Arabian Clothing: Exploring Culture & Tradition

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Main Points

• Arab clothing is a profound symbol of cultural identity, history, and religion in the Middle East and North Africa.
• The design of clothing is heavily influenced by desert climate and modesty rules in Islam.
• There is significant diversity in clothing among countries such as Saudi Arabia (Thobe, black Abaya), UAE (Kandura, fashionable Abaya), Qatar, Egypt (Galabeya), Jordan (Keffiyeh), Morocco (Djellaba, Kaftan).
• Popular types of clothing include Thobe/Kandura for men, Abaya and Hijab/Shayla for women.
• Main materials are cotton, wool, silk; craftsmanship techniques such as embroidery (Zari) are highly valued.
• Clothing carries meanings about modesty, identity, cultural heritage, adaptation, and social status.
• A trend of modernization is occurring, combining traditional elements with contemporary fashion (Modest Fashion).

Table of Contents

1. History and Development of Arab Clothing
2. Arab Clothing in Different Countries
   • Arab Clothing in Saudi Arabia
   • Arab Clothing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
   • Arab Clothing in Qatar
   • Arab Clothing in Other Countries
3. Materials and Sewing Techniques of Arab Clothing
4. Symbols and Cultural Significance of Arab Clothing
5. Arab Clothing: Modern Adaptation and Fashion Trends
6. How to Wear and Style Arab Clothing
7. Conclusion on Arab Clothing
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Arab clothing is not just clothing; it is a profound part of cultural identity, history, and religion spanning the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. From the pristine white thobe of men to the mysterious black abaya of women, each costume tells its own story, reflecting the harsh climate, Islamic beliefs, and long-standing traditional values. Traditional Arab clothing symbolizes modesty, national pride, and community connection.

In this article, we will explore the rich and diverse world of Arab clothing. We will learn about the history and development of these costumes, delve into the clothing characteristics of key countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, as well as some other Arab countries. In addition, the article will also discuss the materials, exquisite craftsmanship techniques, symbolic meanings, and the ongoing trends of modernization in this special fashion field. Let’s begin the journey of discovering the beauty and significance of traditional Arab clothing.

History and Development of Arab Clothing

The origins of Arab clothing can be traced back to ancient civilizations on the Arabian Peninsula. The initial design of clothing was profoundly influenced by two main factors: the harsh climate of the desert and the rules of Islam. To withstand the intense heat, sandstorms, and the significant temperature difference between day and night, people created loose, breathable garments, often in light colors to reflect sunlight. At the same time, clothing also had to comply with the principles of modesty mandated by Islamic teachings, which require covering most of the body for both men and women.

Over time, Arab clothing has evolved and transformed continuously. Cultural interactions with powerful empires such as Persia and the Ottomans introduced new influences in style, fabric, and decorative patterns. Particularly, during the Islamic Golden Age (approximately the 8th to 14th centuries), when science, art, and trade flourished, clothing became more intricate and carried more symbolic meanings. High-quality fabrics like silk and brocade became more common, and complex embroidery and embellishment techniques were also applied to create luxurious outfits that reflected social status and wealth.

Later interactions with Western cultures, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, also contributed to transforming the appearance of Arab clothing, although core elements were preserved. More importantly, as Arab societies developed, distinctive regional characteristics gradually formed. Each country, even each region within a country, has unique variations in traditional clothing, adjusted to fit local environments, customs, and cultural identities. This diversity is a testament to a rich history and a vibrant culture that continuously harmonizes tradition with innovation. Historical records of clothing illustrate that this adaptation is an ongoing process, reflecting changes in society and the living environment of Arab people.

Arab Clothing in Different Countries

The Arab world is vast and diverse, which is clearly reflected in the traditional clothing of each country. Although there are common principles of modesty and some basic types of clothing, each place has its own distinctive characteristics in style, color, fabric, and coordination. Let’s explore Arab clothing in some representative countries.

