Traditions Morocco

Traditionally rich and varied - variety of materials, forms and colours expressing the art of draped clothing - the Moroccan suit for both men and women varies according to the local cultures of every region and every social group. There are two major trends: city suits and rural suits. In both cases we resort to various devises in order to point up the suit and divert the attention from possible weaknesses of the body. Most of men wear a jellaba which is a loose robe with long sleeves and a cap and it is made wool or light material. Likewise, there is the Silham or Burnous which is either black or white, and it is worn on the jellaba and has a cap. Under the jellaba, there is the Caftan, an evening gown without collar, with long sleeves, closed in the front by many embroidered buttons. There is also Tarbouch, a hat worn by townsmen, Razza, which is a rural costume, then Belgha (Turkish slippers) which is used both in the city and the countryside. For women, the common dress, especially in rural regions is the Haïk, a sort of loose cloak made of a white-coloured fine fabric. Jellaba is the common dress that the majority of women wear when they go outside. Qmiss, a long nightshirt worn under the jellaba and made of light fabric covers the Seroual (puffed pants).

The Caftan and Mansouria, are two evening gowns for women made of light fabric. Caftan is worn at feasts. It points up femininity with its two features: splendour and elegance thanks to the meticulous work that it needs. Fine fabrics and silk with shimmering colours at the beginning, the traditional dressmaker use his knowledge and know-how in order to make the sumptuous dress. Gilded or silver embroideries, contours and ends delicately decorated, reflect richness and femininity. A belt worked embroidered by silk or gold thread (or silver and gold in case of rich women) is worn around the waist.

This type of dress, which is considered as an identifier of the Moroccan’s women art of draped clothes, has always been a source of inspiration throughout the world.