Dishdash, thobe and khandura in Dubai

Professional Thobe, above

But it’s the popularity of the Saudi Arabian thobe, a sleeker, more fitted garment, that has spread across the GCC and become the garment of choice for many discerning local gentlemen in the region. ‘Especially in Saudi, it’s no longer acceptable [in some circles] to have a regular thobe,’ continues Hatem. ‘You need to have a designer thobe with specific colours and fabrics. Darker coloured thobes, such as blue and brown, are generally worn in winter and made from heavier fabrics. The colour [for more fashionable Arab gentlemen] also depends on what collection you’re wearing. For example, I make thobes in black and dark blue.’

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