Arab Clothing in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam and one of the countries that strongly preserves traditional values, has fairly clear regulations regarding clothing.

• Men:
  • The most common clothing is thobe (also called dishdasha in some other areas), a long, loose robe, typically white, reaching the ankles. The white color helps reflect sunlight and keeps cool in the scorching desert climate.
  • Accompanying the thobe is the headdress ghutra, usually a large square cloth, either white or patterned with red and white checks (shemagh). The ghutra is secured on the head with agal, a black cord often made from goat hair or wool. The agal was originally used to bind camel legs, but has now become an indispensable accessory.
  • On formal occasions, weddings, or significant events, men often wear an additional outer robe called bisht over the thobe. The bisht is usually made from wool or camel hair, available in black, brown, beige, or white, often embroidered with shiny gold or silver threads on the edges. The bisht symbolizes luxury, status, and respect, typically worn only by royals, high-ranking officials, or at special ceremonies. Traditional men’s clothing in Saudi Arabia, as described in many cultural documents, emphasizes simplicity yet maintains formality.
• Women:
  • The most common public attire for Saudi women is the abaya, a long, loose robe, usually black, covering the entire body except for the face, hands, and feet. The abaya reflects modesty according to Islamic principles.
  • Accompanying the abaya is usually a hijab (headscarf covering hair and neck) or niqab (face veil exposing only the eyes). Wearing the niqab is more common in conservative areas.
  • Underneath the abaya, at private gatherings among women or within the family, Saudi women often wear colorful dresses (thob or jalabiya) richly embroidered with traditional patterns. These dresses are often made from silk or other high-quality fabrics.
  • Jewelry also plays an important role, often in gold, silver, and gemstones, reflecting wealth, social status, and femininity. Clothing and jewelry collections are often passed down from generation to generation. During festivals or weddings, women have the opportunity to showcase these splendid outfits and exquisite jewelry.

Arab Clothing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The traditional clothing of the UAE shares many similarities with Saudi Arabia but also has distinct nuances, reflecting the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. Learn more about self-guided travel in Dubai.

• Men:
  • Emirati men typically wear kandura, similar to the thobe of Saudi Arabia, but usually collarless and with a small tassel detail at the collar called tarboosh. White is the most common color for everyday kandura, but other colors like brown, gray, and blue are also used, especially in winter.
  • The headdress ghutra (usually white) or shemagh (red and white checked) is also worn, secured by an agal. The way the Emirati wraps their ghutra can differ slightly from that of the Saudi.
  • Bisht is also worn on formal occasions like weddings, graduations, and official meetings, symbolizing prestige and honor, similar to Saudi Arabia.
• Women:
  • Emirati women also wear black abaya when going out. However, abaya in the UAE tends to be more fashionable, with many modern styles, embellished with intricate embroidery, gemstones, or contemporary lace details. This reflects the economic development and international integration of the UAE.
  • The accompanying headscarf is usually shayla, a long, thin scarf, often black, loosely wrapped around the head and shoulders, exposing part of the hair or not.
  • Under the abaya, Emirati women also wear colorful and elaborately decorated jalabiya or kaftan during festive occasions or family gatherings. The diversity in modern abaya designs shows a harmonious blend of preserving tradition while embracing global fashion trends.

Arab Clothing in Qatar

Qatar, another Gulf nation, also showcases traditional clothing with its distinctive features.

• Men:
  • Qatari men wear thobe, usually bright white, with styles quite similar to the thobe of Saudi Arabia.
  • Ghutra is the popular head cover, which can be white or red and white checked (shemagh), secured by agal. A distinctive way of wearing the ghutra in Qatar is creating two pointed peaks above the forehead, resembling the shape of a cobra.
  • Bisht, similar to neighboring countries, is reserved for important occasions and carries significant social status symbolism. Information from clothing guides in Qatar often emphasizes the importance of bisht in official ceremonies.
• Women:
  • Qatari women usually wear black abaya when going out. On special occasions, the abaya may be decorated with intricate hand-embroidered patterns, often using gold or silver threads, showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans.
  • Some women, particularly older generations or those in more conservative areas, may wear burqa (a type of mask covering the middle portion of the face) or niqab.
  • Traditional craftsmanship, especially gold thread embroidery techniques (zari), is highly valued and often seen in women’s festive clothing. These designs are not only beautiful but also represent pride in Qatar’s cultural heritage, as noted in writings about traditional Qatari clothing.

