Djellaba Gabardine
A mid-season fabric that can be worn almost all year round. Cotton and polyester, strong and wash-resistant, it is the most versatile choice in the collection.
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In summary
The Moroccan men's djellaba is a long, loose-fitting robe with a pointed hood and long sleeves, worn over another outfit during family and religious events. It differs from the gandoura in that it has a hood and is never worn on its own.
Moroccan Djellaba
If there’s one Muslim outfit that is directly associated with Moroccan identity or Morocco itself, it’s the djellaba—an iconic traditional outfit steeped in history and culture.
The etymology of the word «djellaba» is linked to the country’s linguistic and cultural history; of Berber origin, it is derived from the word «Jillab,» which means «long garment.» This garment may also be called «Djellaba» or “Jalabiya,” depending on the region.
How can you tell if it's a djellaba?
The djellaba is a long, hooded dress with long sleeves. It’s usually loose-fitting, which makes it comfortable to wear. One of its most recognizable features is its wide, pointed hood, which can be worn pulled down over the head or thrown back, depending on personal preference.
The neckline is usually fitted; it is adorned with trim (Sfifa)—which can be wide or narrow, depending on personal taste—and sometimes, though this is rather rare, it is embellished with embroidery known as Debanna.
Unlike gandouras, djellabas is never worn on its own; it is always paired with an outfit worn underneath. Furthermore, it is not something you wear at home; it is generally reserved for family events or religious occasions.
On the other hand, it’s a more sophisticated look—one that’s particularly popular among men of a certain age. The djellaba has a more refined aesthetic; it has managed to stay true to its roots and maintain the same authentic style over the years, despite changing fashions and new trends.
We're obviously talking about the men's Moroccan djellaba; the women's djellaba has changed a lot. Our Women's djellaba Guide is entirely dedicated to him.
When is it appropriate to wear a men's djellaba?
The djellaba is ideal for Friday prayers (Jumu'ah); it is worn over a Two-piece jabador with ideally a sfifa of the same color, over a white Farajia (long Moroccan Qamis with Aakad), or over a Reggabia (traditional Moroccan shirt) and Sarouel.
It’s also the perfect outfit for celebrating Muslim religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Men wear the djellaba when departing for and returning from the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. They are also worn during the Umrah when visiting the holy sites.
Like the Jabador, the Djellaba is the iconic uniform of the Moroccan married, with her red tarbouche and white babouche slippers, she'll make quite an impression at a religious wedding (Hlel), an engagement, or a wedding proposal (Khotba).
For the Henna (Hanna) ceremony, traditionally celebrated the night before the wedding in Morocco, a green djellaba for men will complement the outfit of the bride-to-be, who is also typically dressed in green for this occasion.
In Morocco, the white djellaba is the garment worn by imams during Friday sermons (Khotbas), with its hood pulled down over the head, accompanied by a Barnoos (Selham), a chachia and a sarouel to complete this outfit, a symbol of Moroccan culture.
It is also the outfit most frequently worn by the King of Morocco during receptions, cultural celebrations, and religious events. The styles and colors of his outfits often set the tone for the trends and colors of the coming year.
In Algeria, a similar garment is called a R’gabiya. It features the loose fit of the djellaba, with or without a hood, but has a simpler style, without trimmings, embroidery, or aakads.
Which fabric for my Djellaba?
The men's Moroccan djellaba is also versatile, with less embroidery than other Moroccan outfits, and differentiated above all by its quality fabrics and often hand-made finishes.
At Jabador.com, all djellabas items are made and embroidered in Morocco by local artisans; the trimmings (sfifa) and fabrics are also sourced locally to ensure quality, but above all to preserve this heritage of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Djellaba Sousdi and Mousseline
These fabrics are sheer—that’s their defining feature. Therefore, they must be worn over an outfit underneath. Often in pastel colors, the Sousdi is the most refined and chic of our djellabas pieces.
Djellaba Mlifa
Cotton and cashmere blend, the most popular. Its fabric is very soft and comfortable, perfect for the mid-season or winter.
Djellaba Bziwiya
Made from thick, warm wool, native to the town of Bzou in the Azilal region. Valued for cold winters, sometimes used as a coat.
Where to buy a modern men's djellaba?
In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for djellaba outside of Morocco—in Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and throughout European cities with large Moroccan and Maghreb communities.
It is for this reason, but also to enable fast delivery and more efficient returns management, that Jabador.com offers the sale of this traditional Moroccan outfit on its online store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a djellaba and a gandoura?
The djellaba has a wide, pointed hood and is never worn on its own: it is always worn over another outfit. The gandoura has a rounded or V-neck, no hood, and is worn on its own.
What do you wear under a men's djellaba?
A two-piece jabador, ideally paired with a sfifa in the same color, a white farajiya (a long Moroccan qamis with a aakad), or a reggabia with its matching sarouel.
Which djellaba fabric should you choose depending on the season?
The gabardine can be worn almost all year round, making it the most versatile choice. Sousdi and chiffon, which are sheer, are for summer and chic occasions. Mlifa in cotton and cashmere is for mid-season and winter, and Bziwiya in thick wool is for cold winters.
What djellaba color should a Moroccan wedding use?
Off-white remains the groom's color, paired with a red tarbouche and white babouche slippers. For the henna ceremony, green is traditionally worn with the bride's outfit.
How do I choose my size for djellaba?
The djellaba has a loose fit. Please note that our sizes do not always correspond to UK or EU sizes: always check the measurements in the size guide before ordering.