Undergraduate Student Best Paper

Intersections of cross-cultural style: The

design and assessment of the Infinity Hijab
Headscarf for Saudi Arabian women
Thea Matos and
Lauren Graebner
Oregon State University
Faculty Sponsors:
Genna Reeves-DeArmond, Ph.D.
Elaine L. Pedersen, Ph.D.
Oregon State University
The purpose of this research is to (a) design a modified hijab
headscarf to further understand and meet the hijab headscarf (HH)
needs of Saudi Arabian women acculturating to United States Culture
and (b) obtain feedback regarding the Infinity Hijab Headscarf (IHH)
design from women who wear the HH on a regular basis.
1) To determine the design parameters for a traditional HH.
2) To develop and present an IHH design to participants and
obtain their feedback about the design.
3) To determine the HH needs of Saudi Arabian Muslim women
who wear the HH on a regular basis.
Theoretical/Conceptual Background
*Cross-cultural marketing and apparel design is increasingly important
(Mullet & Park, 2011).

*It is important to acquire an accurate understanding of cross-cultural dress
needs via research (e.g., DeLong, Koh, Nelson, & Ingvolstad, 1998).

*Culturally sensitive design can occur with the use of The Cultural Product
Design Model (Lin, 2007).


The Cultural Product
Design Model, proposed by
Lin: the purpose is to
transfer cultural features to
design elements which in
turn are used to develop a
new design
Why create an alternative to the
traditional hijab headscarf?
Some women feel uncomfortable in the
United States wearing the HH, for fear of
discrimination (Cole & Ahmadi, 2003).

The new design is versatile and can be worn
in a variety of configurations, which allows
for flexibility as a woman establishes her
identity in a cross-cultural context.

Saudi Arabian women are both interested in
fashion and immersed in the latest trends
(Ali, 2005; Long, 2005).

Traditional Hijab
The IHH includes a two-piece set
comprised of a knit headband and tube (or
infinity) scarf that, when combined, serve
the function of hijab.

Headband: The headband functions by
securing and covering the hair around the
face.

Scarf: Around the neck and chest a scarf is
worn which can be pulled up over the head
and attached to the headband with a button.
This ensures that the hair will be covered at
all times, unless purposefully removed.
Traditional Hijab:
One piece of
fabric, wrapped
IHH Design:
Two pieces
The initial inspiration for the IHH came from two fashion trends:
a wide stretch headband and an infinity (or tube) scarf.
*Conducted a needs assessment using scholarly sources that informed the
design process, resulting in the IHH prototype
-Provided valuable information about the wearer that would
adopt the new IHH design

*Conducted focus groups
that were held with Muslim
women to obtain feedback
on their HH wear and the
new design prototypes

*Focus group data
analyzed using constant
comparison process

A total of ten participants were included
Results: Objectives 1 and 3
Acceptability of Adoption of Hijab Headscarf Variations

The following factors affect the
acceptability of different styles
And colors of hijab headscarves:

-Presence of family members
(including spouse and parents)
-Peers of same age in same culture
-Peers of same age in different
cultures
-Geographic location
-Situational changes (e.g., formal
to non-formal)
Results: Objectives 2 and 3
Participant Assessment of the IHH Design: Physical and
Psychological Characteristics

The novel appearance suggests a fashion forward alternative to
the traditional HH.

Incorporated the following new design elements:
Reversibility, separate multi-colored pieces with
numerous possible and a twist in the infinity scarf piece.





Reversible IHH
Twist in IHH scarf
Participant Assessment of the IHH Design: Physical and
Psychological Characteristics (Continued)

Can easily be taken off for a period of time. It requires a minimal
amount of styling to create the desired appearance.

The button is a key feature related to styling and the
designs efficacy.






ADD VISUAL SHOWCASING BUTTON DETAIL

Participant Assessment of the IHH Design: Physical and
Psychological Characteristics (Continued)

Could meet the needs of a market that had been previously
considered: pre-teens who are undergoing the transition from
youth to adulthood.

The two-piece aspect makes it a favorable option to use in this
often-difficult transition.








Participant Assessment of the IHH Design: Physical and
Psychological Characteristics (Continued)

Communicates religious/cultural identity, which is especially
desired in places where Muslims are amongst the minority.

While some women may see a loose fit around the face as a
positive feature of the IHH because it allows for breathability,
other women may see this as a drawback.



The scarf in this prototype is more
loosely fitted around the face
Main concerns with the design were
related to physical aspects (i.e., fiber
content and fabric).
Participant Assessment of the IHH Design: Physical and Psychological
Characteristics (Continued)

The IHH functions by acting as a form of protection.

-Has the potential to reduce cultural barriers in social
interactions with individuals from different cultures.










Critique of the design indicated
that differentiation in HH wear
already exists, therefore, the
variation provided by the IHH is
likely to be acceptable in the
presence of American peers.

The results of the focus group
confirmed that many user needs
had been met, but several unmet
needs guided suggestions for
modification of the IHH
prototype.
Summary of Benefits:
-Offers a novel and
fashionable style
-Convenience and ease of
wear
-Met needs related to
cultural tradition and
effective social interaction
-May reduce cultural
barriers
-May assist in the transition
from youth to adulthood

Ali, S. (2005). Why here, why now? Young Muslim women wearing hijab. Muslim World,
95(4), 515-530.
Cole, D., & Ahmadi, S. (2003). Perspectives and experiences of Muslim women who veil on
college campuses. Journal of College Student Development, 44(1), 47-66.
DeLong, M., Koh, A., Nelson, N., & Ingvolstad, A. (1998). Jeans: A comparison of perceptions
of meaning in Korea and the United States. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal,
16(1), 116-125.
Lin, R. T. (2007). Transforming Taiwan aboriginal cultural features into modern product
design: A case study of a cross-cultural product design model. International Journal
of Design, 1(2), 45-53.
Long, D.E. (2005). Culture and customs of Saudi Arabia. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Mullet, K., & Park, M. (2011). A cross-cultural design framework for apparel design. Design
Principles and Practices: An International Journal, 4(6), 57-64.
****Professional photography of IHH design by Jeffrey Basinger, Oregon State University.
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