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Riwaya Blog/Thobe Islamic Clothing: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Thobe

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    Thobe Islamic Clothing: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Thobe
    21 August 2024
    a person holding a thobe in a shop

    Table of Contents

      Thobes, also called jubbahs, are traditional garments worn by men worldwide, especially in Arab countries. Due to its classic elegance, ease of wearing, and cultural significance, the thobe is many people's preferred choice of clothing. The growth of online shopping has made it easier than ever to find the best Thobe online. To help you find the best Thobe online, we will explain the crucial factors and procedures in this guide.

      History of Thobes

      From a historical perspective, the thobe is very old and has very deep cultural roots in the Arab world, dating all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia. During that time, a thobe was a simple piece of cloth with long sleeves. 

      With time, the design and fabric of the thobe evolved due to influences from many cultures, including Arabian, Persian, and Ottoman. Currently, the thobe is a very popular wear in Islamic countries mainly due to its modesty and comfort, along with its religious significance.

      The Cultural Variation of Thobes

      In different countries, the thobe is known by different names and styles.

      • Emirati /Omai Thobe. The Emirati thobe has a very simple and beautiful design, which is often white in colour.

                                                  man wearing emirati thobe                                    

      • Moroccan Thobe. Moroccan thobe is known for its vibrant colours and beautiful embroidery design. A heavier fabric is used to suit the cooler climate.

                                                  a man wearing Moroccan thobe

      • Saudi Arabian thobe. One of the most well-known styles of clothing in the world is the Saudi Arabian thobe. The sharp collar and crisp fabrics give it a stylish look.

                                               a man wearing Saudi Arabian thobe with a matching cap

      • Qatari Thobe: Made in shiny fabrics, the Qatari thobes have a modern look similar to that of a business shirt. A stiff Shirt Collar, Wide Cuffs, and Straight Fit design pretty much sums up what a Qatari thobe looks like.

                                            a man wearing Qatri thobe with a cap

      • Bahraini Thobes The fanciest of them all! Bahraini thobes are designed with elaborate embroidery on the collar, chest, and sleeves. Thobes may not be readily available, so you will probably have to travel to Bahraini markets in order to find one.

                                                 a man wearing Bahraini thobe

      At Riwaya, we offer an extensive Thobe collection featuring a variety of different cultural styles and colours, along with other accessories that are perfect for everyday wear and special occasions.  


      Fabrics Used in Men's Thobes 

      When shopping online for men's thobes, quality materials and fabrics are important factors to consider. 

      1. High-Quality Cotton

      Men's thobes are frequently made from high-quality cotton, such as Egyptian or Pima cotton, because of its breathability and softness. For casual, everyday wear in hot weather in the Middle East, cotton thobes are a good choice.  

      2. Polyester Blends

      Polyester is another popular choice for fabric for thobes. Most brands add viscose with polyester to give wrinkle resistance and a stylish look. These thobes are best for wearing on special occasions like weddings, events, and Eid. The disadvantage is that they are not that comfortable to wear in hot weather because they are not as breathable as natural fibres. 

      Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Thobe 

      Consider these four factors when purchasing a thobe: 

      1. Size 

      A thobe's size refers to its length. From the shoulder to the ankle, in inches. Accordingly, a size 56 thobe would measure approximately 55-56 inches from shoulder to ankle.

      2. Chest Size 

      When the thobe is laid flat, the chest size is the distance between the armpits. The measurement is in inches. When laid flat on a table, a chest size 26 thobe measures approximately 26 inches from armpit to armpit. To obtain the total size around the chest, you can double this number. For example, a chest size of 25 would measure approximately 50 inches around the chest.

      Here is a diagram explaining how to measure the length and chest size of a thobe, along with other measurements like sleeve and shoulder. 

                            chart for measurements and sizes of thobe

                                           

      3. Fabric 

      Ideally, a thobe should be composed of 80% polyester and 20% cotton. This combination is ideal since it allows for optimal heat and airflow. Furthermore, this fabric folds easily, making it very convenient to transport. You could iron it even if it was scrunched.

      4. Thickness 

      Perfect thobes aren't transparent at all. There is both a thick and sharp texture to the fabric. Clothing made from transparent material is generally discouraged when it comes to modest clothing, so the fabric should be thick yet comfortable.

      5. Colour and Style 

      Thobe comes in various colours and designs that you can choose. Although for casual wear the plain and simple white design is best. However, for special events you can choose a stylish design for an attractive look. 

      Thobe Accessories and Complementary Attire

      Wearing the same thobe every day might look a little boring. So why not accessorize it with other items such as:

      1. Scarf

      Scarves are a great way to accessorise your thobe outfit. Furthermore, it is ideally suited to the cold British climate. You can wear a scarf in many different ways. You can wear it loosely around your neck for a more casual look, or you can tie it up according to your preference. The most common scarf types are, Yashmagh, Chafiyeh, Shumagh, Ghutrah, Keffiyeh, and Hattah which are worn in Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen, and Qatar. 

      During the winter months, you can wear plain scarves, textured scarves, patterned scarves, or thick winter scarves.

      2. Prayer Cap (Kufi, Topi) 

      Don't be afraid to add a personalised touch to your look with a prayer cap. Even though it is referred to as a prayer cap, you can wear it throughout the day if you so desire. There are no restrictions!

