Continuing with our Country profile in Saudi Arabia.....

One major fact that makes a unique experience for any Western woman to be in the Middle East is the Dress Code.
In Saudi Arabia, more than in any other Middle Eastern country the Dress Code is extremely attached not only to the religious practices of the Muslims but to the moral code which makes it a cultural Icon.
According to the Qurant women must not reveal any par of their body to extrangers, only those family related can see women without the traditional garments and only inside their home. This is also attached to the Purdah (you can check Purdah's definition in yesterday's article)

These gowns are  supposed to be thick, opaque, and loose. It is also required to be a dull color, unadorned, and generally not of interest to the male. It should not resemble the clothing of men (or non-Muslims).

The strictness of the dress code varies by region. In Jeddah, women have more freedom regarding veils and covering their clothes. Riyadh is more conservative.

There are different types of coverage usually depending of how strict is the Purdah  implemented in that particular region.

Abayas: is a gown that covers the entire body and has a veil, it does not allow  to show any part of women body but it leaves the face open. Now days there  are a number of abaya designers and its often a sign of status and elegance for  most Saudi women. According to one designer, Abayas are "no longer just  abayas. Today, they reflect a woman's taste and personality. Abayas are usually very costly, usually designer Abayas have hand made details and its sewed with some specific type of thread that cant make it even more expensive.

Burqa: is a complete covering, from head to toe, including the eyes. People can see absolutely no part of the woman's body, not even the hands. It's usually worn over the daily clothes and it can be taken off once the women enters a religious sanctuary of her own home. Since in Middle Eastern Countries the weather can  be very hot most of the year, the Burqas are usually made with very light fabric.

Nigab: Is very similar to the Burka but the only difference is that Is a full face veil that leaves a slit open for the eyes. People often use the words niqab and burka interchangeably as they both cover the majority of a woman's body.

Hijab, the traditional head covering that has become ubiquitous (and, in all honesty, actually quite stylish) in many parts of the world. 

There are countries that have banned the use of Burqas or Nigab for women in pro of defending women's right to dress however she desires to, however women in Saudi Arabia usually wears proudly this type of gown and will never consider not wearing it as a choice.