Islamic clothing for men reflects far more than outward appearance. It represents faith, identity, heritage, and a commitment to modesty that has been preserved for centuries. Across the Muslim world, traditional garments such as the thobe, jubba, and kandura are worn daily for prayer, social gatherings, and formal occasions. Although these garments may look similar at first glance, each has its own cultural roots, design elements, and purpose.
For men seeking authentic Islamic clothing that aligns with religious values while offering comfort and style, understanding the differences between a thobe, jubba, and kandura is essential. This guide explores each garment in detail, compares their features, and helps you choose the right attire based on climate, culture, and personal preference.
The Importance of Islamic Clothing for Men
Islamic clothing for men is deeply connected to the principles of modesty (haya) outlined in Islam. Rather than focusing on fashion trends, these garments prioritize dignity, simplicity, and practicality. Loose-fitting silhouettes ensure comfort and modesty, while breathable fabrics make them suitable for both warm and cool climates.
Across different regions, Islamic clothing has evolved in style without compromising its religious foundation. The thobe, jubba, and kandura stand as symbols of Islamic tradition while adapting to local cultures, weather conditions, and lifestyle needs.
What is a Thobe?
The thobe is a long robe. It is worn by Muslim men in many parts of the world. It is also called a thawb or dishdasha in some places. The thobe is simple, but it can be very stylish. In Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, men wear white thobes every day. This shows that the thobe is popular for both daily wear and special days. In the UK, young Muslim men like slim-fit thobes with clean lines. Some thobes have embroidery. The thobe is a key part of traditional Islamic clothing for men. It is neat, modest, and easy to wear.
Key Features of a Thobe
- Long, ankle-length robe
- Straight or slightly tailored cut
- Long sleeves
- Buttoned or open neckline
-
Typically plain with minimal embellishment
Thobes are often made from cotton, polyester blends, or lightweight synthetic fabrics, making them ideal for hot climates. Their simplicity allows them to be worn daily, whether for prayer, work, or casual outings.
What is a Jubba?
The jubba is also a long robe. It is often worn over other clothes. It is more formal than a thobe. Many Muslim men wear a jubba for prayer, Friday mosque visits, or special events. In South Asia, the jubba is common. It may have buttons, collars, and fancy designs. Some jubbas are made with shiny fabric or gold thread. Others are plain and simple.
Key Features of a Jubba
- Loose, flowing structure
- Often layered over other garments
- Can be sleeveless or full-sleeved
- Decorative embroidery around the chest or collar
- Made from heavier fabrics for durability
The jubba is part of men Islamic clothing that shows respect and tradition. It is often worn with a prayer cap or scarf. In the UK and USA, some men wear jubbas for Eid or weddings. It is a beautiful piece of Islamic menswear that blends culture and class.
What is a Kandura?
The kandura is a special kind of thobe. It is mostly worn in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also called a dishdasha in Kuwait or Oman. The kandura is usually white and has no embroidery. It is made from light fabric to keep cool in hot weather. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, men wear kanduras every day. They wear them to work, to the mosque, and even to weddings.
Key Features of a Kandura
- Collarless neckline
- Long tassel (tarboosh) attached to the front
- Flowing, relaxed fit
- Usually white for daily wear
- Seasonal color variations
The kandura is simple, but it looks very clean and smart. It is a proud part of Islamic dress for men in the Middle East. In the UK and USA, some Muslim men wear kanduras to feel close to their roots or for special events.The kandura is designed with comfort in mind, making it suitable for extreme heat. Emirati men often wear kanduras as part of their daily attire, both casually and formally.
Thobe vs Jubba vs Kandura: Key Differences
Although all three garments fall under Islamic clothing for men, they differ in design, purpose, and regional influence.
|
Feature |
Thobe |
Jubba |
Kandura |
|
Origin |
Gulf & Middle East |
South Asia & Islamic scholarship |
UAE |
|
Fit |
Straight, structured |
Loose, flowing |
Relaxed |
|
Neckline |
Buttoned or collared |
Decorative or layered |
Collarless |
|
Daily Wear |
Yes |
Mostly formal |
Yes |
|
Climate Suitability |
Hot & moderate |
Moderate & cool |
Very hot |
Choosing the Right Islamic Clothing for Men
Selecting between a thobe, jubba, or kandura depends on several factors:
Climate
Men living in warmer regions often prefer thobes or kanduras made from breathable fabrics. Jubbas, being heavier, are better suited for cooler climates or indoor settings.
