adminser Middle East clothing is colorful and kaleidoscopic for men and women. For millennia, it has been a complex reality where local cultures and Western ones mix. You should continue reading if you only think of white robes or black veils when you imagine Middle Eastern clothing.
Middle East clothing is colorful and kaleidoscopic for men and women. For millennia, it has been a complex reality where local cultures and Western ones mix. You should continue reading if you only think of white robes or black veils when you imagine Middle Eastern clothing.
Even though the former has deeply influenced Arab nations, some traditional clothing can still be found. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most popular misconceptions about Arabs.
I will then describe the traditional clothing worn by different countries, starting in Morocco and ending in Oman. I will also explain how modest dress varies from country to country, even within a region.
Arabic clothing factors: age, social class, location
When it comes to Middle Eastern clothing, age and location are important factors. On the one hand, younger people wear Western clothing and only use their traditional clothes for special occasions like weddings, religious ceremonies, or pilgrimages.
Those of older generations, however, are more likely to wear traditional Arabic clothing. On the other side, city dwellers are more aware of the latest fashion trends.
Men and women in smaller towns and rural areas still prefer traditional clothing because it is comfortable and offers protection from the wind, sun, and sand.
The social class of the wearer is also a key factor. Although designer clothing from the West is popular among the upper and middle classes, traditional neighborhoods still have a wide variety of classic clothes and conservative attire. This may be the case for certain countries in North Africa and the Levant, but the criteria change for Gulf countries.
The quality and design of an ‘abaya,’ in Gulf countries can reveal a person’s social status and class.
Arabic clothing stereotypes
Before I explain which clothes are from which country, let me clarify some common misconceptions about Middle Eastern clothing and introduce the terms used in Arabic fashion.
1) All Arab women wear hijab.
No. This statement is incorrect for two main reasons.
Some Muslim women choose to wear the hijab, and others leave their hair uncovered.
Some Arab women may be Christian or Jewish and, therefore, not adhere to the same dress code.
2) A hijab is simply a headscarf.
Yes. Hijab is the term used to describe a headscarf worn primarily by Muslim women. The word hijab also refers to a short veil that is wrapped around the head of a woman.
A hijab can also be used to describe modest clothing that includes a headcover.
There are only two types of veil.
No. The term veil encompasses a wide range of headgear in different shapes, fabrics, and lengths. Women wear veils as a sign of belonging to their culture or religion but also because they are fashionable.
Hijabs come in different colors and styles, and women who wear a hijab are always aware of the latest fashions, just like Western women can tell if an item has become outdated.
The “Gamboo’a,” or “camel hump,” is a perfect example of how the hijab style changes and evolves. Around 2008, women began wearing voluminous hijabs with a clip that had a giant plastic rose (the “gamboo’a”) under the headscarf. The trend was quickly adopted, particularly in the UAE, which is the leading country in the region. By 2011, it was considered to be out of style.
The four types of hijabs are:
1. Shayla: A one-piece veil made from a scarf that is wrapped around the head, pinched under the chin, and gently rested on the shoulders.
The hijab is worn over a cap of the same color, which keeps it in place. Depending on the woman’s preferences, the rim of her cap can be visible or not. This is the most popular type of hijab in the Gulf (except Saudi Arabia).
2. Al-Amira: a two-piece veil.
The head cap is worn over a tube-shaped scarf. It’s easy to wear. The shape of the al-amira’s scarf is different from the Shayla’s (rectangular).
Although it is common in Southeast Asian Muslim communities, it can also be found in the Middle East.
3. Niqab: A face veil worn usually with a head scarf and tied behind the back of the head.
The niqab leaves only a small gap around the eyes, although some women wear an eye veil to cover their eyes. The niqab is common in North Africa and the Levant but is more popular in Saudi Arabia.
4. Khimar: A long veil covering the head, chest, and waist. The face remains uncovered.
Some women still wear this headcover in everyday life, even though it isn’t as popular as previous types.
The majority of Arab women wear the Burqa.
You’ll soon see why. The Burqa is a type of Arabic clothing that’s characteristic of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Taliban regime imposed the Burqa, but it is not a common clothing item in the Arab World, although some countries, such as Yemen, have their version (burghal) that differs from the Afghan Burqa.
This is not the same as the niqab that is more commonly worn in the Middle East.
There are differences between:
* The niqab, which is usually black and has only a face covering, is a common style.
The majority of the burqas are light blue, and they cover the entire body.
* The niqab usually leaves the eyes unveiled, while the Burqa covers them with a net.
All Arab males wear a long white robe with a colored headscarf.
