What Is a Djellaba?
Quick answer
A djellaba is Morocco’s traditional long, loose hooded robe, worn by both men and women over other clothes. Made from wool (warm, for winter) or light cotton (for summer), it has a distinctive pointed hood (qob) once used for shade and warmth. You’ll see it everywhere, and it makes a great souvenir.
That flowing hooded robe you see all over Morocco is the djellaba — practical, comfortable everyday dress that doubles as a cultural icon. It’s one of the most recognisable items of Moroccan clothing.
Here’s what it is and how to buy one.
What it is
The djellaba is a long, loose-fitting robe with full sleeves and a pointed hood (the qob), worn by men and women over their clothes. The hood traditionally offered protection from the sun, wind and cold — and is handy in the desert and mountains. Men’s djellabas are often plain in neutral or earthy tones; women’s can be colourful, embroidered and decorative.
It’s distinct from related garments: the kaftan (a women’s long dress without a hood, often dressy), the gandoura (a lighter sleeveless/short-sleeved tunic), and the selham/burnous (a hooded cape).
When it’s worn
Djellabas are everyday wear for many Moroccans, especially outside the biggest cities, and warm woollen ones are common in winter and in the mountains. Smarter, finer djellabas and kaftans come out for Fridays, religious occasions, weddings and Eid.
As a visitor you don’t need to wear one, but a light djellaba can be a comfortable, modest, sun-protective layer — and is genuinely practical for cool desert nights.
Buying one
Souks everywhere sell djellabas, from cheap cotton ones to beautifully tailored wool and embroidered pieces; tailors can also make one to measure. They’re a popular, packable, useful souvenir. Check the fabric (real wool vs synthetic), the stitching and the hood, and haggle in the souk or buy fixed-price from a cooperative.
For a warm winter one, look for genuine wool; for summer and as a beach/medina cover-up, light cotton is ideal.
Key takeaways
- A djellaba is Morocco’s traditional hooded robe for men and women.
- Wool for winter/mountains; light cotton for summer.
- Different from the (hoodless) kaftan and the gandoura tunic.
- A practical, packable souvenir — check the wool/stitching and haggle.
Frequently asked questions
Do men and women both wear djellabas?
Yes — the djellaba is worn by both. Men’s tend to be plain and neutral; women’s are often colourful, embroidered and decorative.
What is the difference between a djellaba and a kaftan?
A djellaba is a hooded robe worn by men and women over clothes; a kaftan is a women’s long dress without a hood, often dressier and worn for special occasions.
Should tourists wear a djellaba in Morocco?
You don’t need to, but a light djellaba is a comfortable, modest, sun-protective layer and a useful souvenir — handy for cool desert nights too.
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