Men's Thobes Explained: Emirati, Saudi, and Moroccan Styles
The quick answer: Emirati thobes usually have a collarless neckline and a tassel, Saudi thobes usually have a structured shirt collar and cuffs, and Moroccan styles include the hooded djellaba and other looser cuts. Check each garment's listing for its exact details. All three are the same idea, a full-length men's garment, cut for different regions.
Kandura, thobe, dishdasha: same family
Kandura is the Emirati word for what Saudis call a thobe and others call a dishdasha or jubba. When a shop lists an Emirati thobe and a kandura, they are describing the same garment style.
The Emirati thobe
Clean and collarless: a round neckline, hidden front buttons, side pockets, and the tarboosh, a tassel at the chest that is usually removable. It is the most minimal of the three and the easiest first thobe. Our Father Son Cotton Emirati Thoub ($25 to $35) is exactly this cut in breathable cotton, and the Father Son Emirati Thoub ($25 to $35) is the same style in a silky smooth fabric. Both run kids sizes 20 to 50 and adult sizes 52 to 62, so sons match fathers.
The Saudi thobe
The Saudi cut borrows from the dress shirt: a structured collar, usually two-button, buttoned cuffs, and often a chest pocket. It reads sharper and more formal. Our online catalog has Emirati styles and a Moroccan set; contact us to ask about Saudi-style thobes.
The Moroccan thobe
Moroccan garments include the djellaba, a loose robe with a hood, and the gandora, a lighter style without one. Depending on the fabric and decoration, they are worn every day or for occasions. Our 2 Piece Moroccan Thoub ($120) in white or cream is made for Eid, weddings, and evenings.
Which style for Houston heat, which for Eid?
For a hot Jummah, cotton wins: light color, Emirati cut, no extra layer. For Eid night or a wedding, the Moroccan set or a silky Emirati in a deeper color steps up. White is a common choice for Jummah, and many men choose colors for Eid.
Length and sizing
Thobe sizes are lengths in inches from the top of the shoulder to the hem, exactly like our abayas. A size 58 thobe is 58 inches long. Choose a hem that does not drag and matches the coverage you prefer; if you wear your thobe above the ankle, measure to that point. Tall men should trust the number, not the letter on a tag: measure shoulder to ankle and pick the nearest size. Our size guide walks through the measuring.
Finish the look
A white knit kufi completes it for prayer and Jummah. The Turkish Knitted Cap ($5) and the matching kids version ($5) keep fathers and sons matched head to toe.
Common questions
Does an Emirati thobe have a collar or a tassel?
No collar; a round neckline. Yes, a tassel, the tarboosh, at the chest, and on ours it is removable.
What does a Saudi thobe look like?
Shirt-style collar, usually two-button, buttoned cuffs, and often a chest pocket. It is the most tailored-looking of the three.
Is a Moroccan thobe the hooded, embroidered one?
The djellaba is the hooded Moroccan robe. A Moroccan two-piece set, like ours, is a different style; check the listing for its details.
For a first thobe, do I want a two-button collar or a looser collar?
Many men start with the collarless Emirati cut because it is simple and easy to wear. Try it on, or ask us for measurements, before deciding.
Should a thobe be white for Jummah and a color for Eid?
White is a common Friday choice, and color is popular for Eid. Wear what is clean and comfortable, and ask your imam if you want guidance on prayer clothing.
Do boys' thobes come in the same styles?
Yes. Our Emirati thobes run from kids size 20 up through adult 62 in the same cut and colors, which is why they are labeled Father Son.
The best way to pick a thobe is to try it on and check the hem in the mirror. Visit us at 14619 Beechnut St, Suite A, Houston, or message us your height through the contact page and we will recommend a size before you order.
