In tenth century Baghdad, the rich and poor no matter their gender wore similar styles of clothing differing mainly in types of embellishment and quality and quantity of cloth. The gender-queer might mix styles subtly, obviously, switch styles completely, or not at all. Social class and position determined how much of a person’s body would be covered in public and the quality and quantity of the fabric.

Like the women, rich and poor men alike wore similar styles of clothing differing mainly in quality and quantity of cloth according to social class and profession.

Muslim society was class and difference-conscious, meaning everyone wore clothing that signalled their social class, their profession, or even their religious community.