No. Only men from the Gulf region wear a white robe and a headscarf every day. The black cord (agal) is used to tie the headscarf on the head (keffiyeh for the Levant, Gautrain for the Gulf). The skullcap called thagiyah (which keeps hair in place), is worn with the headscarf.
The white robe is also known as thoub/thobe or Dishdasha. It is worn by Gulf men with loose-fitting pants called sirwal.
The Dishdasha is the Gulf’s men’s fashion icon.
The perception of Arabic clothing
The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan conducted one of the most fascinating surveys ever done in the Middle East about Arabic clothing. The study shows that people’s perceptions of modesty and decency change from country to country in the Middle East.
We see this reflected most of the time in the way Arabs wear themselves. It is true, for example, that most women in Lebanon don’t cover their hair. In Saudi Arabia, however, most women wear a niqab.
Arabic clothing according to country
Fashion trends in Arabic clothing are based on four areas:
North Africa
The Levant
The Gulf
* Sudan
North African countries
We see many men, and even women, wearing Western clothing as we walk through the streets in Rabat or Tunis. Can we tell by their clothing if someone is Tunisian or Moroccan? Once we have identified the robes and headgear unique to each country, it is fairly easy.
Morocco
The Djellaba is a comfortable and flowing tunic with a long-sleeved hood. Djellaba is part of the national heritage and comes in earth tones for men, as well as bright colors for women.
Moroccans may choose to wear traditional slippers, called balgha in yellow or other colors, with their tunic.
Moroccan women’s clothing
* Kaftan: an overdress that is similar to the Djellaba but without a cape. It is worn at weddings or on special occasions and not every day.
Moroccan clothing for men
* Pandora: Most men wear Pandora. It is a short-sleeved, lighter robe than the Djellaba.
Tunisia
It can be not easy to find a traditional Tunisian outfit, especially in cities. A trip to Tunis’s medina or a wedding could be a great way to see the conventional Tunisian clothing.
Tunisian women clothing
Safseri is a long white veil that some older women still wear. If you’re interested in seeing one, head to the old Tunisian part.
Tunisian men clothing
* Chacha: this red flat hat is a symbol of Tunisian tradition and is worn by older men.
Algeria
Algeria, like Tunisia, has been heavily influenced in the West by Arabic clothing. It isn’t easy to see teenagers dressed in typical Algerian clothing.
These two items of clothing are worn most commonly by older women and men.
Algerian woman clothing
The Algerian woman loves colors and embroidery. This traditional embroidered coat has returned to the Algerian fashion scene and is now worn at weddings and important occasions.
Algerian Men Clothing
It is also made in Algeria, but it is usually brown or white.
Libya
Most young Libyans wear jeans and tee shirts. It is enough to leave the city to reach the Berber rural areas to see the original Libyan clothing.
Lybian men’s and women’s clothing:
Moroccan women and some Berber women from Libya wear this veil. This is a white cloth that covers the entire body.
* Holi is a white cloak that is wrapped around the body and usually worn with the taqiyah.
Egypt
You will be enchanted by the wide variety of Arabic clothing and attires just walking down the streets in Cairo. You will see women in niqabs, hijabi girls, and even ladies with no hair covering.
Most Egyptian men wear jeans and polo shirts. The majority of farmers and residents of certain areas of Cairo still prefer to wear traditional, breezy clothing.
Egyptian women’s clothing:
* “Jalabiya” or “galabeya”– A long tunic with no buttons or neck, similar to the Djellaba or the gandoura. The galabeya comes in a variety of colors and embroidery for women and neutral colors for men.
Egyptian Men’s Clothing:
This skullcap is worn under the men’s head scarf in many Levantine and Gulf countries. In Egypt, some men wear the cap as a standalone.
The Levant Region
In the Levant, as in the Maghreb, western clothing is predominant, particularly in large cities like Beirut and Damascus. Many local clothes and outfits are seen not only in the countryside but also in large cities.
We’ve already seen that the al-Maghreb has some common Arabic clothing items, like the gandura or barnous, which is a hooded Djellaba. The same is true for the Levant. However, certain headgear and tunics are specific to each country.
Jordan
Western-style clothing is common, particularly in the western part of Amman. In the eastern and downtown parts of Amman and smaller towns, you will see more conservative and traditional clothing.
Jordanian women’s clothing:
Combinations of Niqabs, Hijabs, Jilbabs, Jeans, T-shirts and Khimar.
