Saudi Arabia is a country with a rich heritage and culture, and traditional men’s clothing is an important part of their national identity, reflecting identity, heritage, and religious traditions. In this article, we will discuss in detail what do men wear in Saudi Arabia, how climate, customs, and traditions affect the style of dress, as well as tips for tourists on what to wear when visiting the Kingdom.
Climate and weather
The climate determines the type of clothing men wear in Saudi Arabia:
- Summer: To keep cool, Saudi men often wear a white thobe made of cotton or linen.
- Winter: Wear a heavy fabric such as wool or polyester, and replace the ghutra with a thick shawl.
- Mountainous areas: The weather is more moderate, so men may add an abaya over the thobe for extra warmth.
What do men wear in Saudi Arabia?
Many people wonder about Saudi Arabian men’s dress, and the truth is that Saudi Arabia dress for male is the thobe, which is a long, loose robe that covers the entire body and is often white in color during the summer, while dark colors such as gray or black are worn in the winter.
The thobe is usually accompanied by the shemagh, a red and white head covering, or the ghutra, an all-white head covering, and is secured with the agal, a black loop placed over the head.
So, the answer of what should men wear in Saudi Arabia is modest clothing, preferably a thobe or long pants with long-sleeved shirts in public places.
Why do Saudis wear Thobes and Abayas?
Saudi Arabia male dress is Thobes and Abayas, but why?
Thobes and Abayas are an essential part of Saudi culture. Men wear the thobe as a formal dress that reflects national identity, while women wear the abaya to maintain modesty.
It is also suitable for the nature of the desert climate. It is worth noting that loose clothing reflects the principle of modesty and is in line with Islamic teachings and Saudi customs.
Is the Saudi dress code the same in every city?
Dress codes vary between Saudi cities, so what do men wear in Saudi Arabia in different cities?
In larger cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, there is more flexibility in clothing choices, with some wearing Western clothing such as formal suits to work. In conservative areas such as Qassim and Hail, adherence to traditional dress is more pronounced, with the thobe and shemagh preferred for all occasions.
What should male tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?
Male tourists in Saudi Arabia should wear modest clothing that covers most of the body, such as long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Avoid clothing that is too short or tight, especially in public places and religious areas.
Can I wear colorful clothing in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, men can wear colorful clothing in Saudi Arabia, but neutral colors such as white, gray, black, and brown are most common. Brightly colored clothing is not forbidden, but it may attract attention, so it is best to choose medium or dark colors.
What shoes can I wear in Saudi Arabia?
All types of shoes can be worn in Saudi Arabia, but the choice depends on the occasion. Formal shoes are best worn at work and formal meetings. Sandals: Common in hot weather, but not suitable for formal places. Sports shoes are suitable for walking and touring.
What to wear in Saudi Arabia whilst visiting religious sites as a man?
When visiting religious sites such as Mecca and Medina, men wear loose white clothing such as ihram while performing Umrah or Hajj. In addition, they should wear a thobe or long, modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered in mosques.
Do religious police enforce dress codes against foreign tourists in Saudi Arabia?
In the past, Saudi police strictly enforced dress codes, but in recent years there has been more flexibility when it comes to tourists. However, it is best for tourists to dress modestly out of respect for local culture. It is worth noting that if their clothing is inappropriate in some places, they may be asked to modify it.
What should children wear in Saudi Arabia?
Children are not bound by strict dress codes like adults. They can wear casual clothes such as shirts and trousers. However, boys wear thobes for formal occasions and school. They can wear casual clothes in everyday life. It is best to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional areas.
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People also ask
What is the national dress of Saudi Arabia for men?
The Saudi national costume for men is a white thobe made of cotton, with a shemagh or ghutra, and an agal. It is worn on all formal and informal occasions.
Do men have to cover up in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, it is best to wear modest clothing that covers most of the body out of respect for local customs. It is not advisable to wear clothes that are too short, revealing, tight or see-through in public places.
Can men wear shorts in Saudi Arabia?
Men in Saudi Arabia may wear shorts in some informal settings, but they are not common in public or traditional settings.
Finally, after knowing what do men wear in Saudi Arabia. Remember that traditional dress in Saudi Arabia reflects the ancient culture and heritage, and is an essential part of the identity of Saudi society. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, it is important to respect the dress code and choose appropriate clothing for each occasion.
