Side-by-side comparison
| Jalabiya جلابية | Kaftan قفطان | Maghribi مغربي | Thobe / Soube ثوب | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Gulf and the wider Arab world | Middle East and North Africa | Moroccan-inspired | Gulf (Emirati, Khaleeji) |
| Cut | Straight or A-line, set-in or wide sleeves | Very loose and flowing, often batwing sleeves | Fitted shoulders, structured front, often belted | Very wide, square cut, extra-wide sleeves |
| Signature detail | Neckline and cuff embroidery | Easy drape, bold prints or stone bands | Braided trim and button rows down the front | Sheer fabric with heavy embroidery or stones |
| Typical fabrics | Cotton, hareer, crepe | Chiffon, georgette, satin, crepe | Satin, velvet, brocade, crepe | Chiffon, organza, tulle, net |
| How it's worn | On its own | On its own | On its own, sometimes with a belt | Over another dress, such as a mukhawar or jalabiya |
| Formality | Everyday to Eid | Relaxed to evening | Occasion, wedding, henna | Occasion, wedding, Eid, Khaleeji dance |
All four are available readymade in our shop, and all four can be made custom with your own design, fabric and stones.
Which to wear, by occasion
- At home or casual family visits: a cotton jalabiya or a light kaftan.
- Eid morning: an embroidered jalabiya, or a crepe kaftan with a stone neckline.
- Henna night or engagement: a maghribi with trim, or a stone-worked kaftan.
- Wedding or Khaleeji dance: a thobe (soube) over a matching dress.
Not sure which suits your occasion? Bring a photo of the event or the outfit you want to match, and we will suggest a style, readymade or custom.