Different designs of Arabian dress for girls and boys in Pakistan
Designers have reinvented traditional Arabian dress for girls
Introduction:
The Arab world is a visible universe that contains many cultures within its borders. Each of the 22 countries has a unique style of dress. Arabian dress for girls is beautiful, stylish, and distinguished by its unique long-standing cultural heritage. Some garments such as Abaya and Thobe are common in many lands but have different regional meanings, while other dresses are different depending on the country of origin. However, Embroidery is a key component of much Arab clothing. It describes a woman's nature, culture, heritage, religious beliefs, and the image of her nation, in addition to her taste.
The MENA region these days is a complex reality where local cultures and western fashion combines. By the 21st century, fashion has become increasingly western. However, you can still see some of the traditional clothing.
Inspired by fashion, culture, and heritage, modern fashion designers aim to redefine traditional creativity and fashion. They always remember to respect their values and culture and remain loyal to the traditional design identity while adding their taste to the progressive pieces they are reinventing. The result is a large collection of clothing traditions adjusted and adapted to new social orders, local climate, and activities.
Here at lailoo, I am going to discuss some examples of reinvented traditional attire:
1. Thobe - Arabian dress for girl
Thobe is described as a “loose, long-sleeved, full ankle-length dress just like men wear. However, for women, the neck and forearms can be fashioned and adorned with beads.
2. Abaya
Abaya or gown is a "large black suit worn over the clothes that can be loose, flowing or wrapped around the body". Now, Abayas are offered in a variety of designs and shades with unique patterns, while keeping modesty at the same time.
3. Caftan
Caftan is identified as "a long-sleeved gown with a belt fastened around the waist, worn under the coat in the Middle East, particularly in North Africa". Many modern designers replicate the caftan in a vibrant, glamorous, and luxurious way that suits the works in this era. It is usually worn on occasions such as weddings and henna ceremonies.
4. Jebba - Arabian dress for girl
The Tunisian Jebba is a woven garment with colorful threads that are seen as artistic. It is also adorned with various patterns that have symbolic meaning for each object. You will probably see ladies carrying traditional attire at such functions as religious events, ceremonies, and weddings.
5. Jewelry
The Arab world is rich in heritage, culture, and fine art. Jewelry is considered an important item for Middle Eastern women to wear, as it reflects the great diversity and versatility of the region and continues to be an inspiring source of world design. Emerging Arab jewelry designers want to show off their authentic heritage in their accessories.
6. Denim Jackets
A jacket made of denim. It was first introduced to the United States as a casual garment for men and women and was described as a high-end American fashion item. Young Arab artists understand modern trends as they combine Arab touches and textures into a denim jacket, such as Arabic calligraphy and oriental patterns, giving it a realistic and traditional look.
7. Hijab:
Hijab is also very common in the MENA regions. Here I am going to explain the four types of hijabs:
Shayla:
It is a one-piece cover. A large scarf encircled around the head, pressed under the chin, and smoothly rested over the shoulders. It is usually worn over a cap of the same color, which helps keep the hijab in place. The rim of the cap can be shown or not shown depending on the woman's preference.
Al-Amira:
It is a two-piece cover. It is easy to wear and is made with a headband and a tubular scarf worn over it. The main difference between Shayla and Al-Amira is the shape of the scarf (Shayla is rectangular, al-Amira is tubular) and the headband (hidden or slightly visible from the former, while a large part is left shown in the end).
Niqab:
It is a face mask often worn with a headscarf and tied at the back of the head. It leaves only an eye gap, or some women wear eye veils that allow them to see without revealing their eyes.
Khimar:
Is a long veil that covers the head and chest up to the waist? The face is left exposed.
It is not as popular as the previous forms of head covering; however, some women wear it in their daily lives.
Now I am going to discuss the different countries' Arabian dress for boys and Arabian dress for ladies.
Saudi Women Clothing
Niqab: Though the niqabs are sometimes seen in the Levant and North Africa, it becomes a major area in Saudi Arabia, where cities like Jeddah and Dammam welcome women traveling without a veil.
Saudi Men Clothing
Shemagh: is a common Saudi word for Jordanian keffiyeh worn by many Saudis in winter to replace the ghutra
Dishdasha: A typical Saudi thobe is like a long shirt. It has two buttoned necks, strong and made to have cufflinks (Kabak)
Emirati Women Clothing:
Abaya: Dubai is a land of fashionable abayas adorned with sequins, embroideries, and ribbons.
Emirati Men Clothing:
Shemagh: white or in Jordan white and red pattern. It is well-positioned and left loose over the shoulders.
Kandora: UAE name for dishdasha. It is flawless and includes a long tassel called a tarboosh.
Oman
The sultanate of the south is genuinely concerned with the integrity of its national heritage, including the embroidered garments. That is why the traditional dress is mandatory for all employees in the public sector. Western-style clothing has no place in the country, except for tourists.
Oman's Traditional attires could not be complete without:
Omani Women Clothing:
Abaya: a dark black abaya with certain color details is very common in the capital Masqat.
Dishdasha: like men, women from Omani rural areas wear this traditional dress in a variety of colors and rich details. They match it with loose-fitting sirwals.
Lahaf: a regular head cover wrapped around the head.
Omani Men Clothing:
Muzzar: a hat that covers the head, with or without a kumma under it
Dishdasha: can be white or earthy tones such as brown or gray. It also has a shorter tassel
Final Thoughts:
In this article, I have discussed the different types of Arabian dresses for girls and boys. Although, MENA region countries follow different kinds of traditions and cultures and their dresses are the reflection of their culture. Today modern designers follow the traditional designs and reinvent them in different fabrics and styles. Here at lailoo, you will see differences in dresses depending on the countries and their traditions.