Imtiaz Ahmed - Head of Tailoring Team
Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed is working as a head of tailoring department at Shabab Al Yola. Over nearly two decades, he has worked with local clients across the Gulf and international customers who expect Gulf-standard tailoring delivered to their door. His hands-on experience covers every major regional style, including Emirati, Saudi, Qatari, Kuwaiti, and Omani cuts, along with the fine details that separate a well-made thobe from a great one. At Shahbab Al Yola, Imtiaz personally oversees the construction of every regional silhouette the brand produces. He knows Gulf garment-making inside out and brings that knowledge into every piece the brand produces.
Men in the UK are now choosing the Emirati thobe as part of their wardrobe. Some wear it for Friday prayers and some wear it for Eid. Some simply love the modest and clean look it gives. Whatever your reason, styling the Emirati thobe in the UK takes a little thought.
The weather is different. The occasions are different. I will walk you through and by the end you will know exactly how to wear your Emirati kandora across the UK.
The Emirati thobe is a long ankle length robe worn by men. It has long sleeves and a loose body. In United Arab Emirate it is also called kandora. The Emirati kandora is known for its bright white color, it is collarless and has relaxed silhouette. Silhouette means the overall shape and outline of a garment when worn on the body.
The Emirati thobe has become popular in the UK for several reasons. It is modest, covers full body as well as it is comfortable for long hours of wear. It suits in mosque prayers, celebrations and cultural events. Muslim men from different backgrounds now choose it as their preferred dress for religious and formal occasions.
Before you start styling, you need to understand the garment itself. Here are the key design features of the Emirati kandora:
Fabric choice is the most important styling decision for UK wear. The UK climate is very different from the UAE.
For spring and summer, lighter fabrics work best. Polyester, spun polyester, poly cotton and polyester viscose are all good choices for warmer months. These fabrics are reasonably priced and easy to maintain.
Poly cotton is a mix of polyester and cotton. It feels soft and allows some air through. Polyester viscose gives a smoother finish. Both look great in white and stay neat throughout the day. For Friday prayers or casual outings between April and September, any of these fabrics will keep you comfortable and well presented.
For cold British months, wool is the right choice. Imported wool fabrics sourced from India, China, Korea and Australia are all used for winter Emirati kandoras. Wool traps heat and keeps you warm without affecting the traditional look of the thobe.
A wool blend Emirati thobe from November to February keeps the cold out while still looking clean and smart.
If you want better quality, premium polyester like Semeramis fabric is a great option. It works well in both summer and winter so you get more use throughout the year. It has a crisp finish than standard fabrics.
Layering is one of the most useful styling skills for wearing the Emirati kandora in the UK. Layering means wearing one or more garments underneath or on top of your kandora to add more warmth and style.
Wear a long sleeve thermal undershirt under the Emirati thobe during cold months. A thermal undershirt is a close fitting garment that. Choose a white or off white thermal so it does not show through the fabric.
Many Emirati men already wear a wazara under the kandora. A wazara is a lightweight cotton undershirt traditionally worn beneath the Emirati thobe. In the UK you can also use it as a light inner layer during mild weather months.
A long overcoat is the best outer layer over the Emirati thobe. Choose a coat that reaches at least mid calf length. This length looks balanced over an ankle length thobe. A short jacket that ends at the waist looks mismatched with the long kandora. A dark wool overcoat in black, charcoal or navy works very well over a white Emirati thobe.
Traditional Emirati headwear is the ghutra and agal. A ghutra is a white square cloth placed on the head. An agal is a black doubled cord placed on top to hold the ghutra in position. Emirati men fold the ghutra in a specific way that creates a slight point at the front.
For everyday casual wear some men choose to wear the Emirati thobe without any headwear. This is a simple and clean look that works well in daily UK settings. A plain white kufi cap is another option. A kufi is a short rounded cap worn by Muslim men. It pairs neatly with the Emirati kandora for mosque visits and casual wear.
In the UK wearing the full ghutra and agal is a confident and culturally proud choice. It works well for Eid, formal dinners and cultural events.
