Clothing is a major characteristic of any culture. It is today considered a dominant figure that helps attract foreigners’ attention and interest to the culture attached, as globalization has helped cultures from different parts of the world to come together. However, throughout history, it has been proven that clothing transcends this external function and goes deeper to the level of determining the character of the person putting it on. This way, it allows one to tell others who he is, where he comes from, and which culture he belongs to.
Different cultures have evolved various ways of creating clothes out of multiple raw materials, and with time these clothes have become a major part of them and became the way that they show their own unique life style. In this article, you will learn about the specifics of Moroccan traditional clothing: how it came to be and what it looks like today.
Moroccan fashion, rich in history and vibrant in color, is a captivating blend of cultural influences, tradition, and contemporary style. Morocco’s fashion heritage is woven from Berber, Arab, and European influences, showcasing the country’s rich historical tapestry. The Amazigh (Berber) women were among the first to wear intricate textiles, adorned with detailed embroidery and colorful patterns that reflected their identity and values. Traditionally, each region had its unique style, which carried cultural significance.
Although Morocco is a very old country that goes back in time to thousands of years, Moroccans still wear to this day the traditional clothing of their ancestors with very little change or influence from the Western fashion. Many peoples came to Morocco and lived alongside the indigenous Berber tribes such as: Phoenicians, Arabs, and Romans, and more. This diversity of cultures resulted in the creation of several unique dressing styles in Morocco, since each one of these cultures took some inspiration from the other.
Whether it be robes, vests, pants or shoes… Moroccans took a little bit from each culture they came in contact with and merged it with their own traditional garments, coming up with the unique styles that we see today. An important example of that would be the Moroccan Caftan, which is known world widely today as one of the most famous traditional Moroccan dresses. Although the Ottoman Empire has never set foot in Morocco, Moroccan designers adopted this Ottoman dress, and added their special touch to it.
Read also: The Allure of Blue and White Tile
It was actually the Muslims and Jews of Andalusia who introduced it to Morocco when they came to take refuge from Spanish prosecution, and it was then a garment reserved for royalty only. The Caftan is still present in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia as well, and today, it is worn by women from all social classes in Morocco.
Generally, traditional clothing for women and men in Morocco consists mostly of long robes with hoods and traditional slippers. These magnificent dresses have been worn since the ancient times of Moroccan history, and are being still used today. Some of these garments however came to be because of necessity, considering the harsh weather in a lot of parts of the kingdom. For instance, the first Djellabas in Morocco were woven from thick wool, and worn in the High and Middle Atlas region during the winter months.
For a long time, Moroccans wore only their traditional clothes in their day to day life as well as for all sorts of occasions. Nevertheless, you will notice that this has changed in recent years because of the influence of the French and Spanish colonization, which forced people to dress in a westernized way in order to be seen as modern and literate (especially concerning working men). Though Djellabas and Caftans were still worn to special occasions and celebrations no matter what, even during this time.
Thankfully, Moroccan youth is today finding its way back to embracing their heritage, specifically the traditional clothes of their ancestors.
Key Moroccan Garments for Women
Moroccan culture is rich in tradition, and this is reflected in the country's clothing worn by women. The question often arises: what is the traditional Moroccan garment for women? The answer is simple: it's the Kaftana women's dress dress for women. But there are also other popular outfits, such as the djellaba or even themodern abayawhich are making their mark in current fashion.
Read also: Morocco's Blue Pearl
Djellaba: Men in Morocco and North Africa in general wear up what is called Djellabah. It is a long fitting outer dress with full sleeves. Originally they were made of wool. Anyway, nowadays cotton-made Djellabahs are more dominant worldwide. This dress is known for its different colors, which give it beauty and charm. It’s also the most popular garment amongst Moroccans for being so practical and versatile.
Men in Morocco often wear up light colored Djellabah along with a traditional Fez or Tarbush which is a traditional headdress that is usually red and sometimes with a tassel attached to its top and a soft yellow babouche or Balgha which are heelless slippers made from leather mainly for religious events and wedding ceremonies. Qob is used as a protector against rains, snow and the sands thrown by strong winds in the desert. During times of warm weather, this Qob is turned into a pocket where loaves and bread can be put.
Actually, a few decades back, the Djellaba was considered a man’s dress only and it was not socially acceptable for women to wear it outside. However this changed when Moroccan women persisted to gain independence, demanding that they be able to work and share the outside world with Moroccan men. Later on, a woman wearing a Djellaba became a symbol of a strong woman with some sort of power and independency, until it finally became a totally normal and standard occurrence in day to day life on Morocco’s streets.
