Occasionally, we receive emails from visitors to the SHUKR website informing us that they feel that SHUKR prices are too high. We are sympathetic to this point of view. However, SHUKR is an ethical producer of high quality, contemporary Islamic clothing; this naturally comes with a price. We have produced this short explanation in order to clarify what goes into producing high quality Islamic clothing.
1) SHUKR is an ethical Islamic company. SHUKR is completely against sweatshop production and pays its workers above market wage as well as guaranteeing worker rights regarding working hours, overtime, holidays etc. In addition, SHUKR tries to keep a religious work environment. Not only do the staff pray regularly but visitors to our factory and offices are often surprised at the pleasant environment they find.
2) SHUKR produces original, innovative designs specifically made with the Western Muslim in mind. Designing and creating original patterns is not an easy or cheap process by any means. It requires a talented team of designers and pattern cutters.
3) SHUKR uses only the highest quality materials, mostly natural in origin, sourced from the top producers in Syria, as well as a selection of Turkish and European producers. In addition, SHUKR makes great efforts to produce its garments according to the highest standards of sewing and general production quality and is always looking to improve its merchandise.
4) Finally, SHUKR’s Islamic designs require a great deal of fabric in their construction. Fabric is the major factor in the cost of a garment. There are two main reasons why Islamic clothing utilizes up to double the amount of material compared with some of the alternative mainstream designs on the market:
a. Islamic clothing is full sleeved (especially for women) and, in the cases of dresses and skirts, full length, unlike mainstream designs which are often short-sleeved or sleeveless, or which show the legs. Our men's and women's tops are also much longer than typical mainstream designs.
b. Islamic clothing is cut much wider than normal designs to allow a modest fit which does not show the shape of the body.
We do hope that this explains clearly why SHUKR clothing – although initially appearing costly – is, in fact, worth the prices that our customers pay. Here are some typical comments we have received from customers:
"Great clothes! The prices are in keeping with the quality, so don't worry if you think they are a little high - you really get what you pay for".
"I very strongly agree with SHUKR's philosophy of paying workers a fair and living wage and am MORE than happy to pay a little more for a garment so as not to exploit the people who make the clothing we wear".
"A few days ago I read the section of the SHUKR website explaining how the clothing is made and why the prices seem high; afterward, I sincerely regretted giving the low score on the prices and I made the intention to buy more high-quality products from your store. Pardon my mistake, if there is a way to change my rating I would".