Jordanian Men’s Clothing:
* Shemagh Mhadab is a red-checked keffiyeh that’s popular in the Gulf region, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The color is a symbol of the Bedouin culture and is, therefore, a Jordanian characteristic. The higher the wearer’s status, the more important the tassels.
Palestine
A mix of Western styles, similar to Jordan, has replaced the beauty of traditional Palestinian clothing.
Palestinian men’s and women’s clothing
Men in large cities like Ramallah and Jerusalem tend to wear jeans and tee shirts, while women prefer jilbabs, a soft western-style garment. The country does have a particular type of headgear, a chequered one, that represents it on a worldwide stage, thanks to Yasser Arafat.
* The black and white keffiyeh has been a unique pattern in Palestine for centuries. It became fashionable in America and Europe during the early 2000s.
Today, it is a symbol of support for the Palestinian cause.
Lebanon
Lebanon is arguably the most stylish Arab country. In the capital, Beirut, many women don’t wear a hijab.
Lebanese clothing for women and men
* Series — baggy, comfortable trousers that are also worn under a dishdasha in Gulf countries. Some Lebanese men still wear serials but without a thobe. Serials have become so popular that a woman’s version has been created.
Syria
Like other Levantine countries, Syria is seeing more and more women and men wearing Western clothing. Some women sport a hijab and others a jilbab, abaya, or niqab. Older men still wear long tunics and keffiyeh.
Traditionally, traditional clothes were known for their quality fabrics and beautiful embroidery. They are often black and red. They are no longer worn in urban areas and only on special occasions.
Syrian women’s clothing
“That” – Syrian “That” is a women’s garment, the opposite of its usage in most Gulf Countries. The garment is usually dyed in black and red, and a belt with the same color is often worn.
Syrian Men Clothing
The traditional Syrian outfit is not complete without the Serial. They are long and loose in black or neutral colors.
The thobes of Jordan and Syria are both red and black.
The Gulf Countries
It is easy to identify locals in the Gulf because they wear traditional Arabic clothing. The Dishdasha is a long white tunic worn by most men in the Gulf to keep cool.
In the cooler months, this tunic can be worn with the keffiyeh or a ghutra (a white, alight headscarf). Abayas are long, wide robes worn by women. They’re usually paired with a Shayla Hijab, which shows some hair, and a Niqab.
Although men’s thobes and women’s abayas may look the same throughout the Middle East, certain small details can help us distinguish between Kuwaiti and Omani.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi women and men have continued to wear their traditional Arabic clothes, and both genders must adhere to the modest Islamic dress.
Saudi women’s clothing
* The Niqab. While niqabs can be seen occasionally in North Africa and the Levant, they are now more common in Saudi Arabia. Women are only allowed to wear a face veil in Jeddah, Dammam, and other cities.
* Gloves — It is not unusual to see women with black gloves on their arms and hands.
Saudi Men Clothing
It is the Saudi term for the Jordanian-style keffiyeh that many Saudis wear in the winter instead of the ghutra.
The typical Saudi thobe is similar to a long shirt. * Dishdasha It is made of tight fabric and has a cufflink (Kabak).
Qatar
Qatari clothing is an expression of a strong national identity, even if only 25% of its 2.1 million residents are Qatari. Qatari fashion resembles that of Saudi Arabia but is much more colorful, particularly for women.
Most common clothing items include:
Qatari woman clothing
Some Qatari women wear the local version of this black Abaya.
Qatari Men Clothing
The Qatari human has a white color and a distinctly African feel, thanks to its two tails at the back of the head and the stiff front portion that resembles the cobra snake.
* Dishdasha — the Qatari Dishdasha is made of shiny fabrics, and it usually comes with a pocket.
Kuwait
The language and clothing of the 1.4 million Kuwaitis set them apart from the 2.3 million ex-pats who live in Kuwait.
The typical Kuwaiti clothing:
Kuwaiti women’s clothing:
Dara’a is the same name as the Qatari dress but comes in different colors and models. This dress is often seen at weddings, formal gatherings, dance events, and other occasions.
Kuwaiti men’s clothing:
Shemagh: The Kuwaiti human has a white color and is characterized by a scale-like shape from the front.
Dishdasha: The Kuwaiti dishdasha is similar to the classic but has a distinctive one-button neckline.
Bahrain
Bahrain’s traditional clothing is similar to other Gulf countries but has some unique features that set it apart from the neighboring countries. Bahrain’s traditional clothing is identical to other Gulf countries but has some distinctive features that set it apart from neighboring countries.
Bahrani woman clothing
* Abaya — look for red abayas embroidered with gold because they’re only worn on special occasions.
