The traditional costume of Saudi Arabia
26 April 2016
The Saudi traditional dress is our discovery of the day. Although one might think that clothes in the Arab world are all alike, there still are details that distinguish them from each other. Custom Qamis scrutinizes the Saudi male dress code, from the Qamis to the Shemagh, without forgetting the Bisht.
The Saudi Qamis
The Saudi Qamis, also called Thawb or Thobe, refers to that white long sleeved dress. It truly represents the centerpiece of the Saudi traditional dress and is therefore worn by all the locals. Made of cotton and synthetic fabric, Thawbs are generally white during summer and spring. In winter, they are to be found in darker black and blue shades. Since Saudi Arabia is a region with an arid climate, the Qamis constitutes the ideal clothing as it offers as much comfort as freshness to the one wearing it. The Saudi Thawb differs from the Qamis of neighboring countries in some fine details. The collar of the Saudi Qamis contains two buttons while its sleeves are as tight as those of a regular shirt. These sleeves are devoid of buttons but have holes for cufflinks.
The Saudi Coat
The Saudi coat known as the “Bisht” is a fine garment that is worn over the Qamis. It is a very popular garment both in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding Arab countries. Fashionable and classy, the Bisht is only worn during special occasions like weddings or religious holidays. It is also the garb the imam wears on Friday sermons. The Saudi coat may be beige, black, brown, gray or cream. It is decorated with golden embroidery and closes by means of two strings with golden tassels. In winter, people wear a Bisht made of camel-hair wool to endure the low season temperatures.
Source: www.majilet.com
The Saudi Headdress
The Saudi headgear is intrinsic to men. Saudis all wear something on their head. Moreover, due to a blazing sun and many sandstorms, it has become an indispensable accessory.
The Shemagh
The Shemagh is a scarf with a red and white checkered pattern. The price of this woven cotton fabric varies depending on the quality of the yarn it is made of. The more the scarf will be processed, the more expensive it will be. There even are woolen models available for cold days. This traditional garment of the Saudis may also be worn on the head, or on a Taqiyah for more steadiness. The Shemagh is maintained by an Iqal: an Arab clothing accessory. It serves to protect from the sun or sandstorms and may be worn in different ways: loose, on the sides, towards the rear, or even tied in a knot.
The Taqiyah
The Taqiyah or Sheshiya is a white embroidered cap. It allows one to fasten the Ghutra or Shemagh so that the headscarf doesn’t slide.
The Iqal
Made of synthetic yarns or goat wool, the Iqal, Agal or Igal is a clothing accessory in the form of dual hoops. It keeps the Ghutra or Keffiyeh in place. Some of its models have a Tarbusha (a small cord with a suspended tassel at the rear).
The Sandals
Sandals, which are called “N3ala”, are an extra accessory of the Saudi traditional dress. Due to the sunny weather, it is hard not to notice them since they are worn by all citizens in the Saudi Kingdom. Made out of leather or plastic, its price varies depending on the material to be used.
The geographical location, climate and religious code are all criteria that determine the dress code of a country. The Saudi, Emirati and Qatari Qamis reflect modesty in cut clothing, comfort and freshness in a garment and the elegance of white. Although they seem identical at first, their collars or sleeves subtly remind us of their country of origin.
16 Comments
Related Posts
12 October 2016
The Kurdish population is currently estimated at 35 million, 80% of whom live in the historical Kurdistan region that covers large parts of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. Living in an area of 500,000 square kilometers, the Kurdish people are therefore considered to be the world’s largest stateless nation. Despite being divided by several borders, the Kurds have always kept sharing their language, cultural identity and even … their own traditional way of dressing.
An ongoing cultural heritage
Kurdistan was part of both the Persian and Ottoman Empire and possesses a long heritage of knowledge and culture. Having survived many conquests, the traditional Kurdish garb has always remained in harmony with the surrounding landscapes.
Unlike many Iraqi and Turkish men who have adopted western clothing, Kurds have maintained their cultural heritage by wearing their own distinctive and traditional costumes through centuries.
Source : https://iranprimer.usip.org/
Often influenced by the local dressing code in their host country, Kurdish people possess several outfits and dresses that vary from one country to the other. In general, it is possible to recognize the region a Kurd lives in by having a closer look at the way he dresses.
Keffiyehs and Daggers
Several regions of geo-cultural Kurdistan, especially in Iraq, are characterized by mountain chains and impressive landscapes which have determined the way the Kurdish people design and manufacture their clothing.
Depending on the region, the traditional Kurdish outfit is made up of several components that vary in fabric and color. Men generally wear a short tight velvet jacket over a striped shirt and a sash that goes around the waist. By neatly tucking a dagger into the sash at the waist, the older generation of men still upholds an ancient Kurdish practice. The cummerbund is sometimes replaced by a large belt made of cloth.
In winter, men can be seen in thick coats made of sheep’s wool. During festive or other rare occasions they wear embroidered coats as an overgarment.
Source : Wikipedia
A second component of the Kurdish traditional costume is the “shalwar”, a long pair of baggy trousers. Although colorful and tight at the ankles, the Kurdish baggy pants aren’t as wide as the known “Aladdin” type of harem pants. They remain nonetheless comfortable and appropriate for all seasons.
Last but not least, the Keffiyeh is an inextricable part of the traditional Kurdish assortment. It is often wrapped around the head as a regular turban or simple placed on the shoulders. Likewise, the Keffiyeh’s color and the way it is wrapped around the head both vary according to the geographical area. On special occasions men can be seen wearing an ornamented traditional black velvet hat.
Natural born fashion designers
Traditional clothing in Kurdistan has a unique feature; it is never sold ready-made. When Kurds wish to obtain a new outfit, they first purchase the desired fabric and then pay a visit to one the many distinctive tailors known for designing traditional outfits. Kurdish men and women are remarkably inventive when it comes to clothing and show a natural talent for design. One shouldn’t be surprised to find Kurds, men and women alike, possess wardrobes with a rich assortment of unique costumes.
Source : flickr.com
Kurdish men, especially the elderly, find pride in their ancient traditions and haven’t been washed away by the tidal wave of Western acculturation. The latest generation, however, is increasingly following the fashion styles of their host country. Sometimes they even choose to assimilate to a foreign culture by adopting Western dress codes.
Travelers in the Kurdistan Region may still admire Kurdish men wearing their colorful outfits and their unique designs, but this might no longer be the case in the generations to come. More and more, the Kurdish traditional costume is becoming a remnant of a glorious past that is no more.
