Thobes or Jubbas have long been part of many cultures’ traditional, symbolic ensembles. This attire not only represents one’s heritage and religion but also exudes a timeless, classic appeal, significantly amplifying an individual’s appearance.
Whether you are attending a casual or a formal gathering, a religious ceremony, or simply looking for an outfit to go about your day routinely, thobe is a garment that is never there to disappoint.
Among the variety of colors available for thobes, the long-standing debate has always been between the two iconic ones: men’s black thobes vs white thobes for men. Proponents and opponents of each present their fair arguments in favor; however, in today’s blog, we will discuss the difference between black and white thobe and what makes them distinct.
Difference Between Black And White Thobe
Within black thobes vs. white thobes, there are more similarities than differences. Still, the distinguishing factors that set them apart are notable and essential to be highlighted. Primarily, these are associated with the thobe’s appeal and its historical, cultural, and religious significance, which we will explore in the following section.
1) Cultural Importance
White Thobes
Typically, in any culture where thobes are a customary and prevalent outfit, white thobes are linked with simplicity and purity. Even internationally, people perceive white as a color of cleanliness and peace, and they wear it on several occasions.
Similarly, in the Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures, white thobes are worn for Friday prayers and other religious events like Eid and Eid namaz. The elegance of this color radiates a sense of spirituality, reinforcing a sense of purity and serenity and embodying the ideals of grace.
Black Thobes
Unlike white thobes, black thobes in different cultures are considered a color of reverence and modesty. Specifically, in Islamic tradition, Muslims frequently wear black thobes during ceremonies or events with solemnity, thus reflecting mourning.
For example, at funerals and particularly during the month of Muharram, it is normative for you to encounter people dressed in black thobes. This is because of how the color conveys contemplation and respect for the deceased and depicts unanimity in grievances for the atrocities inflicted upon the ummah at Karbala.
2) Historical Roots
White Thobes
The historical roots for white thobes precisely stem from the Arab tradition whereby, considering the harsh and warm climates of the Arabian desert, white thobes were an optimal choice for merchants and travelers.
As white is a color that reflects heat instead of trapping it, people at that time, to endure and withstand the climate, consciously chose to wear white thobes regularly.
Black Thobes
The origination of black thobes can be traced back to the initial Islamic era. Throughout this span, everyone wore black thobes because clothing manufacturers traditionally used the natural color of the wool (black) due to the constraints of technology and advancement.
Although black thobes absorb heat and do not reflect it, they were still popular with passengers as the clothing helped conceal dirt and dust.
3) Versatility
White Thobes
Regarding versatility and routine wear, most wearer’s primary choice is a white thobe. White thobes are a signature dress code for every occasion. It does not matter if the gathering is casual or formal; with a white thobe, you can blend in anywhere and at any time.
Black Thobes
Contrasting black thobes vs white thobes, black thobes are the attire that is usually reserved for more formal gatherins. The sleek and classy look of the black thobe effortlessly makes one stand out as refined, sophisticated, and fashionable amongst a crowd.
Your Thobe Buying Guide At Mens Thobe UK
Confused about which thobe to go for between black thobes vs. white thobes? Let us assist you with our thobe buying guide, which will help you decide when shopping at Mens Thobe UK.
Our white and black thobe collections have been made with the highest standard of craftsmanship, keeping in mind to provide our customers with most premium quality, so whatever color you purchase will be a win-win outcome for you.
Still, a few questions that can prompt you to think more precisely are:
- What is the occasion for which you need a thobe?
Black thobes are considerably more formal than white, whereas white is a preference for more casual day-to-day wear.
- What is the climate of your region?
White thobes are a much more suitable option for warmer temperatures, and black thobes for colder climates.
- What’s your inclination and style? Are you a minimalist and a modern aesthetic admirer, or do you like a more clean and classic look?
Black thobes if the former, and white thobes if the latter.
Why Is Men Thobes UK A Go-To For Thobes?
The answer to this question is rooted in our commitment to prioritizing customization. At our company, we want our thobe to be bespoke and a testament to your individuality. Therefore, we are happy to help you with any modifications and alterations that you wish in your thobe, which are through:
- Custom fabric sourcing: 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
- Custom stitching: If you are dissatisfied with our size guide and want a more personalized stitch in a standard or a plus size, let us know!
- Make unique changes to your thobes neckline: add embroidery, buttons and tassels, get a collarless or collared thobe
- The best part: Avail all these perks within a reasonable price range coupled with a fast and efficient international delivery service
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!