Thawb

Regional variations

The thawb is commonly worn by men in the Arabian Peninsula. It is normally made with polyester fabric, but heavier materials such as sheep's wool can also be used, especially in colder climates in the Levant. The style of the thawb varies between regions. In Iraq, Kuwait, the Levant, and Oman, dishdashah is the most common word for the garment; in the United Arab Emirates and the Maghreb, the word kandura is used. In Pakistan and other parts of the sub-continent, it is often to referred to as a 'Jubbah' and designed in an ornate style in keeping with local traditions.

Arabian Peninsula

In the Arabian Peninsula, thobes (thawb) are typically made with white or beige polymer fabric, with coloured wool thobes worn in the winter months. Thobes are commonly worn by men and are considered symbols of national and cultural identity, and are appropriate attire for formal occasions and religious ceremonies. In recent years, the thobes have become a popular fashion item, with many fashion designers adding their own modern twists to the traditional garment.

Thawb sleeves and collars can be stiffened to give a more formal appearance, front pockets and embroidery could be added, and placket buttons can be covered, exposed, or replaced by zippers. In the UAE and Oman, men's thobes have no collar, use frog closures as placket fasteners, and include tassels; in Oman, tassels tend to be short, and in the UAE tassels extend to the waist.

Cultural significance

A thawb is sometimes worn with a bisht (بِشْت), also known in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula as a mishlah (مِشْلَح) or ʿabāʾ (عَبَاء), meaning 'cloak'. It is usually worn on ceremonial occasions or by officials. A bisht is usually worn by religious clergy, but can also be worn at weddings, Eids, and funerals. It may indicate wealth and royalty or sometimes a religious position. It was originally manufactured in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, and it is usually worn in the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, Syria, and parts of southern Iraq.