How to Wear a Thobe Without Showing Through – Smart Underwear Tips for Travelers in the Arab World

When visiting Arab Gulf countries, many travelers want to try wearing beautiful traditional clothing! Particularly, the pure white long robe “Thobe (or Dishdasha)” for men fascinates with its elegant appearance and cool functionality.

However, many worry “Won’t underwear show through the white fabric?” or “What kind of underwear should I wear?” Today, we’ll introduce underwear considerations and transparency prevention tips when tourists wear local traditional clothing.

Basics of Thobe Underwear Selection and Transparency Prevention

Local men typically wear white underwear. While this might seem like it would show through white robes, transparency is actually prevented through the thobe’s material and weaving method, plus traditional layering styles.

Local men always wear an undershirt called “Fanilla (فنيلة)” which is pure white and mandatory under the thobe. This comes in tank top or short-sleeve t-shirt form, playing an important role in preventing skin and body lines from showing through. Moisture-absorbing cotton materials are preferred, designed for comfort even in scorching climates.

We recommend tourists also purchase fanilla when buying thobes. Wearing thobe over fanilla prevents body lines from showing and creates more authentic styling.

For the lower body, traditionally worn are “Sirwal (سروال)” – longer white underwear (knee-length shorts type). These are basically white, but don’t show through thanks to the thobe’s length and material. For tourists, white or skin-colored boxer types or knee-length spandex underwear can substitute, but choosing longer lengths is safer.

Thobe Materials and Transparency Prevention Techniques

Traditional clothing from Arab Gulf countries has been refined over thousands of years to balance scorching climates with cultural modesty. While thobes appear thin, they’re actually designed with abundant transparency prevention techniques.

Saudi Arabian thobes use high-quality fabrics like “Al-Maloki” and “Al-Japani,” which appear lightweight but often have linings or special weaving to prevent transparency. When held to light, high-quality thobes clearly show special interior weaving patterns that prevent underwear from showing through.

UAE kanduras characteristically feature cord-like decorations called “Tarasha (طراشة)” at the collar, with substantial fabrics. Particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, non-transparent designs using luxury materials are preferred.

Omani dishdashas differ from other countries by often featuring embroidery at the collar, with colors including not just white but light pastels. Colored versions have less transparency, making them recommended for tourists concerned about white transparency.

Qatari and Kuwaiti thobes feature standing collars with somewhat wider designs. Particularly in Qatar, lustrous fabrics are preferred, with special double-weave techniques preventing transparency.

Practical Shopping Advice for Tourists

When purchasing thobes, thoroughly check fabric thickness and transparency. Quality can often be determined by weight and texture when handled. Good thobes have appropriate weight despite being light and don’t easily show through when gently stretched. Check for lining presence and, if possible, hold to light for examination.

Sizing is also important. While thobes have basically loose silhouettes, too-tight fits make underwear lines more visible. Conversely, oversized garments look awkward, so we recommend trying on and checking in mirrors when purchasing.

In Gulf countries, various price ranges of thobes can be purchased at shopping malls and specialty stores. Tourist-oriented shops often speak English, and explaining transparency concerns will likely result in appropriate material and thickness recommendations. However, bargain thobes sold at souks may have transparency issues.

Beyond underwear, there are transparency prevention techniques. For important occasions, ceremonies, or photography, wearing “Bisht (بشت)” outer robes over thobes is local custom. These come mainly in black, brown, or beige with gold or silver embroidery – prestigious items showing high status while hiding body lines.

Additionally, draping headwear ends (called “Shemagh” in Saudi Arabia, “Ghutra” in UAE) over shoulders prevents neck area transparency. This is natural gesture locals often perform, so please try copying it.

For active situations, there’s concern about thobe hems lifting. Local men sometimes prevent this by bundling hems belt-like inside. Tourists can also use this technique for long wear or active situations.

Care Methods for Long-term Thobe Enjoyment

As an aside, proper care is essential for long-term enjoyment of purchased thobes. Care methods vary by material, so always confirm with shop staff when purchasing.

Many luxury thobes recommend professional cleaning. For home washing, cold water hand-washing is basic, avoiding strong wringing or bleach use. When ironing, use low to medium temperatures with pressing cloths to minimize fabric damage.

Ideally, store hanging in low-humidity places. Creasing affects appearance and can damage those areas over time.

Conclusion: Confidently Enjoy Wearing Thobes

Thobes aren’t mere costumes but wonderful traditional clothing containing Arab culture and wisdom. With proper underwear selection and material knowledge, you can enjoy traditional local dress without worrying about underwear transparency.

For thousands of years, Arab peoples have woven wisdom for comfortable living in scorching desert climates into their clothing. The combination of white robes and white underwear represents the optimal solution created by long history, balancing visual cleanliness with practicality.

Local people welcome tourists’ interest in their clothing, so don’t be shy about trying! If you honestly consult shop staff saying “I want to wear a thobe but worry about underwear showing through,” they’ll surely provide careful advice.