Footwear makes a big difference to the overall look of the Emirati thobe.
White leather trainers are the most practical choice for casual daily wear in the UK. They look clean and modern with a white Emirati kandora. They are also comfortable for walking on UK streets and in shopping areas.
Dark leather shoes or loafers is suitable for formal events, office visits and family gatherings. Black or dark brown leather shoes add a polished finish to the Emirati thobe outfit.
White slippers pair very well with an Emirati thobe, especially for mosque visits and religious gatherings. They are simple, lightweight and easy to wear. Choose a neat and good quality pair to keep the overall appearance tidy and respectful.
Very sporty rubber soled shoes with large logos do not match the modest and clean style of the Emirati thobe. Worn out or dirty footwear takes away from the neat appearance of the kandora.
Different occasions in the UK call for slightly different styling approaches.
For Friday prayers wear a plain white cotton Emirati kandora. Keep the look simple. White trainers or clean sandals work well. A kufi cap or ghutra is a good addition. The overall look should be neat.
Eid is the perfect occasion for a full traditional look. Wear your best white Emirati thobe. Add the ghutra and agal for the complete Emirati style. Apply a light oud perfume to complete the outfit.
For everyday use around the house, local walks and community visits, a simple white or off white Emirati kandora with white trainers is comfortable and clean. You do not need the full traditional headwear for daily wear.
For formal occasions choose a higher quality Emirati thobe. A fabric with a slight sheen gives a polished appearance under indoor lighting. Sheen means a gentle shine on the fabric surface. Pair it with dark leather shoes with ghutra and agal
Good care keeps your Emirati kandora makes it looks good for a long time:
Finding a high quality Emirati kandora in the UK starts with choosing a trusted seller. At Shabab Al Yola, we offer authentic Emirati thobes made with carefully selected fabrics that suit both UK summer and winter weather. Our kandoras follow traditional Emirati design with neat finishing details.
Shopping at shababalyola is simple and secure. You can explore different fabric options, check size details and can also order from your home across UK. Whether you need a daily wear Emirati thobe or a premium piece for Eid and special occasions, you will find quality and authenticity in one place. Visit our website today and choose a style that suits you best.
Styling the Emirati thobe in the UK is easier than most people think. The key is layering properly for cold weather, choosing best fabric for summer season and picking footwear that matches the occasion. Whether you are heading to Friday prayers, an Eid celebration or a formal dinner, the Emirati kandora is a comfortable choice. Wear it clean, well ironed and with confidence. This garment has deep cultural roots and should be worn with pride wherever you are in the world.
They both are same. Emirati thobe and Emirati kandora are two names for the same traditional long robe worn by men in the UAE. Both names are widely used and accepted.
Yes you can. Choose a wool blend fabric for warmth. Wear a thermal undershirt underneath. Add a long wool overcoat on top. This makes the Emirati kandora also suitable for cold British weather.
White leather trainers work well for casual daily wear. Dark leather shoes suit formal occasions and office settings. Traditional open sandals are best kept for indoor use during cold or wet weather.
No, you do not have to. The ghutra and agal are traditional accessories but they are optional. For casual wear a plain kufi cap or no headwear at all is perfectly fine. For Eid and formal events the full ghutra and agal look is a great choice.
White is always the classic and most popular choice. Off white and cream suit autumn and winter months. Darker shades like navy and charcoal are practical for wet and cold British weather.
Wash it with a detergent made for white fabrics. Keep it separate from dark clothes during washing. Iron while slightly damp and use starch spray to keep it crisp and bright.
Visit our website for authentic and best kandoras and choose the one that fits your style best.
Yes. Anyone can wear an Emirati thobe. Wear it clean, well ironed and with good posture. Respectful and neat presentation is the most important thing.
Yes, it is widely acceptable. Choose a crisp white polyester blend kandora for the office. It stays neat throughout the day. Pair it with dark leather shoes for a smart appearance.
The correct length for an Emirati kandora is at the ankle. It should not be shorter than the ankle or drag on the floor. Getting the right length is important for both tradition and practical wear.