Occasion
For everyday wear, thobes and kanduras are practical and comfortable. For religious gatherings, sermons, or formal Islamic events, a jubba offers a more traditional and scholarly appearance.
Cultural Preference
Cultural background plays a significant role. South Asian Muslims may naturally gravitate toward jubbas, while Gulf residents prefer thobes or kanduras.
Modern Trends in Islamic Clothing for Men
In 2026, Islamic menswear is changing in exciting ways. Muslim men want clothes that are stylish and kind to the Earth. Here are some new trends:
- Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Thobes and jubbas made from organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled cloth.
- Activewear Thobes: These are light and stretchy. You can wear them to the gym or for prayer.
- Global Eid Looks: In New York, men wear Pakistani jubbas. In London, they wear Saudi thobes. In Toronto, they wear Emirati kanduras.
- Minimalist Styles: Solid colors, clean cuts, and no extra designs are very popular.
These trends show that Islamic clothing for men is modern and global. It is not just about tradition. It is also about comfort, style, and caring for the planet.
Fabric Choices and Comfort
Fabric selection significantly impacts comfort and durability.
- Cotton: Breathable and ideal for daily wear
- Poly-cotton blends: Easy maintenance and wrinkle resistance
- Linen: Lightweight and airy
- Wool blends: Suitable for cooler climates and formal jubbas
Choosing the right fabric enhances both appearance and practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a thobe?
A thobe is a long, ankle-length garment traditionally worn by men in many Muslim-majority countries. It features a loose fit, long sleeves, and a simple design, making it a popular choice for daily wear, prayer, and formal occasions. The thobe is valued for its comfort, modesty, and timeless style.
Is it thawb or thobe?
Both thawb and thobe are correct. Thawb is the original Arabic spelling, while thobe is the commonly used English transliteration. They refer to the same traditional garment.
What is modest Islamic clothing for men?
Modest Islamic clothing for men follows Islamic guidelines of haya (modesty). It is loose-fitting, non-transparent, and designed to cover the body respectfully without drawing unnecessary attention. Garments such as thobes, jubbas, and kanduras are common examples of modest Islamic clothing.
What are the types of Islamic clothing for men?
Islamic clothing for men varies by region and culture. Common types include:
- Thobe – popular in the Middle East
- Jubba – often worn for religious or formal occasions
- Kandura – traditional dress of the UAE
- Kurta or long tunic – widely worn in South Asia
- Bisth or cloak – worn over thobes for formal events
All styles share the principles of modesty, comfort, and tradition.
Are thobes only for Muslims?
No, thobes are not limited to Muslims. While they are strongly associated with Islamic culture and modest dress, anyone can wear a thobe for comfort, cultural appreciation, or formal occasions, regardless of religion.
What should you wear under a thobe?
Under a thobe, men typically wear:
- A light undershirt or vest for comfort
- Loose trousers or shorts that are breathable
- Cotton garments in hot climates to reduce sweating
Wearing suitable inner clothing helps maintain comfort, hygiene, and modesty throughout the day.
Why eThobe Leads the Way
At eThobe, we believe in mixing tradition with today’s needs. Our thobes are made for real life. You can wear them to work, to pray, or to relax. We use soft, earth-friendly cotton fabrics that feel good and last long. Our jubbas are perfect for special days. They are elegant and easy to wear. We also offer kandura-inspired styles for men who love the clean look of UAE fashion. We ship to the USA, UK, and the Middle East. No matter where you live, you can enjoy the best in Islamic clothes for mens. With eThobe, you get comfort, style, and care in every stitch.
Conclusion
The thobe, jubba, and kandura are more than just clothes. They are part of who we are. They show our faith, our culture, and our love for modesty. Each one is special in its own way. Whether you live in the USA, the UK, or the Middle East, you can find the right Islamic clothing for men at Ethobe. We are here to help you dress with pride and purpose. Choose your style. Wear your faith. Feel good every day.