Returning on the topic of the Djellaba, it should be mentioned that this specific garment is the most ever worn by the Moroccan woman today. You will catch them wearing a Djellaba to run errands, to go shopping, to visit family and friends, or even to go to work. Yes, the Moroccan Djellaba is so versatile that it can be used for all of that! Its variations in fabric, design, cut, shape, color and decoration is so customizable that it never fails to attract any Moroccan woman, even girls belonging to the new generation.
Kaftans: Alongside thee Djellaba, perhaps the most world known traditional dress that Moroccan women wear is the Moroccan Caftan. It is a long flowy dress decorated with all kinds of embroidery designs and sequin colors, reserved for formal events, celebrations, and holidays. The Moroccan Caftan has attracted international attention over the last few decades, with big names in the fashion industry taking inspiration from it for their fashion shows. Today, it is a must have piece in a lot of fashionable western women’s closets, who purchase it from trusted Moroccan artisanal shops.
Read also: Men's Moroccan Fashion
The prices range from €150 for a simple model to several thousand euros for a designer Kaftan . The traditional Moroccan garment for womenis above all the Kaftana symbol of elegance and prestige. But the djellaba and themodern abaya are the perfect complement to this wardrobe, providing variety for every occasion: wedding, prayerreception or everyday wear. These women's dresses are now available at all priceswith delivery options and numerous reviews to guide your choice.
Takchita: Unlike the Kaftan, which is one-piece dress, Takchita is a Moroccan traditional dress that is composed of two parts, the first layer is called Takchita and the second one is called Dfina. Takchita is worn mainly by women for celebrations particularly weddings. The upper layer of it is usually adorned with embroidery and sequins. The Moroccan Takchita was once reserved for Royalty only, so the fact that it’s a common traditional piece of clothing today that can be accessed by everyone holds some sentimental value to Moroccan women. This was made possible since now the Takchita can be made from accessible and affordable, but nevertheless very gorgeous, imported fabrics.
Haik: Women in some parts of Morocco also wear up what is called the Haik, which is a traditional white full body dress that is made of silk and wool. The Haik covers the whole body except face and hands and it is mainly used in cold and conservative areas in Morocco.
Gandoura: On the opposite end of the spectrum to this winter dress, there is a beautiful summer one called The Gandoura. Gandoura is a summer dress worn by both men and women in Morocco (the men’s Gandoura comes in simple neutral colors, whereas women’s one is more colorful and decorated). It is a Berber traditional dress with short sleeves and side pockets.
Moroccan gandoras are traditional garments that have been a part of the country's culture and fashion for centuries. The origins of Moroccan gandoras can be traced back to the 8th century when Arab and Berber tribes inhabited the region. These nomadic people needed a loose-fitting garment that could protect them from the scorching desert sun while also being comfortable enough to wear in their daily activities. Initially, these robes were made from simple fabrics like wool and were plain in design.
The embroidery on gandoras also evolved over time, with each region of Morocco developing its own unique style. Apart from being a practical garment, gandoras hold significant cultural importance for Moroccans. They are often worn during important occasions such as weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals. In addition, gandoras play a role in preserving Morocco's artisanal traditions.
Furthermore, gandoras hold a special place in the country's history of women's empowerment. In the 1950s, King Mohammed V encouraged women to wear gandoras as a way to promote modesty and discourage Western clothing styles. Plus, gandoras have gained global recognition as a fashion statement, with designers incorporating elements of Moroccan style into their collections.
While traditional gandoras are still popular among Moroccans, modern trends have also influenced their design. One trend is the use of brighter colors and bolder patterns on gandoras, making them stand out even more. In addition, gandoras have been adapted to suit different occasions. Plus, gandoras have become a popular fashion statement among tourists, with many purchasing them as souvenirs to take home.
Qandrissi Trousers: Another form of traditional Moroccan clothes is the Qandrissi trousers. Millions of people around the world have watched Aladdin movie and, furthermore, have been inspired by his unique wide pants. Qandrissi is originally a type of pants coming from Persia. However, Moroccan people wear them and love them as well, after adapting them to their own need. These pants are comfortable, practical and baggy.
This should come as a surprise to no one since, as mentioned before, Morocco came in contact with so many different cultures throughout the years. Moroccan men used to wear Qndrissi pants a lot, and they still do.
Regional Variations
As mentioned above, Morocco consists of several societies which justify the diversity concerning clothing and dresses that differ from one region to another. In the Sahara, for example, which is located in the south of Morocco, men mostly only wear the Deraa which is a loose variation of the Gandoura that is open on the sides to keep the body ventilated (which is a crucial detail considering the Sahara heat). Sahrawi men also wear Qandrissi pants under their Deraa. Deraa comes in two colors mainly, blue for everyday life and white for weddings and private ceremonies.
