Thobe vs Kurta: What’s the Difference in Fit, Style & Use?

Perhaps you are used to wearing a kurta during Eid, and you are now considering thobes, or perhaps it is the other way around. In pictures, they can look similar. Now let's look at thobe vs. kurta: what’s the difference in fit, style, and use of a thobe and a kurta? In short, a thobe is a full-length dress, and a kurta is a dress for the upper body that you wear over trousers. All that one difference has an impact on everything, ranging from the size to where each looks good. 

What is a thobe?

Originally from the Arabian Peninsula, a thobe is a long robe that is paired with leggings that extend to the ankles. Designed from shoulder to ankle as a single piece of clothing. Many men still go without light trousers for comfort and coverage, because nothing is obviously being shown.

There are variations according to country. The collar and front buttons are carefully arranged in a Saudi thobe, a tassel is sewn on the neckline in an Emirati kandura, and the collar is embroidered in an Omani dishdasha 

What is a kurta?

A kurta is a South Asian tunic typically down to the knees or slightly longer. Often worn over trousers like Pajama, Salwar, or Churidar. There is no collar in a traditional kurta, but in a modern one there will be a standing collar. There are variations of styles such as the Pathani kurta with more widely flaring shoulders and an Afghan influence.

Thobe vs kurta comparison

It's the fit that counts, not the appearance. Pakistani kurtas are loosely cut in casual style, but tightly in formal style through the chest and shoulders. Unlike a tunic, the thobe hangs straight from the shoulder and will not come into contact while in prayer, sitting or prostrate.

In style, thobes are minimal, with plain fabric, clean lines, and detail at the collar or the cuffs. Festive kurtas tend to be embellished with embroidery or textured materials and may be worn over a waistcoat. 

Which one should you choose?

If you're looking for a garment that you can wear immediately without looking incomplete, then a thobe is right for you. It is also believed by many Muslims that wearing a short robe for giving prayer on Friday is following the prophetic model. Gulf headwear such as a kufiya shemagh looks great with a Saudi-style thobe. The negative side of this is that a long hem collects rain and puddles, and one light layer won't keep you warm during a British winter.

If flexibility is your concern, then a kurta is the perfect choice for you. You can wear it with other trousers on mehndi day, add a waistcoat for a wedding, or change them. Unfortunately, you have to have matching bottoms with them, although the slimmer the cut is, the better for long prayers. 

To be worn during the cold season, a Moroccan thobe with hood would be more appropriate.

Mistakes to avoid when ordering online

• Seeking the thobe according to kurta sizes: Starting at the top of your shoulder, choose a length for the hem, then check the size guide.

• But would you wear a thobe while wearing a long kurta? The two are often confused in listings and will be shortened depending on what's listed out.

• If you were to say one thobe for all seasons. A shemagh worn around the shoulders is helpful on cold Fajr walks; however, the heavier the fabric, the more beneficial. 

Picking the right one for you

So, thobe vs kurta: what’s the difference in fit, style, and use? Choose a thobe if you prefer using one piece of clothing for the masjid and also for Eid. A kurta comes with a lot of ease of being wrapped and can be worn with different trousers for family gatherings when required. There are lots of men who own both. A lightweight kandura thobe is a “safe” option for people new to wearing the thobe.