Tradition · dress
The djellaba: Morocco’s hooded robe
The djellaba is a long, loose robe with full sleeves and a pointed hood, worn over clothes by men and women all over Morocco. It can be plain wool for a mountain winter or fine fabric for a celebration.
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The hood
The hood, called the qob, protects from sun, wind and sand, and in the mountains serves as a winter hat. It is roomy enough to carry small things too: some people use it as an extra pocket for bread or shopping.
Fabrics and seasons
Djellabas are traditionally made of coarse wool for winter and cotton or lighter fabrics for summer. Wool djellabas from the mountains, woven from local sheep’s wool, are especially warm. Many are finished with fine braid and rows of small buttons down the front and on the sleeves.
Who wears it
Men have worn the djellaba for a long time; women adopted it widely in the 20th century, and today women’s djellabas come in many colours and cuts, some without a hood. It is everyday wear in towns and villages and a natural choice for Fridays and religious holidays.
From djellaba to sleeping bag
The Dress Code: Disappear design turns a striped djellaba, with its pointed hood and braid, into a sleeping bag: a recognisable Moroccan silhouette reimagined for disappearing into the journey.
Sources
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