Arab Clothing in Other Countries

In addition to the Gulf states, the Arab world includes many other countries with unique traditional clothing:

• Egypt: Both men and women often wear galabeya, a type of long, loose, comfortable robe, suitable for the hot climate. Learn more about traveling in Egypt. Galabeya comes in various shapes and colors depending on the region and occasion. In rural areas, galabeya tends to be simpler, while in urban or festive occasions, they may be more elaborately adorned.
• Jordan: Jordanian men, especially Bedouins, often wear keffiyeh, a type of square-patterned scarf in red and white or black and white, used not only to shield from the sun and wind but also as a strong symbol of Palestinian and Jordanian identity. Jordanian women often wear long dresses embellished with intricate embroidery featuring patterns unique to their regions.
• Morocco: The standout traditional outfit of Morocco is djellaba, a long, loose robe with a hood, worn by both men and women. Djellaba is often made from wool for winter and cotton for summer. Additionally, kaftan is a long, collarless garment often made from silk, brocade, or other luxurious fabrics, elaborately decorated and typically worn by women at weddings and festivals. Both djellaba and kaftan symbolize Morocco’s cultural heritage.

The differences between galabeya in Egypt, thobe in the Gulf, and djellaba in Morocco showcase the remarkable diversity in Arab clothing, reflecting the unique history, geography, and culture of each country.

Materials and Sewing Techniques of Arab Clothing

Materials and sewing techniques play a crucial role in creating the beauty and comfort of Arab clothing. The choice of fabric depends heavily on climate, purpose, and the social status of the wearer.

• Common materials:
  • Cotton: This is the most widely used fabric, especially for daily wear like thobe and galabeya, due to its breathable and sweat-absorbing properties, making it very suitable for hot climates.
  • Wool: Used for winter garments or outerwear like bisht, helping keep warm during the chilly nights in the desert or winter in mountainous regions. High-quality camel or sheep wool is often favored.
  • Silk and Brocade: These are premium fabrics often reserved for festive clothing or wedding attire like Moroccan kaftan or vibrant gowns worn under abaya. Silk provides a soft, luxurious feel and a beautiful sheen.
  • Synthetic fabrics: Nowadays, blends or synthetic fabrics like polyester are also used, particularly for modern abaya, as they are wrinkle-resistant, easy to care for, and more economical.
• Craftsmanship and decoration techniques:
  • Hand embroidery: This is one of the most important and intricate decorative techniques. Diverse embroidery patterns, from geometric and floral to elaborate designs, often appear on collars, sleeves, and hems of thobe, abaya, kaftan, and traditional dresses. Gold thread embroidery (zari) or silver thread is characteristic of high-end garments, especially in the Gulf and Morocco.
  • Hand weaving: Some traditional fabrics are still handwoven using ancient techniques, resulting in unique patterns and textures that strongly represent local culture.
  • Embroidery: Adding beads, stones, crystals, sequins to clothing, particularly for abaya and kaftan for special occasions, is becoming increasingly popular, adding sparkle and luxury.

Craftsmanship not only creates beautiful clothing but also serves as a means to preserve cultural heritage. Artisans use techniques passed down through generations, and each pattern, each stitch can carry its own meaning, reflecting cultural identity and sometimes even the social status of the wearer. For instance, the intricate embroidery patterns on Qatari clothing are a testament to the master craftsmanship of this region.

