What is a thobe?: Everything you need to know
The thobe remains a staple piece in modern fashion and Muslim culture. With its flowing materials and wide range of colours, textures, and patterns, the thobe is much more than just a garment.
But why is the thobe so significant, and why is it worn so widely by men in Arabian culture? Today, AbayaButh will walk through everything you need to know about the thobe, including its origin, importance, and the different types commonly worn by Arabian men.
At AbayaButh, we offer a wide selection of luxurious thobes in a range of soft, beautiful fabrics. Browse our collection to find modest fashion for men for any occasion.
Thobes: What are they?
The thobe, or ‘thawb’, is a long, ankle-length garment traditionally worn by men in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
Depending on the region, it’s also known as a dishdasha, jahiliyyah, or pandora. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a simple robe—the thobe carries meaning, history, and personal style in every stitch.
Men typically wear this garment during prayer, family gatherings, weddings, Eid celebrations, or even while completing their daily chores. It’s made to be loose-fitting, comfy, breathable, and versatile, with long sleeves, a clean cut, and a rounded or collar-style neckline.
Where did they originate?
Let’s rewind it back. While it’s hard to determine exactly where the thobe first emerged and when, it appears to have been a common way of dress for many cultures throughout the ages.
However, most historical accounts point to the thobe originating in the Arabian Peninsula. With the excessive heat, long garments and thin materials keep the body cool and protected from the sun while travelling through the desert, attending markets, or tending to livestock.
Why are they popular in Muslim culture?
As the Islamic culture began to expand and grow, the thobe became a staple piece of clothing, intertwined with the message and way of life.
But why has it stood the test of time across generations of this culture?
1. They’re modest and comfortable
It’s no secret that thobes are comfortable, easy to move in, and breathable, making them ideal for everyday wear in hot countries.
Typically made from soft materials like cotton and lightweight fabrics, the thobe covers the body in a way that’s respectful, loose-fitting, and free from anything overly flashy.
2. It’s Sunnah-friendly
Many Muslims dress in ways that are consistent with the Prophet Muhammad's customs.
During that period, the thobe and similar garments such as qamīṣ, jubbah, and ḥibarah were widely worn. While there’s no strict obligation to wear a thobe, it’s seen as a way to follow a prophetic example, especially during religious occasions or acts of worship.
3. Provides unity
The thobe brings Muslim men together, helping them recognise one another and share their faith.
But that doesn’t mean everyone has to look the same. You’ll see a sea of thobes at the mosque—white, beige, navy, embroidered, and plain—and each one reflects personal taste.
It says, We’re part of something together, no matter where you are in the world.
What are the different types of thobes?
There’s no one-thobe-fits-all— these garments might share a common silhouette, but depending on where you're from (or where you shop), you’ll find all sorts of regional twists, signature details, and fashion-forward touches.
The Saudi thobe (the classic white)
The Saudi thobe is the classic white thobe that you see many Arabic men wearing.
These are usually made from lightweight cotton or poly-cotton blends with a sharp collar and a slightly more fitted torso. It’s beloved for its symbol of purity, respect, and luxury, often worn with a red and white checkered shemagh or plain white ghutra head covering.
The Emirati thobe
Emirati thobes are a popular style, serving as a testament to the cultural heritage of the emirates.
These often feature a slightly more relaxed neckline, with a thin, rope-like tassel (tarboosh) attached at the chest. While simple, these are comfortable and beautiful, favoured for their crisp appearance and range of colours.
Premium Emirati Thobe with Pleat Detailing in Blue Mirage
The Kuwaiti thobe
Known for their luxurious and meticulous design, Kuwaiti thobes feature fine detailing, similar to the Saudi style.
The cut is often structured and clean without being too fitted to the body for easy movement. These are available in a wide range of colours, with embellished designs. They also feature a shirt-style collar with a placket that usually hides the buttons for a cleaner look.
Premium Kuwaiti Thobe in Charcoal Grey
The Omani thobe
Omani thobes are known for bringing flair, with beautiful designs, colours, and embroidery.
These thobes are lightweight with a slightly stiffer fabric for structure and are available in a range of colours, from light to dark. Omani thobes often include a colourful furakha (decorative tassel) attached at the neckline, which can be perfumed for an extra touch.
They are often worn with the distinctive Omani kumma (embroidered cap).
Premium Omani Thobe in Endless Sky
Regional variations
- In Saudi Arabia, many Muslims wear white thobes, as these help to keep cool in the blazing sun with sleek and fitted designs.
- Omani thobes often include intricate embroidery around the neckline and occasionally include perfume-soaked tassels (yes, really).
- In Sudan and East Africa, the shape often mirrored local dress traditions, blending Arabic and African influences.
- While people in South Asia don’t wear thobes, the concept appeared in parallel forms like the kurta or shalwar kameez, showing how modest dress travelled and adapted across regions.
When can thobes be worn?
One of the best things about thobes is that they’re not tied to one occasion. You’ll spot them at weddings, in mosques, and during family brunches.
Thobes can and are worn for every occasion, including:
- Jummah (Friday prayers)
- Ramadan
- Eid
- Weddings and nikahs
- Daily wear
- Hajj and Umrah
- At home
What is the difference between a thobe and a jubba?
Interestingly, the thobe and jubba are just two words that are used interchangeably to describe an ankle-length, flowing robe garment.
However, ‘thobe’ is often used in English culture, coming from the Arabic word ‘thawb’, meaning garment, while ‘Jubba’ is adopted more in South Asian countries. The more you know!
Choosing the right thobe
With so many options on the market, deciding which thobe is right for you can be a challenge. The right thobe should feel like you. It should fit your lifestyle, your routine, and your style.
1. What’s the occasion?
If you’re looking for something you can wear every day, go for something casual and breathable, like an Emirati-style thobe.
A clean, white thobe or a neutral shade like grey or sand is always a great option for prayer or visiting the mosque. For Eid or weddings, you might want to go for something a little more luxurious and detailed, like a Kuwaiti or Omani thobe.
2. Think about fabric
During summer, you’ll want to opt for soft and breezy fabrics like thin cotton or polyester.
When it comes to winter, you can always layer your thobe with a pair of pants or top, but opt for thicker fabrics like wool blends.
3. Consider the cut and fit
If you prefer something a little less restrictive and tailored, a Kuwaiti thobe, with its tight shirt collar, might not be for you.
Instead, go for something with a wider neckline and a little more loose, like an Emirati thobe. Omani thobes are also a great option if you want something versatile, lightweight, and stylish.
4. Settling on a colour
Different colours are better matched with different occasions. During happy celebrations or summer activities, lighter colours like white, olive, blue, and green are great choices, creating an uplifting outfit.
Black or navy is ideal for evening events, with a slightly more dressed-up and smart look. Neutral colours like grey, beige, and olive are great for those middle-ground days where you want to look sharp without going all in.
Find the right thobe for you at AbayaButh
Now that you’ve discovered that a thobe is much more than just a style choice, it’s time to find the right one for your wardrobe.
At AbayaButh, we stock premium thobes that feel great, look sharp, and actually last. From Omani to Emirati styles, clean cuts to subtle detailing — our collection is carefully chosen with you in mind.
Explore our collection today to find your next Eid outfit or everyday wear.
