean trousers are permissible if they meet the conditions and don't draw attention? Finally, can we wear loose trousers for prayer if we also wear oversized tops that hide the body's shape? JazakAllahu khairan for any advice.