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The distinctive, floor-length white robe (dishdasha)
and the pristine headdress worn proudly by most Arab men have become a
symbol of Arab unity. Simple but elegant and ideally suited to the hot
desert climate, this comfortable style is preferred because it reflects
the heat and allows air to circulate around the body.
The dishdasha can be custom-made by one's favorite tailor to suit
the wearer's taste and measurements or it can be bought ready-made.
MOSACO has exclusive showrooms sporting very fine collections from World
renowned mills and a premium tailoring unit under one roof, named
'DishDasha'. The
neat mandarin collar, a central front opening and long sleeves that fall
gracefully to the wrist are characteristic. Two large inside
pockets accessible from an opening in the side seam on each side easily
carry most of the wearer's personal possessions - cash, check book, keys,
etc. Often there is a patch pocket at the top of the left front - useful
for holding pens, pencils or eyeglasses.
Long white trousers that are cut and shaped to fall straight to the ankle
give a neat appearance beneath the hem of the dishdasha.
The color and the fabric selection varies with the seasons, the current
fashion trend and one's taste. During the hot summer months, white or
an occasional ecru cotton blend fabric is used. As the temperature drops,
a wide variety of colors appear, mostly grays, dark blues, tans and browns
in soft wool blends.
Both practical and striking in appearance, the characteristic headdress
has protected the Arab's head and neck from the blistering sun
and sand for generations as it still does today.The headdress consists of
three pieces: the keffiya, a closefitting cap; the ghutra, a
large square cloth; and the agal that holds everything on
the head.
Crocheted from fine cotton, the keffiya is essential to provide a
firm foundation upon which to drape the ghutra. The square-shaped
ghutra can be made from a large selection of fabrics, weights
and designs. White is the favorite summer color and is made from a fine
cotton voile.The traditional white wool blend, a heavier cotton blend or
the red and white checkered cloth (shemagh) is worn in the winter.
Shemagh and ghutra are used regardless of climate in Saudi Arabia.
The egal, a double circlet of twisted
black wool or nylon cord, anchors the headdress on the head.
The
keffiya can be a hand-made one made from fine cotton to add
value and comfort to the wearer.
There are many ways of wearing the headdress depending upon the image the
wearer wishes to convey. The simplest style is created by letting the two
ends fall equally on each side of the face. A very popular style flips the
ends back onto the crown of the head, crossing them over the egal.
While not only attractive, this style allows the well-cut hairstyle to be
seen to its best advantage.
On formal occasions, wear a cloak (bisht) over the
dishdasha . Practical but elegant, this large, loose garment with no
fastenings, is cut roughly in a rectangle, with fitted slits in the sides
for the arms. The semi-translucent summer bisht is generally
black, but it may also be cream, pale gray or brown with a narrow plaited
gold cord sewn across the shoulders, around the neck and down the front
edges. A heavier winter version made from a thicker closely woven wool can
be used for the winter.
Care must be taken in choosing the
accessories. Choose the sandals if you want to be in a traditional mood,
or shoes for a business or travel purpose.
Visit your nearest DishDasha showroom for an
exclusive
collection of Dishdashas and its accessories.
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