Thobes Long before the global fashion industry discovered minimalism, the thobe had perfected it. Flowing, structured, and effortlessly elegant, this traditional garment has travelled far from its desert origins to become a symbol of cultural pride and timeless sophistication. But there is no single “thobe.” Across the Islamic world — from the shimmering coasts of Oman to the medinas of Morocco — the garment has evolved in countless ways. Each variation reflects the rhythm of local life, the language of craftsmanship, and the aesthetics of climate and culture.
The Thobe’s Shared Spirit
At its core, the thobe is simple: a long, loose-fitting robe designed for comfort and modesty. Yet, within that simplicity lies extraordinary diversity. The garment’s form adapts gracefully to geography and tradition. In hot, arid regions, it’s cut from breathable cottons; in cooler mountain towns, heavier wool and layered fabrics prevail. Embroidery, colour, and detailing vary from one region to the next — each thread carrying a distinct story of heritage.
For centuries, the thobe has served as both everyday wear and ceremonial dress for men across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South Asia. But in recent years, it has also become a sartorial symbol for global travellers men who appreciate clothing that fuses cultural authenticity with modern comfort. The thobe for men today represents not just tradition, but a refined, borderless style that transcends region and religion.
The Saudi Thobe: Tailored Purity
Perhaps the best-known variation, the Saudi thobe, embodies precision and elegance. Typically bright white and cut to ankle length, it reflects both practicality and formality in equal measure. The straight silhouette allows for airflow in the desert heat, while the stiff collar and buttoned cuffs lend a polished look suitable for business meetings or religious gatherings.
Seasonal Thobesversions are crafted from different fabrics airy cottons in summer, warmer synthetics or wool blends in winter reflecting the Saudi appreciation for tailoring and texture. Accessories complete the ensemble: a ghutra (headscarf) and agal (black cord) transform the simple white robe into a mark of identity. The Saudi thobe’s appeal lies in its restraint a quiet sophistication that now resonates with men worldwide seeking understated elegance.
The Emirati Kandura: Effortless Minimalism
In the United Arab Emirates, the thobe is called kandura. Its defining feature is simplicity no collar, no elaborate cuffs, and a tasselled cord known as the tarboosh that hangs gracefully from the neckline. This detail, while decorative, also carries cultural significance, often perfumed with oud as a gesture of refinement.
The Emirati kandura tends to be slightly looser than the Saudi version, prioritising comfort in the region’s high temperatures. Cream and off-white tones are popular, giving the garment a soft, luminous quality under the desert sun. For a thobe for men seeking to bridge traditional design and modern comfort, the kandura offers a perfect template: minimal, breathable, and inherently stylish.
The Omani Dishdasha: Embroidery and Elegance
Further south, Oman’s take on the thobe the dishdasha reveals the country’s artistic flair. Distinguished by its embroidered neckline and chest tassel known as the furakha, the Omani thobe is a study in subtle craftsmanship. The embroidery often mirrors local motifs, stitched by hand in contrasting threads that express regional identity.
Omani thobes also embrace colour: while white is common for formal occasions, men often wear shades of beige, brown, grey, or even deep indigo for daily life. Paired with the traditional kumma (embroidered cap) or massar (turban), the dishdasha transforms from a garment into an expression of personality. It’s no wonder that Omani thobes have become increasingly admired by travellers and designers alike for their artisanal detail and timeless poise.
The Moroccan Djellaba: Tradition with a Hood
Moving westward across North Africa, the Moroccan djellaba reinterprets the thobe with striking individuality. Long and loose like its Arabian cousins, the djellaba features a pointed hood known as the qob, a remnant of Berber design that once served to shield wearers from the sun and sand.
Moroccan versions are often crafted from heavier wool or fine cotton, depending on the season. They are also more colourful ochre, navy, emerald, and cream being favourites reflecting Morocco’s rich artistic traditions. Striped and patterned fabrics add further variety. The djellaba’s beauty lies in its fusion of function and artistry: it is as suited to a souk visit as to a formal dinner.
Among thobes worldwide, the Moroccan style stands out for its versatility. Western travellers often favour it for its blend of practicality and mystique a robe that feels both traditional and effortlessly cosmopolitan.
The Sudanese Jalabiya: Flowing and Functional
In Sudan and along the Nile Valley, the jalabiya — a cousin of the thobe — offers another regional interpretation. Typically made from light cotton, it features wide sleeves and a flowing cut suited to the region’s climate. Unlike the more tailored Gulf styles, the jalabiya emphasises ease and movement, often accompanied by a shawl or turban for ceremonial occasions.
Its understated silhouette has made it a favourite among travellers seeking comfort during long journeys. In recent years, stylists and photographers have celebrated the jalabiya’s elegance, showing how a simple cut and neutral tone can convey confidence without complexity.
A Global Garment: Comfort, Craft, and Cultural Connection
As international travel broadens horizons, the thobe for men has found a new audience beyond its traditional heartlands. Jet-setters, artists, and designers are drawn to it not only for its comfort but also for its symbolic universality. The thobe’s unbroken lines and calm symmetry reflect something timeless — a harmony between form and function, modesty and self-expression.
Thobes loose cut makes it ideal for travel: lightweight, breathable, and dignified enough for any setting. For many modern travellers, wearing a thobe is an act of appreciation a way of connecting with local cultures while embracing the freedom of simplicity.
The Art of Modern Adaptation About Thobes
Today’s designers are reimagining thobes with international sensibility. Urban boutiques in Dubai, Marrakech, and London offer versions in technical fabrics, neutral palettes, and cropped silhouettes that appeal to a cosmopolitan clientele. Yet the essence remains unchanged: the thobe continues to celebrate comfort, continuity, and cultural grace.
For the modern man, owning a thobe is not just about tradition . it’s about understanding how style transcends geography. Whether it’s the crisp lines of Riyadh, the embroidery of Muscat, or the bold stripes of Fez, each thobe tells a story. Together, they weave a narrative of global fashion that honours its roots while embracing the world.
