How to Wear a Thobe

The thobe, a traditional garment from the Arabian Peninsula, has transcended its geographical roots to become a worldwide symbol of Islamic culture and identity. This elegant and simple attire has found a place in the wardrobes of Muslim men around the globe, celebrated for its beauty, comfort and modesty.

As soon as the thobe emerged from its founding region, the adopting cultures took the garment and put their own cultural spin on it. That’s how we’ve ended up with a wonderful variety of thobes (and as many names for them) that instantly click as being from a certain place, be it Morocco, Kuwait or Malaysia. Find out more about international thobes here.

But the adaptability of the thobe does not stop at cultural boundaries within the Islamic world. It also meets the modern age with style and grace, blending effortlessly with Western fashion while keeping its unique cultural significance intact.

Whether you’re attending a mosque, enjoying a family gathering, or just going about your day, the thobe stands as a versatile garment that can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Here’s your guide to wearing the thobe in both traditional and contemporary styles.

A traditional thobe with a Western twist

Traditionally, a thobe is worn with sandals, embodying simplicity and authenticity. However, for the modern Muslim man living in the Western world or simply looking for a contemporary spin on this classic attire, there are endless ways to integrate it with Western clothing.

Jeans underneath

For a casual yet smart look, consider wearing a shorter, tailored thobe over a pair of slim-fit jeans. This combination bridges tradition with modern urban culture, perfect for outings with friends or casual Fridays at work.

Layering with jackets

Adding a bomber jacket or a sleek blazer over your thobe can transform it into an outfit fit for cooler climates while maintaining an air of sophistication and trendiness. In fact, pretty much any jacket can be worn over the thobe as they tend to be quite light. That’s hardly surprising when you consider the garment was pioneered in one of the warmest regions on earth – anywhere else would benefit from an extra layer!

The thobe and waistcoat combination

Throw on a smart dark waistcoat over your white thobe and you’ve got an instant ready-for-business look. It’s the perfect blend of culture, modernity and Western formal fashion. That’s probably why it’s a hit among politicians, business leaders and other influencers looking to create a good impression.

Trainers for comfort

Pairing your thobe with trainers is perhaps the epitome of comfort meeting tradition. This combination works exceptionally well with short-sleeved thobes and brings an athletic yet elegant vibe to your ensemble.

Joggers for an active lifestyle

Incorporating joggers under your thobe elevates the comfort level and adds a sporty twist to your traditional wear. Opt for joggers in neutral colours to maintain coherence with the thobe’s simplicity. Whether you’re busy working, engaging in sport or just chilling, joggers just work.

Gilets for an outdoorsy look

A gilet layered over the top of your thobe introduces an outdoorsy and adventurous element to your outfit. This is perfect for chilly mornings in the city or shopping at an outdoor market. The traditional look is unmistakable but with the torso snugly covered, you’re ready to face the elements.

Navigating through the different types of thobe

Each style of thobe carries its own charm and is best suited to varying occasions and activities:

Emirati thobe: Known for its loose fit and high-quality fabrics, the Emirati thobe is elegance personified. Style it with formal shoes and a keffiyeh for traditional events or private gatherings.
Omani thobe: The Omani variant stands out with its choice of lighter fabrics and distinctive tassel. It pairs well with sandals and is suitable for daily wear or informal occasions.
Collared thobe: Bringing in elements of Western shirts, collared thobes are versatile and can easily transition from day wear to evening attire. Pair these with lace-up boots or loafers.
Long-sleeved thobe: Ideal for formal settings and cooler weather, long-sleeved thobes can be matched with formal shoes or boots. They work splendidly under tailored coats in winter.
Short-sleeved thobe: For summer days or sports activities, opt for this more relaxed version. Best worn with trainers or sandals for maximum comfort – and if the sun shines, crack open those sunglasses for the ultimate cool look.
Eid and Ramadan thobe: Typically featuring intricate designs and luxurious fabrics, these thobes are perfect for festive occasions. Accessorise with jewellery and dress shoes to mark the celebrations.
Wedding thobe: Reserved for that special day, wedding thobes sometimes boast exquisite craftsmanship and details, but more often they are simple and plain, to signify humility and devotion to the bride. Complement these garments with patent leather shoes and your chosen headwear for what will be a very long day.

Embracing the thobe in all its forms allows Muslim men to navigate both their cultural identity and a modern lifestyle seamlessly. By mixing traditional elements with contemporary fashion pieces, you can create stylish looks that resonate with your personal taste while honouring cultural heritage.

So whether you’re gearing up for a day at work, relaxing with friends or family, or preparing for Eid prayers, there’s a way to make the thobe reflect your whole self in today’s dynamic world.