Symbols and Cultural Significance of Arab Clothing

Arab clothing is not merely an external layer but embodies many profound meanings, reflecting the core values of Arab society and culture.

• Modesty: This is one of the most important meanings, stemming from Islamic teachings. Traditional clothing is often loose, covering most of the body, reflecting respect for religious rules and community moral values. The abaya, hijab, niqab for women and the long thobe for men are all expressions of this principle, aimed at protecting personal dignity and maintaining social order.
• Identity: Clothing is an important sign of identity. Styles, colors, headscarf wrapping methods (ghutra, shayla, keffiyeh), or distinctive embroidery patterns can reveal the wearer’s homeland, region, tribe, marital status, and even social status. For example, the way ghutra is worn differs between Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari individuals. The color of keffiyeh in Jordan may carry its own political and cultural meanings.
• Cultural heritage: Wearing traditional clothing is a way for Arabs to express pride in their origins, history, and long-standing cultural values. In the context of globalization, traditional clothing has become a powerful symbol of connection to the past and assertion of distinct identity. It is a living heritage, passed down from generation to generation, reminding people of their roots and their ancestors’ stories.
• Adaptation: The loose, breathable design of clothing also demonstrates the intelligent adaptation of people to harsh living environments, especially in desert regions.
• Formality and respect: Special types of clothing like bisht not only signify status but also express respect during important ceremonies, royal audiences, or religious events.

Overall, Arab clothing is a multifaceted reflection of cultural, social, and religious life in the Arab world. Each outfit is a story, a symbol, contributing to the rich and colorful cultural tapestry of the region.

Arab Clothing: Modern Adaptation and Fashion Trends

In the modern world, Arab clothing is not stagnant but continuously evolving, adapting to fit the dynamic lifestyle and global fashion trends, while still preserving core values.

The intersection of tradition and modernity is most evident in garments like abaya, thobe, and kaftan. Fashion designers, both in the Middle East and internationally, are constantly creating to refresh these outfits:

• Modern Abaya: No longer limited to traditional black, abaya today comes in a variety of colors, from neutral, pastel to vibrant. Styles are also more diverse, including straight, A-line, belted, flared, puffed sleeves… The materials are richer with lace, chiffon, silk, denim… Decorative details such as embroidery, embellishments, laser cutting, and printed patterns are also applied elegantly, transforming abaya into a chic and stylish fashion item.
• Modernized Thobe: Although traditional thobe remains highly popular, modern versions are also emerging with slight changes in collar, buttoning, and fitting cut, or using fabrics with subtle patterns.
• Contemporary Kaftan: Kaftan, especially the Moroccan style, has transcended regional borders and become a global fashion trend. International fashion houses often draw inspiration from kaftan to create flowing maxi dresses, luxurious beachwear or stunning evening outfits. Modern kaftan can be made from a variety of fabrics, from luxurious silk to breathable cotton, with countless designs and patterns.

Many designers and fashion brands have emerged, specializing in the “modest fashion” line or inspired by Arab clothing. They not only cater to the Middle Eastern market but also attract customers worldwide, who appreciate elegance and modesty while being fashionable. Fashion weeks in Dubai, Riyadh, or international “modest fashion” events are increasingly affirming the status and appeal of this unique fashion line. The growth of e-commerce platforms also helps promote and bring modernized Arab clothing closer to global consumers.

This modernization shows that Arab clothing is not an immutable heritage but a dynamic part of contemporary culture, adeptly blending the past with the present, local identity with international trends.