Another important aspect of Moroccan traditional clothes in regards of Sahrawi fashion specifically is the Cheich (also known as tagelmoust). The Cheich is a large indigo-dyed cotton fabric used to tie around the head of men from the desert worn in their day to day life, to serve as shield from wind-borne sand. The fabric is dyed using indigo powder because it is believed to have beneficial effects on one’s skin. Additionally, the Cheich is also used as a way to show the social status, the financial status, and the region of origin of the wearer.
As for the ladies, women in the Sahara wear the Melhfa which is different from the Djellabah. Sahrawi women wear the Melhfa to protect themselves from the blowing sands caused by rough winds in the desert. This is another instant where the type of traditional clothes worn are born out of necessity. The Melehfa is modest, but at the same flowy and breezy, which makes it the perfect dress for Sahrawi women. Melhfa is composed of a large fabric with bright colors usually worn in black and blue. Nowadays Melhfa is worn with more joyful colors.
Despite the expansion of Western dress styles worldwide, the new generation of Moroccan still use these traditional patterns of dress. This is actually, due to their practicality especially in rough climate situations in Sahara. It has been proved around the world that clothing is an important part of any culture. Along with the natural sites, landscapes, food and every attractive part of any country, clothing is considered as a leading figure of both attracting tourists and reflecting the peoples’ cultural, religious and regional identity as well.
The Evolution of Moroccan Fashion
One major factor for this evolution is the influence of Western fashion. Furthermore, the rise of social media has also played a role in making gandoras a popular fashion trend. In addition, the tourism industry in Morocco has also contributed to this evolution. Moreover, the younger generation in Morocco has also played a role in making gandoras more fashionable. Plus, many designers have also taken inspiration from Moroccan gandoras and incorporated elements of their design into their collections.
The intricate designs seen in Moroccan fashion often reflect the country’s beautiful mosaic tiles, known as zellige. The patterns, colors, and geometric designs inspired countless fashion designers who sought to bring a touch of Morocco into their creations. Social media has played a pivotal role in this evolution, allowing Moroccan designers to showcase their work to a broader audience.
Today’s landscape of female Moroccan fashion reflects a growing awareness of sustainability and ethical practices. Many designers are embracing eco-friendly materials and traditional artisanal techniques, breathing new life into the age-old craftsmanship of Morocco.
Purchasing and Wearing Moroccan Garments
The price of a Moroccan gandora can vary greatly depending on factors such as the fabric, design, and intricacy of embroidery. For more elaborate and luxurious gandoras with intricate embroidery and high-quality fabrics, the price can go up to $500 or more. If you're on a budget, you can also find cheaper versions of gandoras in markets and souks around Morocco. However, it's always important to remember that gandoras are not just pieces of clothing but also hold cultural significance for Moroccans.
Incorporating a Moroccan gandora into your wardrobe can add a unique and cultural touch to your fashion. Whether you choose to wear it for everyday occasions or as part of a special event, embrace the beauty and significance of Moroccan gandoras and make a fashion statement that honors its rich heritage.
So go ahead, grab your gandora, and show off your style! Remember to respect the cultural norms associated with wearing a gandora if you are visiting Morocco, and have fun experimenting with different styles.
Yes, tourists are welcome to wear gandoras as a way to embrace Moroccan culture and fashion. It depends on the design and style of the gandora. Yes, gandoras come in various sizes to fit different body types.
Morocco is shaped by diversity which is, anyway, reflected by the multiple dress styles found in it. As a visitor, it will be a great chance for you to try all these fascinating dresses and feel the historic spirit related to them. Are you planning a trip to Morocco soon? Check out our Morocco Tour Packages below and let us know which one best meet your demands!
| Garment | Description | Occasion | Price Range (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaftan | Long, flowing dress with embroidery | Formal events, celebrations | €150 - €5000+ |
| Djellaba | Long robe with a hood | Casual or formal, everyday wear | Varies based on fabric and design |
| Gandoura | Summer dress with short sleeves | Casual wear | Varies based on fabric and design |
| Takchita | Two-piece dress for weddings | Weddings, special celebrations | Varies significantly |
The history of female Moroccan fashion is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage, creativity, and resilience. As Moroccan women continue to express their identity through fashion, they weave a narrative that transcends time, embracing tradition while celebrating contemporary style.
Popular articles:
tags: #Moroccan
