Traditional Clothes in Jordan

Clothing in Jordan reflects more than modesty or climate—it tells stories of heritage, geography, and identity. From Bedouin tribes in the desert to modern Amman’s urban dwellers, traditional clothes in Jordan maintain strong cultural significance and practical function.

This guide explores both men’s and women’s attire, how Arabic learners can engage through textile vocabulary, and how modern trends preserve tradition while blending with the contemporary.

Jordanian Traditional Wear

Traditional clothes in Jordan are characterized by:

1. Long sleeves and head coverings reflecting Islamic values and sun protection
2. Natural materials like cotton and wool for desert and mountain climates
3. Embroidered motifs and regional patterns representing tribe, region, or status

Though western wear is common today, traditional clothing is still proudly worn during festivals, religious holidays, cultural events, and even in daily life in rural communities.

Men’s Traditional Clothing

1- Dishdasha (الدشداشة)

A long, loose robe worn by Jordanian men, typically in white or beige. Worn daily in rural regions, and during formal or religious occasions in urban areas, symbolizes modesty, simplicity, and tradition.

Seasonal Variations:

• Summer: Lightweight cotton dishdashas
• Winter: Woolen or heavier fabric versions, often with a cloak worn on top (aba or bisht)

2- Keffiyeh (الكوفية)

The keffiyeh, also called shemagh, is a square scarf worn on the head. with color red & white associated with Jordanian identity or black & white for more pan-Arab or Palestinian symbolism.

Tying Styles:

• Folded into a triangle and tied with a black rope band (agal)
• Loosely draped or wrapped tightly, depending on regional and weather needs

3- Sirwal (سروال)

Traditional loose trousers, often worn under dishdashas.

Modern Use:

Still used in villages and some religious communities; in cities, replaced by jeans or trousers for casual wear.

Women’s Traditional Clothing

1. Thobe (الثوب)

A long, embroidered dress worn by Jordanian women, often black with red, blue, or gold stitching.

Regional Variations:

• Amman: Lighter embroidery, more decorative
• Madaba & southern areas: Heavier, tribal embroidery, often including symbolic motifs like palm trees, birds, or stars

2. Hijab (الحجاب)

Styles:

• Square scarves folded into triangles
• Long pashminas wrapped and pinned

Styles range from simple wraps to decorative layered arrangements

Worn as part of modest dress and religious identity, often paired with long sleeves and floor-length garments.

3- Gold Jewelry

Jewelry is traditionally worn during weddings and family celebrations.

Traditional Terms:

• خلخال (khalkhāl): Anklet
• سلسلة (silsila): Necklace
• أقراط (aqrāṭ): Earrings

Often passed down generations as family heirlooms

Arabic Through Textiles

Clothing Verbs:

1. لبس (labisa): to wear
2. خلع (khalaʿa): to take off
3. غطى (ghaṭṭā): to cover
4. ربط (rabaṭa): to tie or fasten

Examples:

“أين غطائي؟” (Ayn ghaṭāʾī?) – Where is my cover/headscarf?

“أحب أن ألبس الثوب في المناسبات.” – I like to wear the thobe on special occasions.

Market Dialogues:

Learn Arabic by shopping for clothing in local markets:

• How much is this? بكم هذا؟ (bikam hādhā?)
• Do you have another size? هل لديك مقاس آخر؟ (hal ladayka maqās ākhar?)
• I like this color. أحب هذا اللون. (uḥibbu hādhā al-lawn)

Modern Adaptations

Today’s youth and designers blend traditional attire with modern aesthetics.

• Keffiyeh with jeans is popular in Amman as both fashion and cultural expression
• Embroidered jackets or modern cuts of thobes are worn at universities, cultural events, and weddings

This mix preserves heritage while adapting to modern identity.

Dress Code for Mosque Visits

For Men:

1. Long pants and shirts with sleeves
2. Avoid shorts or sleeveless shirts

For Women:

1. Cover hair with a scarf
2. Long skirts or loose trousers and long sleeves
3. Avoid tight or transparent clothing

Bedouin Jewelry-Making Terms

Materials & Techniques:

Silver, beads, and semi-precious stones

Techniques include filigree, stamping, and hand-carving

Iconic Pieces:

Heavy silver necklaces worn during weddings

Beaded headpieces tied with leather straps

Decorated belts used to fasten thobes

Each piece tells a story—about the woman, her tribe, and her status.

Final Thought

Traditional clothes in Jordan reflect more than just fabric choices—they represent regional pride, religious beliefs, family ties, and artistic heritage. Whether you’re exploring a market in Madaba, visiting a mosque in Amman, or attending a wedding in Wadi Musa, what people wear tells you everything about where they come from—and what they value.