Understanding Saudi Men’s Traditional Dress
Most Saudi men wear a thobe (also called dishdasha or kandura) as their everyday outfit. It is a long, white tunic that reaches the ankles. The thobe is made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. White is the most common color because it reflects heat. In winter, men wear darker colors like beige, brown, or grey. The fabric is thicker then.
If you want to buy a thobe, look for one with a closed collar and long sleeves. The fit should be relaxed but not baggy. Saudi tailors often make custom thobes. A well-fitted thobe costs around 200–400 SAR (about $50–110). Ready-made options are available at stores like Al Jazeera or Masharif.
The Shemagh or Ghutra: Headwear Basics
Saudi men cover their heads with a ghutra (square scarf) held in place by an agal (black cord ring). The most traditional style is a white or red-and-white checkered ghutra. The white ghutra is worn with white thobes. The red-and-white is also common for casual or formal events. Some men prefer the shemagh, which is a thicker, heavier version for cold weather.
Fabric matters: cotton ghutras are light and breathable, suitable for hot summers. Polyester blends are crisper and hold their shape better. To fold a ghutra properly, fold it into a triangle, place it on your head, then wrap the two ends behind your neck. The agal goes on top to secure it. You can also let the ends hang loose – a style called hamas for a formal look.
Outerwear Options: The Bisht and Jackets
For formal occasions (weddings, graduations, or official events), Saudi men wear a bisht – a cloak made from camel wool or synthetic fibers. The bisht is usually black, brown, or beige, with gold or silver embroidery on the edges. It is worn over the thobe. It is not for daily use. You can hire a bisht for special events if you don’t own one.
In cooler months, men also wear lightweight blazers or cardigans over the thobe. Stick to neutral colors: navy, charcoal, or beige. Avoid bold patterns. The blazer should be unlined or have minimal padding to stay lightweight. A cotton or linen blazer works best in the Saudi climate.
Shoes and Sandals for Saudi Men
Footwear is simple. Most Saudi men wear leather sandals (called naal or sandali) with their thobe. Go for brown or black leather – plain or with minimal stitching. Popular brands include Al-Khaleej and Jamil. Make sure the sandals have a thick rubber sole for grip and comfort. Avoid flip-flops; they are too casual.
For business or formal settings, men wear loafers or Oxford shoes in leather. The color should match the belt (if you wear one). Black or dark brown are safe choices. For casual western outfits (jeans and shirts), sneakers are fine. Clean them regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Fabric Care: Keep Your Thobe Looking Sharp
Thobes get dirty fast because they are white. Wash them in cold water with a gentle detergent. Always separate white thobes from colored clothes. Use a stain remover (like OxiClean) on any yellow or brown stains under the arms. Dry them in the shade to avoid sun yellowing. Iron them on medium heat. Many men use starch spray to keep the collar and cuffs stiff – but go easy, too much starch cracks the fabric.
Ghutras and shemaghs also need care. Wash them in a mesh bag to prevent tangling. Hang dry and iron while slightly damp. For the agal, wipe it with a damp cloth. It’s usually made of wool or polyester rope – do not machine wash.
Western Influence: When Saudi Men Wear Jeans and Shirts
Modern Saudi men wear western clothes often – in gyms, at the beach, or in casual social settings. They wear jeans (dark wash, straight or slim fit), t-shirts (solid colors, no graphics), and polos. Short sleeves are fine, but shorts are rare except at the beach or sports. In public, men still prefer long pants.
For a smart-casual look, pair a black or navy blazer with dark jeans and a white button-down. Loafers or clean sneakers work. Avoid distressed jeans or loud logos. Keep it minimal. The key is modesty – no bare shoulders or tank tops in public. A Saudi man’s wardrobe balances tradition with comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi men wear anything under their thobe?
Yes, most wear a thobe shirt (or fanila) – a simple undershirt. Some also wear boxers or shorts underneath. The thobe itself is lightweight, so a thin undershirt helps absorb sweat and prevent the thobe from clinging.
Can non-Saudi men wear the thobe?
Absolutely. Many expats and visitors wear the thobe for comfort or cultural respect. Just be sure to wear it correctly – not too tight, and with the proper headwear if you choose. It’s not offensive; it’s a practical garment for the climate.
What is the difference between a shemagh and a ghutra?
A ghutra is usually white or red-and-white and made of cotton. A shemagh is typically red-and-white but thicker, often with fringes. In everyday speech, many Saudi men use the terms interchangeably. The main difference is weight and formality: a ghutra is lighter for hot days, while a shemagh is for cooler weather.
How do I keep my white thobe from turning yellow?
Wash it with a bleach alternative (oxygen-based, not chlorine). Dry it in the shade. Avoid ironing on high heat – that can scorch the fabric. Store thobes on wooden hangers in a cool, dry closet. If yellowing appears, try soaking in lemon juice and salt for an hour before washing.