What Does A Black Thobe Mean?
The tradition and legacy of wearing thobes have been passed down from lineage. However, out of the many cultural aspects, thobes are a particular cultural symbol that has withstood the test of time in Arab and Middle Eastern cultures.
Thobes are long, loose robes that were originally designed to meet the demands of men in the Arabian Peninsula who sought a garment that would be light and breathable on the skin, providing comfort in the hot and arid climates.
Fast forwarding in centuries, initially conceived as a convenience, thobes are now pronounced as a fashion testament, with the significance of black thobes growing yearly. Today, in our article, we will explore the differing interpretations linked with what a black thobe means and whether the mere color of this attire holds any significance for the wearers.
Thobe Colors & Its Implication
Varying thobe colors have differing implications. Where a white thobe may signify purity and cleanliness, a blue color thobe would stand as a representative of tranquility. Similarly, other earthy color tones, such as beige or brown, symbolize practicality and modesty.
So is the case with men’s black thobes. While people quickly jump to conclusions and associate superstitions or grievances with this color, nothing of the sort exists. Instead, black is seen to be a color denoting formality and sophistication in both formal and informal contexts.
What is the Significance Of Black Thobe Men?
Historical Importance
Let’s go back decades to examine the initiation of thobes. The paradigm found at that time was that thobes were only available in a single, decisive color that dominated the market for years- white.
Nevertheless, with progression and advancement, as dyeing techniques surfaced and evolved, black thobes emerged and immediately gained popularity amongst wearers.
Still, historically and as per the custom, black thobes were regarded as reverence and therefore preserved as a garment that was only to be worn by high-ranking individuals and the nobility on special events.
Thus, the significance of black thobe even to this day derives inspiration from its historical importance and is perceived as an embodiment of tradition and heritage.
Religious Importance
The significance of black thobe in religious contexts, specifically in Islam, is related to mourning. Muslim communities wear black thobes on particular occasions; namely, the one which is the most prominent amongst all is that of Muharram.
During the period of Muharram, Muslims consciously choose to wear a black thobe as it is a representative of how they are engaged in mourning the atrocities that were inflicted upon the Muslim ummah.
Additionally, the significance of black thobe extends beyond Muharram and to events like funerals. However, as stated before and reiterating now, black is not a color of grieving because men wear black thobes to their Friday or jummah prayers, and it is only because of the color’s simplicity and grace.
Formal & Elegant
Yet another pervasive stance that contributes to the significance of black thobe and answers the question of “what does a black thobe mean?” is that it is a formal and elegant attire.
A black thobe satisfies the demands of multiple occasions, especially formal events. The single thobe color stands on its own even when not accessorized with anything. This means and also implies that a black thobe’s elegance needs not to be amplified as the color adds a sense of gravity and sophistication to the garment.
Ideal Occasions For Styling A Black Thobe
Weddings & Other Festive Rituals
Whether going to a wedding, attending any other festive ritual or activity, such as Eid dinner, or praying Eid namaz, a black thobe will always be at your rescue. Your black thobe gives you complete discretion and freedom over how you want to style it.
For example, if you want to go “all out,” pair your black thobe with a black headscarf or a white one (if you’re going to make a notable appearance). Contrarily, accessorize your thobe with a watch or traditional sandals and pair it with a Kufi (cap) instead of a scarf.
Formal Meetings
For any formal meeting related to a business endeavor or something else, you can pair your black thobe with a pair of trousers of the same color or a white one. Both effortlessly exude decency and certainly comply with the standards of formality.
However, our biased opinion would be to wear white trousers underneath to appear bold, confident, and assertive.
Casual Hangouts
The best way to style your black thobe for casual hangouts is to add to it- throw on a denim or a leather jacket and see your aura immediately transform. Not only will wearing your black thobe with another garment appear classy, but it will also make your outfit seem more contemporary and chic.
You do not have to style your thobe traditionally. Hence, we recommend wearing white sneakers underneath your black thobe instead of your everyday sandals.
Why Men Thobes UK Should Be Your Go-To For Black Thobe
At Men’s Thobe UK, we continuously advocate for personalization, which is evident in the various customization options we offer to all our customers. Our priority is your comfort, and if that comes about through refining or redesigning our designs, then we are happy to help you!
- Though we offer the highest quality of silk, cotton, polyester, and mix (cotton and polyester), you can still custom source any fabric of your liking, and rest assured, we will get the top-notch quality stitched and delivered to you.
- Not satisfied with the standard, normative small, and medium sizes? Get your thobe custom stitched in any size, even plus-size! Send in your measurements, and let us handle the rest for you.
- There’s always room for modifications. Do you not like the embroidered neckline, want a collarless thobe, or want to add tassels? Make your unique and preferred changes!
- Lastly, do not confuse our economical prices with low quality because the motivation for our rather economical prices is to make luxury affordable for all!
In addition to selling men’s thobes in retail, we also provide custom services for men’s thobes wholesale in the UK. So don’t hesitate to let us know any requirements you have!