In her book Visibly Muslim, Emma Tarlo highlights how Muslim clothing and fashion in the urban context of Britain can influence the visibility of ethnicity. According to the 2001 census, there are over 1.6 million Muslims living in Britain. This population is made up of individuals from different backgrounds and ancestry, and all have their own distinct cultural clothing and fashion. The most recognized and popular item among Muslim women is the hijab, which has sparked much debate due to its conservative coverage. The hijab is a scarf worn over the head and neck but does not completely cover the face and eyes. There are no fixed guidelines for how Muslim women dress. Instead, Muslim fashion is influenced by factors such as geographic region, cultural heritage and religion. The dress of Muslim women is outlined in the sacred Islamic text, the Quran. The covered clothing and veil, worn by Muslim women, is a public statement to show modesty, respect for Islam, spirituality, devotion and identity as a Muslim. This essay explores different Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives in relation to Tarlo's Visibly Muslim and discusses the impacts of being ethnically identifiable (Tarlo, 2010). Anthropologist Mark Weber outlined three factors that mark the existence of an ethnic group. First, belonging to an ethnic group can occur by personal choice, by inheritance or by force, and signifies an existence of otherness. Second, ethnic groups are generally seeking a common identity. Third, the existence of ethnic groups is often influenced by the perspective of “other” groups that are not part of them. These stereotypical indicators highlight the ethnic community (Bolaffi, 2003). The primary reason Muslim women… at the center of the paper… is perceived group variability and behavioral intentions. Ethnic and Racial Studies, [online] 34(1), pp.40-61. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01419871003763312 [Accessed 28 May. 2014].O'Neill, B., Young, L., Gidengil, E., & Cote, C. (2014). Freedom of religion, women's agency, and the face veil ban: The role of feminist beliefs in shaping women's opinion. Ethnic and Racial Studies, [online] pp.1-5. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2014.887744 [Accessed 28 May. 2014].Phillips, A. (2009). “Religion: ally, threat or simply religion?” A Debate on the Public Role of Religion and its Social and Gender Implications, Gender Development Program Paper Number 5, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, pp 35-58. http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/30954/ [Accessed 28 May. 2014].Tarlo, E. (2010). Visibly Muslim. 1st ed. Oxford: Berg.