A garment traditionally worn by men in the Middle East and North Africa, but now also in India and other parts of Africa. On a basic level, a thobe is a long-sleeved, loose-fitting robe-like garment that reaches just above the ankles. However, today, thobes come in a variety of styles, materials, and regional variations.
In Palestine, thobes are often collarless and buttoned down to mid-chest. They can be complemented by a belt and the kufiyyeh. Women wear a variation of this dress, which they also call a thobe, that is embroidered at the front and the sleeves with the iconic Palestinian tatreez. Different regions of Palestine have traditionally had their own distinct embroidery patterns and stitches, such as the Jerusalem pattern, the Bethlehem pattern, the Gaza pattern, etc.
The thobe, especially its ankle length, is considered a Prophetic practice (sunna), and many men choose to wear it to the Friday congregational prayer at the mosque, although it is also worn for both casual and formal occasions in different countries. It exemplifies modest and humble dress for men according to the Muslim tradition.
Usually associated with Islam, Muslims all over the world now don the thobe, either for religious occasions or as their regular attire.