Thawb

A thawb is a special kind of long, flowing robe that many men wear in the Arab world. It is also called a dishdashah or kandura in some places. This robe has long sleeves and reaches all the way down to the ankles. People wear it in both everyday life and on special occasions, depending on where they live.

In places like Saudi Arabia, a thawb is often the main outfit men choose when they want to look their best. Even though it started in the Arab world, many men in other parts of the world also wear a similar robe. For example, in places like the Indian subcontinent, it is called a jubbah. Some people wear it because they believe it reminds them of Muhammad, the founding Islamic prophet, because it is very modest and simple to wear.

Etymology

The word thawb (ثَوْب) is a Standard Arabic word that means "dress" or "garment". It can also be written as thobe, thaub, or thob.

Name by locality

Regional variations

The thawb is a popular outfit for men across the Arabian Peninsula. It is usually made from polyester fabric, but in colder areas like the Levant, it may be made from heavier materials such as sheep's wool. Different areas call this garment by different names: in Iraq, Kuwait, the Levant, and Oman, it is often called a dishdashah; in the United Arab Emirates and the Maghreb, it is known as a kandura. In places like Pakistan, it may be called a 'Jubbah' and have special designs that match local traditions.

In the Arabian Peninsula, thobes are often made from white or beige fabric, with colored ones worn in winter. They are important for cultural identity and are worn for special events and religious ceremonies. Designers have added modern touches to this traditional outfit. Thawb sleeves and collars can be made stiff for a fancier look, and extra details like pockets and embroidery can be added. In the UAE and Oman, men's thobes often have no collar and use special frog closures instead of buttons, sometimes with tassels. In Oman, the tassels are short, but in the UAE, they can be longer, reaching down to the waist.

Cultural significance

A thawb is often paired with a bisht, also called a mishlah or ʿabāʾ, which means "cloak." People wear bishts for special events like ceremonies, weddings, Eids, and funerals. Bishts are commonly worn by religious leaders but can also show wealth or an important position. These cloaks were first made in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, and are popular in the Arabian Peninsula and parts of southern Iraq.