The Beauty of Arabic Traditional Dress - Unveiling Its Charm

Arab traditional dress is a sign of modesty and respect that is worn by both men and women throughout the Middle East.

In Gulf countries, men typically don a long white tunic known as the dishdasha or thawb. Additionally, they wear either cotton or wool square head scarves called gutra for comfort.


1. Embroidery

Embroidery has been around for millennia, serving both as decoration and to mend and repair clothing. Nowadays, embroidery encompasses a vast range of techniques and styles from simple motifs to intricate artworks.

For centuries, embroidery has been used as a sign of wealth and social status. It remains an integral part of Muslim culture today.

The most widely used types of embroidery are backstitch, chain stitch, cross stitch, satin stitch and blanket stitch. These stitches can be combined to form more complex designs.

For example, using backstitch with some small French knots can create an eye-catching effect. These stitches add dimension to your fabric, and they're much more engaging than repeating a single straight stitch over and over.

Cutwork is another popular style of embroidery, which can be done on woven fabric by cutting sections away and embellishing them. This technique was first popularized during Renaissance Italy when nuns embellished their linens with intricate patterns.

These symbols of femininity often originate from religious texts like the Koran and serve to indicate women's status within society. They have been particularly prevalent throughout the Arab world since antiquity as symbols of identity.

Other types of embroidery include goldwork, which utilizes actual metal threads (often gold) to create intricate motifs. While this technique is rare and expensive, when employed correctly it can be highly effective.


2. Colors

If you are familiar with the Middle East, then you may have noticed the variety of traditional garments. It is a complex reality where local traditions and Western culture collide to create fascinating attires for both men and women alike.

Arabic traditional dress is available in a range of colors and fabrics to accommodate various events and climates, providing an authentic representation of the region's diversity.

Arab women typically don a jilbab, which is an outfit resembling either a tunic or dress that tucks in below the armpits and fastens at the neck with either hand stitching or pins.

The jilbab is available in a range of fabrics and decorated with intricate embroidery or prints to add visual interest. Women often don it during festive occasions, while others use it during Hajj or other religious observances.

Another traditional piece of clothing for women is the abaya. This long and full-sleeved garment is usually black, but can also be crafted in other colors to suit individual preferences.

Arabic women typically don the abaya as well as hijabs (veils that cover both heads and bodies), which is the most popular Islamic attire among Muslim women.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware that the hijab is not the only traditional Islamic attire for women in Arab countries. Other traditional garments for women exist too, such as the chador which female Bedouins may wear in certain countries.

Traditional garments for men include the gutra, which is a white or checkered fabric folded and held in place with an agal (black chord). This agal may also be attached to a skullcap called the taqiya; these caps may be seen in certain Levantine and Gulf countries underneath ghutrah (the headscarf that covers the head).


3. Shapes

Arabic traditional dress is an exquisite display of shapes, styles and embellishments. It serves as a visual art form, an intricate representation of cultural heritage and an integral part of daily life in many Arab countries.

Women around the world have long worn burqa, a full body cover that protects from head to toes. Available in an array of colors, this traditional garment has become especially popular within Arab culture and among Muslims.

However, there are other traditional dress forms with distinct significance and uses. Examples include the shemagh for men that looks similar to a turban and the ghafiya Muslim priestly cap that looks identical to the kaffiyeh.

These types of headgear are intended to keep the sun out of a man's eyes, as well as shield his face from sandstorms and dust storms. Generally made from lightweight yet comfortable fabric, they can be worn in any climate.

Arab men typically don a variety of items to cover their heads, from gutra and shemagh to abaya in Saudi Arabia - some traditional to their country and others unique to certain regions.

The gutra is a rectangular folded white or checkered cloth that resembles an Indian turban and is secured on the head by an elastic cord known as an agal. The shemagh, similar to the gutra but featuring a different pattern and color, may also be worn.

Another essential element of Arabic traditional dress is jewelry. For millennia, this symbol has been an essential component of Arab clothing as a sign of social status and status.


4. Embellishments

Traditional dress is an artistic creation in its own right, offering a range of fits, colors and embellishments. Beyond its obvious function as fashion statement, traditional dress also serves to express the cultural identity and heritage of different Arab nations.

Embellishments can serve a number of practical purposes beyond decoration, such as adding strength to fabric or concealing unsightly seams. In Qatar, for example, teli is a technique in which silver strips are weaved or sewn onto the edge of either a shaylah or thawb in multiple lines (up to four on one shaylah and two on the other).

Other embellishments include hems, lace and beading. In the UAE, for instance, there is a Moroccan style of embroidery which uses ribbons and threads in intricate knots and needlework with either a lace-like or crochet appearance.

Some embellishments may not be as well-known as others, yet they still make a noticeable impact on the overall aesthetic of an outfit. One such accessory is qassabiya hat-like head coverings worn by many women during special occasions.

One of the most important embellishments is a tiara or turban, usually made from gold, silver or pearls with various features such as an elaborate crown-like crown or tiara-shaped hat.

Tiaras or turbans are often worn as headdresses to add an air of glamour. While traditionally these were reserved for weddings and other formal events, women now sport them more casually and in some cases include them into their everyday wardrobe.


5. Fabrics

In the Arab world, there are numerous fabrics used for traditional dress. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be embroidered with beautiful patterns. Fabrics also serve a variety of purposes depending on the occasion.

Clothing is more than just decoration - it plays a significant role in Arabic culture and history. This is because it symbolizes different traditions and values that are essential to the community.

Clothes can be made from a variety of materials such as cotton, wool, linen or silk and can be embroidered with various patterns and colors to suit the occasion.

Men and women throughout the Arab world typically wear a long shirt known as a "galabia" or a "dishdasha". These garments are tailored to fit perfectly, often made of lightweight materials that ensure comfort while being lightweight.

They typically wear trousers beneath the galabia. When temperatures drop, they don an outer jacket called a "thobe", made of cotton or wool that serves to keep them warm.

In addition to the thobe, women in the Arab world often wear a headscarf known as a "hijab". This scarf is typically made of fabric and may be patterned or plain.

The hijab is a stylish way to cover both face and neck. It comes in an array of colors and designs that will compliment any wardrobe.

Another popular type of head covering is known as a "taqiya." This skullcap is typically worn underneath a ghutra, which is a square piece of fabric folded diagonally over the head.

The Bisht is a large sleeveless cloak that typically comes in black or beige and features metallic embroidery trim. This garment is traditionally worn on special occasions such as weddings or other functions where one must remain covered up.