It is not uncommon to see women in this color wearing accessories on special occasions.
Bahrani man clothing
White is the most common color. It is best worn loosely to allow the head to move freely.
The Bahraini thobe, also known as the Dishdasha, is loose and comfortable. It is often worn with a shirt.
UAE
The UAE is home to a complex fashion scene in Arabic. Dubai is the most forward-looking state in the Emirates when it comes to clothing. However, the rest of the Emirates remains conservative.
Fashion in the UAE has changed incredibly quickly. In the past, women wore serials or burqas as a form of Arabic clothing. However, in recent years, Abaya has replaced these items.
The classic white thobe is now available in many different colors.
Emirati woman clothing
Abaya Dubai is the home of trendy abayas embellished with sequins and ribbons.
Emirati Men Clothing
Shemagh is a pattern that is mostly white but can also be found in the famous Jordanian “red and white” pattern. The style is loose and over the shoulder.
* Kandora is the UAE term for Dishdasha. It’s collarless and has a long tassel known as tarboosh. In the UAE, men have been wearing trucker or baseball hats in American style with their Kandora.
Oman
The Southern Sultanate pays great attention to its culture, national heritage, and Arabic clothing. Oman’s public sector employees are required to wear traditional dress. Western clothing is not allowed in Oman unless you are a tourist.
Traditional Omani clothing is incomplete without the following:
Omani woman clothing
The most common Abaya in Masqat is the Abaya, which is a black abaya decorated with colorful details.
This traditional tunic is worn by Omani women in rural areas. It comes in many colors and has rich details. You’ll often see it paired with loose-fitting shirts.
* Lahav is a headscarf that wraps around the head.
Omani man clothing
In Oman, there is no place for the human. The traditional cap is used in place of the human. It comes in different colors and has holes for cooling the head.
* A turban around the head with or without an under-kumma. Dishdasha can be in white or earthy tones like brown or gray. The tassel is also short.
Yemen
The country is rich in history and tradition. Yemeni clothing is just one way Yemenis show how closely they follow their traditions.
Yemeni clothing is an indication of where they are from. This could be the mountainous North or the coastal region of the West. Or it could be the tribal area in the South. Men are not shy about wearing Western clothing in the city.
What makes Yemeni clothing different from other Gulf countries?
Yemeni woman clothing
It is the Yemeni equivalent of the Abaya.
* LITHIA is more or less a Yemeni version of the niqab.
* Sitara is the traditional dress in Sana’a. Currently, this colorful cloth covers women from head to foot.
Yemeni Men Clothing
* A shawl is a headscarf that looks like a turban but has a different texture. It comes in a variety of colors.
* The Thobe is very popular in the North, but all the coastal areas wear the skirt known as ‘futa.’
It is not uncommon to see men wearing daggers on their belts in northern areas.
Sudan
Sudan’s fashion is distinctive and easy to recognize. Sudanese dress in many of the Arabic clothes that are popular throughout the Middle East.
Sudanese clothes are usually brighter and more colorful and remind us of clothing from other African countries.
Some people prefer traditional, loose-fitting clothing even though Western clothing is available in large cities. Here are some items of clothing that you should not miss when visiting Sudan.
Sudanese woman clothing
This large piece of Arabic clothing, unlike the Gulf, is made for women. It is worn around the head and body, depending on the occasion. The patterns and colors vary. The older women wear it, while the younger generations prefer to wear alternatives like abayas and long skirts.
* Hijab — being a Muslim nation, all Sudanese wear a head scarf, sometimes under the thobe.
Sudanese man clothing
Like the Egyptians, Sudanese like to wear loose-fitting clothes. Sudanese, however, tend to add a decorative scarf called ummah.
The skullcap can be worn without a keffiyeh to keep your head cool. This is the same as in Egypt.
Conclusion:
Some Arabic countries still wear their traditional clothing (Saudi Arabia, Yemen), while others have adopted the Western style.
Arabic clothing remains a major business in the Middle East. Arabic clothing is used in the Middle East to convey so much more than it does in Western countries.
As you will see, clothing in the Middle East is a fashion statement, just as it is in the West. But there’s a deeper social and moral component to the clothes here.
The garment can be used to indicate the region (country, town, tribe), social class, wealth, and even the personality of the wearer! The choice of clothing also reflects moral values that are not common in the West.
Some Arabs, for example, think that women who don’t wear hijabs have more morals but are also more open-minded. Women wearing hijabs, they feel, are more respectable and religious. There is also a large variety of Arab clothing. The list we have so far is only a small part of the vast array.
