In various Islamic countries, men are typically seen wearing traditional clothing called thawbs (thobes or tobes). But what is a thobe? Is it only for men? Can women wear thobes? Let's find out!
A thawb is a long, loose-fitting robe-like garment. It is usually ankle length and has long sleeves. Every Muslim country has a unique thobe design, particularly Moroccan thobes. They instil various decorations and fashions to represent regional preferences and customs.
The basic design of a tobe stays unchanged. It remains a modest and respectable garment for Muslim men.
Why Do Muslims Wear Thobes?
Islam values the thobe because of its
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Practicality
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Humility
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Devotion to religious principles
Men’s thawbs are primarily motivated by the desire to uphold Islamic principles of modesty in attire, paired with shemagh scarf.
In line with Islamic values of modesty and decency, the garment's flowing, loose fit guarantees that your body is sufficiently covered. The thobe also represents
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Customs
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Respect
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Identity
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Culturality
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Historical value
Thobe is frequently worn to symbolise religious devotion and cultural pride at sophisticated events like weddings and spiritual rituals.
Furthermore, the thobe's simplicity echoes the modesty and humility that Islam promotes. It places a higher priority on such virtues than on consumerism and excess.
Wearing tobes is also connected to social standing and reputation in some areas. The versatility of Islamic cultural customs are reflected in the clothing. You must save certain fabrics for special occasions or worn by people of various social standing. Pair your thawb with a Yemeni shemagh.
Can a Woman Wear a Thawb?
Within Islamic societies, there is much dispute about whether or not a woman can wear a thawb. This argument stems from varying perspectives on cultural norms and theological teachings.
Though the thobe is typically associated with men's clothing, Islamic scripture does not explicitly forbid women from donning comparable clothes.
In truth, women may have worn thobe-like clothes, like Moroccan thobe with hood, in various civilisations. However, they may have differed in form and design to satisfy modesty standards and feminine preferences.
Women increasingly dress modestly in today’s modern times, drawing inspiration from traditional Islamic thobes, including Emirati thobes. This indicates a more significant tendency among women to wear modest clothing and display their culture in a way that balances their religious convictions with current fashion choices.
Study the differences between keffiyeh and shemagh.
What is a Thobe in English?
The term ‘thobe’ is derived from the Arabic word ’ثَوْب’ (pronounced thawb). Its literal meaning is ‘garment’ or ‘dress.’ Its name is the same in English language as well. This garment is characterized by its:
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Loose-fitting design
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Long sleeves
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Simple construction
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Suitability for hot climates
What is Thobe Made Of?
The tobe is typically made from fabrics, such as:
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Cotton
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Cotton blends
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Polyester blends
In regions like the Gulf countries, the thawb is referred to as a:
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Dishdasha, or
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Kandura
In Levant, the thobe is called a ‘jubbah’ or ‘jubba’
Beyond its practical use, the thobe holds cultural and religious significance. For many Muslim men, wearing a tobe aligns with the Islamic principles of modesty. It is considered a reflection of cultural identity and pride.
Read: Why do Islamic men wear thobes?
The Bottom Line
Knowing what is a thobe and a person's ability to wear it is determined by the culture and the wearer's preferences. Within Islamic teachings, some people may uphold conventional gender roles and dress codes.
In contrast, others may adopt a more inclusive and varied approach to identification and costume. Shop the best, authentic thawbs for men of all ages from Al-Haq Thobes UK!