In the UK, the term Moroccan thobe is used widely, but it does not refer to a single garment. Instead, it describes a group of traditional Moroccan-style robes that share similar design features, comfort, and everyday wearability.
Moroccan thobes have become especially popular across British Muslim communities because they combine everyday comfort with a level of formality that works for both prayer and social settings. This balance has helped make Moroccan styles one of the most visible and commonly worn types of thobe in the UK.
In recent years, Moroccan thobes have also played a role in normalising thobe wear beyond just the mosque. They are now worn more openly at college, university and in everyday public settings, reflecting a broader confidence in wearing Islamic clothing as part of daily life.
What People Mean by "Moroccan Thobe" in the UK
In everyday UK usage, Moroccan thobe is often used as an umbrella term. It usually refers to several Moroccan-style garments rather than one specific piece.
Most commonly, it includes:
- Moroccan gandouras
- Men's Moroccan kaftans
- Moroccan djellabas
Each of these serves a different purpose and level of formality. Understanding how they differ helps people choose the right style for prayer, daily wear and special occasions, especially when deciding between the two most common Moroccan styles.
We've covered this in more detail in our comparison of Moroccan gandouras and Moroccan kaftans.
Men's Moroccan Gandoura
The men's Moroccan gandoura is one of the most widely worn Moroccan thobe styles in the UK. It is known for its relaxed fit, simple structure and everyday comfort.
Gandouras are commonly worn for:
- Daily prayers
- Regular mosque attendance
- Ramadan, especially for everyday wear
- Casual gatherings and family time
Short sleeve gandouras are the most common style and are popular for breathability and ease of movement. In colder months, gandouras are typically layered with hoodies, coats or other outer garments.
Cotton gandouras are especially practical for UK use. Cotton allows airflow indoors while still working well as a base layer under outer garments in colder weather.
In the UK, it is also common to wear a hoodie or light layer underneath a gandoura during winter. This has become a recognisable local styling approach that balances warmth with comfort.
We also offer zip Moroccan gandouras, which are less common in traditional Moroccan styles. The zip can make layering easier and provide improved chest coverage, which many people find practical when moving between colder outdoor conditions and warmer indoor environments.
Moroccan Kaftans for Men
Men's Moroccan kaftans are long sleeve and more structured than gandouras. They offer a more formal appearance while still maintaining the comfort that Moroccan styles are known for.
Kaftans are commonly worn for:
- Jummah
- Ramadan
- Eid
- Formal family gatherings
- Masjid events and occasions
Although Moroccan kaftans are less common than gandouras in the UK, they are becoming more widely worn. Many people choose them when they want something that feels more refined than a gandoura, but less rigid than some Gulf-style thobes.
The long sleeve design also makes kaftans well suited to colder months, making them a strong option for winter Ramadans and evening prayers.
At Thawāb Clothing, we have seen growing demand for men's Moroccan kaftans as more people become comfortable wearing Moroccan thobes across a wider range of settings.
Moroccan Djellaba
The Moroccan djellaba is traditionally hooded and long sleeve, and is typically made with heavier fabrics, making it well suited for colder weather.
In the UK, djellabas are worn in a few different ways. Some people wear them primarily as outer layers over other thobes, while others choose to pray in a djellaba itself, especially during colder conditions.
They are commonly used for:
- Cold weather wear
- Travel to and from the masjid
- Winter months
- Evening conditions
This flexibility makes the djellaba an important part of Moroccan thobe wear in the UK, both as a standalone garment and as part of a layered outfit.
Fabrics and Weight for the UK Climate
Fabric weight plays an important role in how a thobe performs in the UK. A garment that feels light and comfortable indoors may feel insufficient when worn outside in colder conditions.
Common fabric considerations include:
- Cotton for breathability and everyday wear
- Medium-weight fabrics for structure and warmth
- Heavier winter fabrics for colder months
The contrast between indoor and outdoor temperatures means flexible layering is often more practical than relying on a single heavy garment.
This helps explain why Moroccan thobes work so well in the UK. Their versatility makes them easy to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Moroccan Thobes Compared to Gulf Thobes
Moroccan thobes differ in cut and styling from Gulf styles such as Omani and Emirati thobes.
In general:
- Moroccan styles are often looser and more relaxed
- Gandouras and kaftans offer more variation in structure and formality
- Gulf thobes tend to have a more uniform, tailored silhouette
This does not mean Gulf styles are harder to wear. Many people wear Omani and Emirati thobes daily in the UK. However, Moroccan thobes have helped make thobe wear feel more approachable for people who want something that feels less rigid and more adaptable.
For many, Moroccan styles have made it easier to start wearing thobes more regularly. Over time, this has also made it easier to branch out and wear all styles with confidence, including Omani, Emirati and Saudi collar styles.
When Moroccan Thobes Are Worn in the UK
Moroccan thobes are worn across a wide range of occasions, including:
- Jummah
- Daily prayers
- Ramadan
- Taraweeh
- Eid
- Family gatherings
- Everyday wear
Their flexibility is one of the main reasons they are so widely adopted. A gandoura may be worn casually one day and layered the next. A kaftan may be chosen for more formal settings, while djellabas are used more often in colder conditions.
This adaptability has helped Moroccan thobes become one of the most visible thobe styles in the UK.
Layering and Winter Wear
Layering is a key part of Moroccan thobe wear in the UK.
Common layering approaches include:
- Gandouras under coats or outerwear
- Kaftans worn as a structured base layer
- Djellabas worn over other thobes
- Hoodies worn under gandouras in colder months
In colder conditions, some men layer a Moroccan djellaba, coat, or other outer garment over their thobe for warmth when travelling. In very cold weather, a farwa may also be worn as an additional outer layer.
These approaches allow people to stay warm while keeping their thobe comfortable for indoor wear.
Why Moroccan Thobes Have Become So Popular in the UK
In recent years, Moroccan thobes have become more visible across the UK.
A number of factors have shaped this shift:
- UK urban influence and changing styles
- Increased confidence in wearing Islamic clothing publicly
- Social media trends around Ramadan and Eid
- A desire for styles that feel both traditional and modern
- The balance between comfort and formality
Moroccan thobes have helped make thobe wear feel more everyday and accessible. This has encouraged more people to wear thobes beyond just the masjid or special occasions.
This is especially visible during Ramadan, which we explore further in our overview of thobes commonly worn during Ramadan in the UK.
At the same time, this has made it easier for people to explore other styles as well, including Omani, Emirati and Saudi-style thobes, as thobe wear becomes more normalised overall.
With increased availability, it has also become more important to choose quality garments. Fit, fabric, stitching and consistency all make a noticeable difference in how a thobe wears over time.
A Flexible Moroccan Thobe Wardrobe
For many in the UK, a balanced Moroccan thobe wardrobe includes:
- A cotton gandoura for everyday wear
- A structured kaftan for Jummah and formal occasions
- A djellaba for colder conditions
- Layering pieces for winter
This makes it easier to adapt to different seasons, prayer settings and social occasions without needing completely different clothing for each scenario.
Final Thought
In the UK, Moroccan thobes represent more than a single garment. They describe a flexible category that includes gandouras, kaftans and djellabas, each serving a different role.
Their rise in popularity reflects how Islamic clothing is being worn with greater confidence, versatility and visibility. Whether for Ramadan, Eid, Jummah or everyday life, Moroccan thobes have become a key part of how many Muslims dress in the UK.
Understanding the different styles helps people choose what suits their routine, climate and occasions, while still maintaining comfort, modesty and a connection to tradition.