What is a thobe?
A thobe is a traditional Arab garment that is worn by men across the globe. It is a long, loose-fitting robe that is typically made of cotton or lightweight fabrics, but depending on the season, winter ones are also available and are made from wool and mixed fibres to keep you warm during those chilly days. It is usually worn over undergarments which depending on which part of the world you are from could be in the form of jeans/tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt or a simple white pyjama and shirt.
The thobe is a versatile garment that is commonly worn in daily life, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It is an important part of traditional Arab culture and identity and is referred to by five different names around the world:
Jubba
Djellaba
Kamis
Kandura
Dishdasha
And depending on which country you’re from, there are also different styles such as:
Moroccan thobes
Emirati thobes
Omani thobes
Saudi thobes
Palestinian thobes
Egyptian thobes
Algerian thobes
Kuwaiti thobes
Qatari thobes
So why wear a thobe?
A thobe is a great way to look good whilst still dressing modestly and since this is an important aspect for Muslims, it is seen as a way to show respect for oneself in terms of how you present yourself. In Islam, modesty is highly valued. For men, dressing modestly typically involves wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the body without being too tight or revealing. By dressing modestly, Muslim men are able to show respect for their faith and for the values that are important to them whilst still looking stylish.