      These days, there are a wide variety of colours that you can choose from on the market. Keep it neutral if bright colours aren't your style. Mix and match carefully. 

      3. Classic Watch

      Watches that complement your thobe, along with telling the time, provide you with a neat, gentlemanly appearance. When dressing for a formal occasion, it is most appropriate to wear a classic analog plain watch that tells the time.

      4. Shoes 

      Try wearing different shoes with thobe for a stylish look. If you are wearing a plain and simple thobe then bold and statement shoes will brighten up your overall look.

           a person standing in front of a mirror wearing thobe and shemagh scarf around his neck

      Check out our Men Clothing Category for additional accesories to wear with your thobe and they are also perfect for everyday wear and special occasions.  


      Buying a Thobe Online 

      Thobe is now available in online marketplaces worldwide, and people can easily buy it while sitting in the comfort of their home. Here are some important factors to consider when buying Thobe Islamic clothing online:

      1. Select the Proper Fabric

      The first thing to do when buying an online thobe is to choose a proper fabric. Most thobes are made up of polyester and cotton, which gives them a luxurious appearance, and are therefore perfect to wear in cold UK weather. However, in warm weather, they might be uncomfortable. In that case, it is best to go with cotton thobes. 

      Consider why you are buying a thobe. Are you going to buy it for casual occasions or formal occasions, or both? It will influence the design, the material, and the style that you should go for.

      2. Verify The Correct Size

      When ordering a men's thobe in the UK from an online shop, it is important that you select the correct size. Please refer to the size chart provided by the seller before ordering and measure yourself to avoid ordering the incorrect size. Thobe usually comes between the size range of 52-62 inches, as we have mentioned above in the key factors for choosing an online thobe. 

      3. Read Customer Reviews

      The advantage of buying online is that you can read the reviews and ratings of previous customers. Check out the comments made by other buyers about the Thobe that you are considering purchasing. Their comments can provide useful information about the quality of the fabric, its comfort, and its fit. 

      4. Check the Seller's Credibility

      Furthermore, it is important to consider the reputation of the seller or store where one is planning to make a purchase. It is important to choose sellers who have a history of providing quality products and excellent customer service. You should also pay attention to the exchange and return policies.

      At Riwaya, we always check and ensure the seller's credibility who wishes to sell their products with us. Before listing their products on our platform, we thoroughly verify their selling history and review customer feedback to ensure they meet our high standards.

      5. Cost Comparison

      There can be a difference in the price of the clothes listed on a website, which might vary according to the brand, style, and fabric. To find the best deal, I compare prices from different brands and ensure that the quality is not compromised. 

      bearded middle eastern men in white thobe

      Maintenance and Caring for Your Thobe

      Cleaning. Cold water and normal washing cycles are recommended for cleaning your thobe.

      Ironing. To prevent the fabric from being damaged, set the iron to a medium setting.

      Storage. To prevent wrinkles and maintain the shape of your thobe, hang it up.

      Turn your thobe inside out. It is advisable to turn the clothes inside out before washing them so that the outer fabric is protected from friction and fading.

      Don't overload the washer. When clothes are overloaded in a washing machine, they rub against one another, causing pilling and scratches.

      Dry by air whenever possible. It is best to avoid using the dryer because the heat can cause fabrics to shrink and damage them. Air drying is a better option.

      Use a Fabric Softener. Polyester and synthetic fabrics benefit from fabric softeners since they reduce snags and maintain softness.

      Conclusion 

      Choosing the best Islamic thobe clothing online requires some research and consideration. While buying it is important to consider the style, comfort, and material of the thobe. 

      Selling at Riwaya 

      Are you looking to sell men’s thobe or any other Islamic to online users? Then why not join Riwaya as a seller and share your products with a diverse audience dedicated to elegance and modesty? Build a name for your brand and expand your reach. 

      Buying on Riwaya

      Our mission at Riwaya is to offer modest fashion products and accessories that meet your style preferences. Check out our high-quality Thobe collection from well-reputed online vendors choose one according to your style and preference. 

      Our Collection

      About Author

      Admin

      Bilal Mohsin is a content and UX writer at Riwaya, specialising in travel, religion, lifestyle, tourism, fashion, and wellness. He is dedicated to delivering authentic, well-researched information that enriches readers' lives

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q1: What is a Thobe?

        A thobe is a traditional long robe worn by men in many Islamic countries, symbolizing modesty and cultural identity.

      • Q2: Why do Muslims Wear Thobes?

        For many Muslims, thobes have cultural and religious significance. As part of Islamic traditions and as a sign of modesty, they are often worn during prayer and formal occasions.

      • Q3: How do I Choose the Right Material for a Thobe?

        Choose cotton for wearing in hot weather because it allows air flow and keeps the person cool. There are other materials you can choose from like polyester, wool or silk for cooler weather or special occasions and they are more stylish too.

      • Q4: How Many Types of Thobe Are There?

        There are different types of thobe depending on the country and the region. The most common ones are Saudi thobe, Moroccan thobe, Emirati thobe, and Plain thobe. 

      • Q5: How Should I Care For My Thobe to Maintain its Quality?

        Wash your thobe according to the fabric’s care instructions, iron it to keep it wrinkle-free, and store it properly to avoid damage.

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