How to Wear and Style Arab Clothing

Wearing Arab clothing properly not only shows respect for the culture but also helps the wearer feel comfortable and confident. When traveling independently, this becomes even more important. Below are some suggestions on how to wear and style:

• Adhere to modesty principles: The most crucial factor is ensuring that clothing fits well but is not too tight, spacious enough to discreetly cover the body broadly according to general rules. For thobe or kandura, the length should reach the ankles. For abaya, ensure it covers from shoulder to foot.
• Select according to occasion:
  • Everyday: A white or neutral thobe, white kandura, simple galabeya, or black or minimal abaya is appropriate.
  • Festivals, weddings, formal events: Men may add an embroidered gold/silver bisht. Women may opt for more elaborately decorated, brightly colored abaya, or wear splendid kaftan or jalabiya underneath (if in a private environment).
• Coordinate accessories:
  • Headscarf: Men need to know how to wrap ghutra or shemagh and secure it neatly with agal. Women need to wrap hijab or shayla neatly, matching the attire and occasion. There are various styles of wrapping that express personal style.
  • Footwear: Sandals are a popular choice for men wearing thobe/kandura. Formal shoes may also be worn on more formal occasions. Women often wear either heels or flats depending on the length of their abaya and the nature of the event.
  • Jewelry: Women can wear gold, silver, pearls, or gemstones as accents, especially during festive occasions. However, it is advisable to avoid wearing excessive jewelry when wearing everyday public clothing to maintain elegance.
  • Handbags: Women can pair abaya with fashionable handbags to complete the look.
• Seasonal materials: Choose cotton and linen for summer to keep cool and wool or thicker fabrics for winter to stay warm.

The most important thing when wearing Arab clothing is to demonstrate respect for the culture and traditions it represents. Whether traditional or modern versions, the elegance in choosing and coordinating the pieces will help you showcase the beauty and significance of these unique garments.

Conclusion on Arab Clothing

Arab clothing is a diverse and colorful world, profoundly reflecting the history, religion, geography, and cultural identity of peoples spanning from the Persian Gulf to North Africa. From the simple thobe of a man in the desert to the intricately embroidered abaya of an urban woman, each outfit carries its own story, a legacy.

We have explored the origins, developments through historical periods, and the diversity across countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, as well as learned about the materials and exquisite craftsmanship that created them. More importantly, we have understood the profound symbolic meanings of Arab clothing – regarding modesty, identity, national pride, and community connection. At the same time, we can see the strong vitality of these outfits as they are continuously renewed, blending with contemporary fashion trends while keeping their traditional core intact.

Exploring Arab clothing helps us gain a respectful and appreciative view of the richness of Arab culture. It is not just clothing, but an expression of a lifestyle, a value system, and a heritage that deserves to be preserved and cherished. Through this article, we hope readers have gained valuable knowledge and admiration for the beauty and significance of traditional Arab clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the most popular Arab outfits for men and women?

   For men, the most popular outfit is the Thobe (or Kandura in the UAE), a long robe reaching the ankles, usually accompanied by a headscarf Ghutra or Shemagh and a cord Agal. For women, the most common public attire is the Abaya, a long black robe, usually accompanied by a headscarf Hijab or Shayla.

2. Why is traditional Arab clothing often loose and long?

   There are two main reasons: First, the loose, breathable design helps the wearer feel more comfortable and cooler in the hot desert climate. Second, the loose and long clothing complies with the principle of modesty in Islamic teachings, which requires covering the body.

3. Do clothing styles vary across Arab countries?

   No. Although there are basic commonalities due to religious and climatic influences, Arab clothing is very diverse across countries and even regions. For instance, the Thobe in Saudi Arabia differs from the Kandura in the UAE, and is quite different from the Galabeya in Egypt or Djellaba in Morocco. The way headscarves are worn and decorative details also vary.

4. Is the Abaya always black?

   Traditionally, the Abaya is often black. However, today, especially in countries like the UAE, modern Abayas come in numerous colors, styles, and are decorated with embroidery, lace, gemstones… Black is still popular but is no longer the only option.

5. What is Bisht and when do men wear it?

   Bisht is a type of formal outer robe, often made from wool or camel hair, with gold or silver embroidery on the edges. It is worn by men over a Thobe/Kandura during significant special occasions such as weddings, festivals, formal ceremonies, or when meeting high officials. The Bisht symbolizes luxury, status, and respect.