Thobe vs Kandura vs Jubba: What’s the Difference?

A thobe, a kandura and a jubba are all long, loose robes worn by men, and in everyday English the words often overlap. The main differences are regional: “thobe” is the general Gulf term and often means a collared Saudi style, “kandura” is the Emirati name for a collarless cut, and “jubba” is widely used in the UK and South Asian communities for the same garment.

So if you are asking “thobe vs kandura,” the honest answer is that a kandura is a type of thobe. The details are what set them apart.

Quick comparison

What is a thobe?

“Thobe” comes from the Arabic thawb, which simply means garment or robe. In English it has become the most common word for a long men’s robe from the Arabian Peninsula.

When people picture a thobe, they often picture the Saudi style: a shirt-like collar, a buttoned front and cuffed sleeves. The M73 White Saudi Collar Thobe is a good example, with its classic collar and front flap. More decorative versions, such as the M113 White Collar Thobe With Gold Embroidery, keep the same structure and add detail down the chest.

Collar thobes look sharp and slightly formal. Browse all collar thobes or Saudi thobes.

What is a kandura?

The kandura is the national dress of Emirati men. The biggest visual difference from a Saudi thobe is the neckline: a kandura has no collar. Traditional versions often have a long tassel hanging from the neckline and neat embroidery around the opening.

Kanduras tend to feel cleaner and more minimal. Our Emirati thobes follow this cut, including the M121 Black Emirati Thobe With Gold Embroidery, which keeps its gold work understated. For a deeper look, read What is a kandura? The complete guide.

What is a dishdasha?

“Dishdasha” is the word used in Oman, Kuwait and parts of Iraq. The Omani dishdasha is collarless, like the kandura, and is known for the tassel at the neckline. Many Omani men wear it with an embroidered cap.

Our Omani thobes take this relaxed cut. The M131 Green Omani Thobe comes with a detachable tassel, so you can wear it traditional or plain. For everyday colors, see the M119 Aqua Blue Omani Thobe and the M123 Dusty Pink Omani Thobe.

What is a jubba?

“Jubba” (also spelled jubbah) is the word you will hear most in the UK, South Asia and many English-speaking Muslim communities. In that everyday sense, a jubba and a thobe are the same thing: a long, loose robe for men.

In some Arabic dialects and in older usage, a jubba can also mean a loose outer robe worn over other clothes. That is why some people picture something closer to a coat or overgarment. Context usually tells you which meaning someone has in mind.

You may also come across:

• Jalabiya: a wide, often collarless robe associated with Egypt and Sudan.
• Djellaba: a North African robe, usually with a hood and long sleeves, often in heavier fabric.

Which one should you choose?

Start with the look you want, not the name.

• Want structure and a formal edge? Choose a collar thobe. It works well for Jumu’ah, weddings and Eid.
• Want something minimal and relaxed? Go collarless with an Emirati or Omani cut.
• Want everyday comfort? Our Omani thobes in Japanese cotton are a soft, breathable starting point.
• Want less ironing? Look at our wrinkle-resistant thobes.

Whatever you call it, fit matters most. Use our thobe size finder to match your height and build to one of 18 sizes.

Are these clothes only for Muslims?

Thobes are worn by Muslim men around the world, and also by many Arab Christians and others across the Middle East as cultural dress. Anyone is welcome to wear one respectfully. Many men in the US wear them for prayer, family events or simply because they are comfortable.

Shop the look

To try each style, start with the M73 White Saudi Collar Thobe for the collared look, the M120 Green Emirati Thobe With Gold Embroidery for a kandura cut, and the M124 Light Green Omani Thobe for an easy Omani everyday thobe. All are designed in-house and handcrafted in the UAE.

Ships the same day from our US warehouse: $10 shipping (free over $150), delivered within 3 business days, no customs fees, and 14-day returns and exchanges handled by our team in the USA.