Omani thobes
The Omani thobe is the most recognisable cut in Gulf dress and the easiest to identify: no collar at all, a rounded neckline, and a slim corded tassel, the furakha, hanging from the neckline and traditionally scented with oud or attar. The body falls softer and less structured than a Saudi thobe, which is what makes it comfortable in heat.
It is worn as everyday dress across Oman and widely elsewhere as a lighter, less formal alternative to a collared thobe. Cii Stores carries the style in adult and kids sizes in the same cut, which is what most families are looking for when they want to match.
Browse by department
Questions and answers
What is an Omani thobe?
An Omani thobe is a collarless ankle length robe with a rounded neckline and a corded tassel at the throat. It is the traditional dress of Oman and is also called a dishdasha.
What is the tassel on an Omani thobe for?
The tassel is called a furakha, and it hangs from the neckline as part of the traditional finish. It is customarily dipped in oud or attar so the scent sits close to the wearer through the day.
Is an Omani thobe the same as a dishdasha?
Dishdasha is the everyday word for the garment across much of the Gulf, and in Oman it refers to this collarless cut. So yes, an Omani thobe and an Omani dishdasha describe the same thing.
How is an Omani thobe different from a kandura?
The Omani cut is collarless with a tassel at the neck, while the Emirati kandura has a neat banded neckline and a seamless front with hidden fastenings. The Omani body is also softer and less structured.
Does it have a collar or buttons?
No. The neckline is rounded and collarless, which is the defining feature of the style, and the front has no visible placket or button row. That is what gives it a cleaner line than a collared thobe.
What fabric is it made from?
The Omani styles stocked here use lighter weight fabric suited to warm weather, which is part of why the cut drapes the way it does. The exact composition is listed on the product page.
What size Omani thobe should I order?
It is sold by length in inches, measured from the shoulder to the ankle, rather than by chest size. Check the size guide on the product page, and size up if you are between lengths.
Do you stock Omani thobes for boys?
Yes, the Omani cut is stocked in kids sizes in the same style as the adult version, which is what makes matching for Eid straightforward. Availability depends on stock in both size ranges.
How do I care for the tassel?
Keep the furakha out of the wash where you can, since repeated washing frays the cord and dulls any scent held in it. Wash the garment cool and hang it to dry, and re-scent the tassel rather than cleaning it.
Is an Omani thobe suitable for formal occasions?
It reads as smart traditional dress rather than formal in the way a structured Saudi thobe does. For a nikah most men choose a collared or Saudi cut, and keep the Omani style for everyday and Eid.
Can I see the Omani thobes in store?
Yes. Cii Stores is a physical shop in Ormonde, Johannesburg, and the drape of this cut is worth seeing in person because it hangs differently to a structured thobe. You can also order online for delivery across South Africa.
How much does an Omani thobe cost?
Omani thobes at Cii Stores are R799 in both adult and kids sizes. That is the same price across the size range, since the cost sits in the fabric and finishing rather than the size.
How much is delivery and how long does it take?
Standard shipping is R160 and orders are delivered within 3 to 5 business days. Delivery is free on orders over R1000.
Can I return an Omani thobe?
Yes. Non consumable items can be returned within 7 days in unused, unopened condition and in their original packaging. Please note that sale items are non refundable.