Origin Of The Thobe / Jubba / Kandura

The thobe, also known as a dishdasha or kandora or Jubba is a traditional garment worn by men in the Arab world. It is a long, loose-fitting robe with long sleeves and a high collar that is typically worn with a head covering. The thobe has a long history and has evolved over time to become a staple of Arab culture and fashion.

The origins of the thobe can be traced back to ancient Arabia, where it was worn as a simple, lightweight garment for protection against the elements. In pre-Islamic Arabia, the thobe was worn by both men and women and was made from lightweight materials such as linen or cotton. The thobe was also worn by Bedouin nomads, who used it as a practical garment for protection against the harsh desert climate.

During the Islamic Golden Age, the thobe became more ornate and was made from more luxurious materials such as silk. It was also worn by scholars and intellectuals, who used the long sleeves and high collar to protect themselves from the sun while they studied and wrote.

Today, the thobe is worn by men in Arab countries as a formal garment for special occasions and religious festivals. It is often worn with a head covering, such as a ghutrah or keffiyeh, and is an important part of Arab culture and fashion. Each country / state having their own cultural stance and say on the design leading to some entricate, mesmerising designs. The UK companies have got it all wrong on this front, major retailers having no idea on the cultural differences of the designs opting to be ignorant. Consumers confused when told of the differences as they have called interchanged names of designs from two entire separate countries.

In recent years, the thobe has gained popularity outside of the Arab world and has become a fashionable and stylish garment for men around the globe. It is now commonly worn as a casual garment or as a formal wear for special occasions.

Overall, the thobe is a symbol of Arab culture and tradition and has a rich history that spans centuries. It continues to be a popular and enduring garment that is worn with pride by men in the Arab world and beyond.

At Hub Alhaya we respect the culture of the designs from the Arab world making sure our thobes are made in the countries they originate. We are lucky to be in a position where we have tailoring plants in both Oman and Dubai. 

Have a look at our extensive collection here: 

https://www.hub-alhaya.com/collections/mens-thobes

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