Traditional Arab dress is highly diverse, depending on the region, from the Middle East to the Arabian Peninsula. Among these traditional garments, the Kuwaiti qamis occupies an important place, particularly in the countries of the Arabian Gulf.
This garment is worn by men of all generations and for all occasions, whether for religious or family ceremonies, or during the working day. In this article, we take a look at what a Kuwaiti qamis is, its history, its specific features and some tips on how to buy one.
Origins and evolution of the Kuwaiti qamis
Traditional use of qamis in the Arab world
The qamis, also called "thobe" or "dishdasha", is a long dress worn by men in many Arab and Muslim countries. It is a conservative garment that covers almost the entire body, while meeting the need for comfort and coolness in hot, dry climates. Qamis have their origins in the Arabian Peninsula, where they have been worn by Bedouins for centuries. It gradually spread to countries such asSaudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
Kuwaiti qamis: local specificities
While there are many different types of qamis throughout the Arab world, each with its own characteristics depending on its geographical origin, the Kuwaiti qamis stands out for several reasons.
Firstly, its length is generally shorter than that of other qamis, stopping at or slightly below the ankles. Secondly, it features a mao collar and long sleeves with narrow cuffs.
In some cases, the cuffs are fitted with buttons for size adjustment. Finally, two front pockets are also present on the sides of the garment.
How to choose your Kuwaiti qamis?
The qamis material: lightweight and comfortable
As previously mentioned, the traditional qamis were designed to offer comfort and coolness in a hot, dry climate. That's why, when buying a Kuwaiti qamis, it's important to pay attention to the material used. Generally speaking, light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are used. These materials have the advantage of not sticking to the skin and of rapidly wicking away perspiration.
Qamis size: a question of ease
When choosing the size of your qamis, it's best to use a length system rather than standard sizes such as "S", "M" or "L". To do this, measure the distance between the bottom of your neck and your ankles. This will generally correspond to the length of the qamis in centimeters. If you're between two sizes, always choose the larger one to avoid feeling cramped.
Color and pattern: sobriety and elegance
When it comes to the colors and patterns of the Kuwaiti qamis, there are a multitude of options to suit all tastes and occasions. The most common colors are white, beige, gray and blue.
However, qamis in brighter colors such as green, red or purple can also be worn for ceremonies or parties. As for patterns, embroidery is often found adorning the collar, shoulders or sleeves of the garment, adding a touch of elegance while preserving the traditional sobriety of the qamis.
The complete outfit: accessories and shoes
The keffieh or ghutra: protecting your head with style
To complete the outfit, it's not uncommon for a man to wear a scarf on his head called a keffieh or ghutra. This is a large square of fabric traditionally wrapped around the head for protection from the sun, dust and wind.
The keffiyeh is usually black and white checkered, while the ghutra is plain, often white or red. To hold these scarves in place, we use a wire called "agal", which goes around the head.
Shoes: choose models suited to qamis
To complete your outfit, you'll need to choose a pair of shoes suited to the Kuwaiti qamis. Generally speaking, men opt for open-toe leather sandals, which allow a certain amount of ventilation and optimum comfort. However, depending on the occasion or the environment, it's also possible to wear soft moccasins or traditional babouches.
Where to buy a Kuwaiti qamis?
You can buy a Kuwaiti qamis in a number of shops specializing in traditional Arab clothing, from local markets to online boutiques. To make sure you make the right choice, don't hesitate to try on several models to find the one that best suits your needs and tastes. Also take into account the tips above concerning material, size, color and pattern to ensure you buy a quality Kuwaiti qamis.