In the traditionally rich culture of the Middle East, thobes play an integral role, and each variant of a thobe is representative of a unique heritage. Every thobe you will encounter in the Middle East narrates a story of pride and a shared cultural and religious identity and is crafted meticulously to reflect the values of that specific origin best.
However, Moroccan and Emirati thobes are the two most renowned thobes in the Middle East. Although both fall under the same broad category of a thobe, many differences still distinguish them.
Therefore, we will explore the differences between Moroccan and Emirati thobes in today’s blog, highlighting each thobe’s unique characteristics.
Moroccan Vs. Emirati Thobes
Moroccan Thobes
Djellabas (Moroccan thobes) are the native attire of the North African civilization. The history of Moroccan thobes dates back centuries. In fact, the continuation of wearing these garments regularly is one of the many traditions the locals have preserved.
These thobes stand unique due to their high-quality and lightweight fabric, intricate embroidery, and one eminent distinction: the garment has half sleeves. (If you are ever confused with differentiating between thobes, just know that a half-sleeved thobe is most likely to be a djellaba).
The accompanying hood is another prominent feature of Moroccan thobes that adds to their distinct appearance and makes the clothing item much suited for the local wearers.
This hood is also known as the “koummya” or the “kufiya” and is specifically included in the design of the Moroccan thobe to provide an additional layer of protection against the region’s harsh weather and extreme winds.
Emirati Thobes
A Kandura (Emirati thobe) is a classic collarless thobe accessorized with a long tassel extending from the neck to the torso. Emirati thobes are typically made in breathable and lightweight fabrics and embody an understated and subtle elegance.
Although from the appearance and the outlook, a kandura seems simple and minimalistic, and it is rare to encounter embroidery, the thobe is still such that a wearer looks sophisticated and refined in it.
Nonetheless, even if you ever come across an Emirati thobe with embroidery, the embroidery is minimal and found only on the sleeves or a specific patch on the neckline.
This is primarily done to keep the simplicity and essence of an Emirati thobe intact and further highlight its uniqueness amongst other kinds of thobes.
Differences Between Moroccan And Emirati Thobes
1) Style & Cut
Moroccan Thobe
The djellaba is designed with a varying fit, with a loose fit around the shoulders, whereas the bottom will be more tampered and relatively fitted. Similarly, its style includes a collar and features a range of embellishments, such as zippers, buttons, tassels, or embroidery throughout the neckline.
Emirati Thobe
Contrary to a Moroccan thobe, a kandura has more of a slim fit designed to compliment the wearer’s body shape. Rather than being loose at one part and fitted at another, the Emirati thobe has a straight cut and is collarless to add to its clean and minimalistic look. Therefore, the Emirati thobe gives the individual a sleek, contemporary, functional, and stylish look.
2) Fabric
Moroccan Thobe
Even though you can almost always find a Moroccan thobe in a lighter and breathable fabric, the djellaba is still manufactured in a range of other heavier fabrics to accommodate the region’s locals. For example, wool or thick cotton.
Emirati Thobe
On the other hand, considering the non-variant, much more stable climate of the United Arab Emirates, a Kandura is only available in a single fabric, notably cotton. This is because cotton is one of those materials that ideally satisfies the needs of the climatic region as it is breathable (circulates air), lightweight, and has hypoallergenic qualities.
3) Designs
Moroccan Thobe
For Moroccan thobes, you will find a myriad of designs. There is a lot of internal variation within djellaba, such as colorful patterns, bold and bright colors, embroidery, and buttons.
Emirati Thobe
Compared with a Moroccan thobe, the Emirati thobe tends to be simpler and is generally perceived to be more in alliance with contemporary fashion trends. However, for your personal preference, you can add embroidery to the neckline or sleeve cuffs.
Final Verdict
Settling the debate between Moroccan vs. Emirati thobes cannot be done through facts. Rather, the decisive factor that determines your final decision is your liking and your style.
Agreeably, both thobes, in their essence, are distinct, much liked, and favored; still, it is you who will have to decide which thobe out of the two appeals to you more.
- If you are more inclined towards intricate designs and want a festive garment that will assist you in making a statement, then Moroccan thobes are your go-to.
- If you want a minimalist design but at the same time sleek and stylish in its look, then Emirati thobes are a perfect pick.
At Men Thobes UK, we cater to our customers with the highest quality of varying thobes. Whether you want an Emirati or a Moroccon thobe and want to personalize the thobe to reflect your individuality, we are here to be your #1 online retailer, guaranteeing to deliver you the best on time and within an economical range.
Contact us today, and together, let’s help you find YOUR thobe!