Kaftan, Djellaba, Gandoura, Takchita: What Are the Differences?
Kaftan, djellaba, gandoura, takchita: these four pieces of the Moroccan wardrobe look alike at first glance, but each has its own cut, use and place. The most searched-for is the djellaba: here is what sets it apart, how to wear it and which djellabas Selhyan offers.
The women's djellaba: the long hooded robe
The djellaba (also spelled jellaba or djelaba) is a long, loose, long-sleeved robe, recognisable by its hood, the qob. Its edges are often trimmed with sfifa, the braided trim of Moroccan craftsmanship. Depending on the fabric, it is worn every day or for a celebration.
Djellaba with or without a hood
The hood remains the signature of the traditional djellaba, but today's designs also come without one, with a sfifa-trimmed collar instead. At Selhyan, the black crepe jellaba and the powder pink, fuchsia and turquoise jellabas have a hood; the blue, mustard and taupe jellabas do not.
Selhyan djellaba fabrics
Two fabrics in the collection: light, fluid crepe for the black jellaba with gold sfifa, and dense, luminous duchess satin for the other six. The powder pink and turquoise designs add lace at the cuffs.
The kaftan: the ceremonial piece
The kaftan is a long one-piece dress with no hood and refined finishes: sfifa, knotted buttons (aâkad), sometimes embroidery. It is worn belted or loose for big occasions: engagements, Eid, receptions, weddings as a guest. See all kaftans.
The takchita: the two-piece kaftan
The takchita layers an underdress and an open overdress, cinched with a belt (mdamma). It is the most formal outfit, kept for the most formal ceremonies. Learn more: what is a takchita?
The gandoura: the simple long dress
The gandoura is a simple long dress with no hood, often sleeveless or short-sleeved. Light and comfortable, it is worn at home or for a casual occasion. For a similar but dressier look, see our long dresses such as the coral long dress with burgundy trim.
Djellaba, kaftan, gandoura, takchita, abaya: the differences at a glance
| Piece | Hood | Cut | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Djellaba | Yes (or a sfifa collar on modern designs) | Long, loose, long sleeves | Every day, celebrations depending on fabric |
| Kaftan | No | One piece, sfifa and buttons | Celebrations and ceremonies |
| Takchita | No | Two pieces and a belt | The most formal ceremonies |
| Gandoura | No | Simple, often sleeveless | Home, casual |
| Abaya | No | Long, fluid coat-dress | Every day, over an outfit |
How to wear a djellaba
- Every day: a muted shade such as the taupe jellaba or the black crepe jellaba, with flat shoes.
- For a celebration or Eid: a bright duchess satin such as the fuchsia jellaba or the turquoise jellaba, with a few pieces of jewellery (see what jewellery to wear with a kaftan).
- With or without a hood: the hood is worn resting on the back; without one, the sfifa collar frames the face.
Selhyan djellabas and their prices
Prices shown on selhyan.com on 25/10/2026:
- Black Moroccan hooded crepe jellaba: €170
- Powder pink hooded duchess satin jellaba: €260
- Fuchsia hooded duchess satin jellaba: €260
- Turquoise hooded duchess satin jellaba: €260
- Blue duchess satin jellaba: €280
- Mustard duchess satin jellaba: €280
- Taupe duchess satin jellaba: €280
How to choose
The more formal the event, the more elaborate the piece: a takchita or kaftan for a big ceremony, a fluid kaftan for an evening, a djellaba for every day or a family celebration, depending on the fabric. Read more: traditional Moroccan clothing for women.
FAQ: djellaba, kaftan, gandoura
What is the difference between a djellaba and a gandoura?
The djellaba is loose, long-sleeved and usually hooded. The gandoura is simpler, hoodless and often sleeveless: an outfit for home or casual wear.
What is the difference between a kaftan and a djellaba?
The kaftan is a one-piece celebration dress with no hood and refined finishes. The djellaba is looser, has a hood and is also worn every day.
Abaya or djellaba: what is the difference?
The djellaba is a hooded Moroccan piece. The abaya is a long, fluid, hoodless coat-dress with a cleaner look. See our modern abaya guide and our jackets, kimonos and abayas.
Are there djellabas without a hood?
Yes. Modern designs sometimes replace the hood with a sfifa-trimmed collar, like Selhyan's blue, mustard and taupe jellabas.
How much does a Selhyan djellaba cost?
From €170 to €280 depending on the design (prices shown on 25/10/2026): €170 for the black crepe jellaba, €260 or €280 for the duchess satin designs.
Kaftan or takchita for a wedding?
As a guest, a one-piece kaftan suits most ceremonies. The two-piece belted takchita is kept for the most formal receptions.
Djellaba or jellaba: which spelling?
Both spellings, like the French "djelaba", name the same piece. "Djellaba" is the most common form.
How do you wear a djellaba as a woman?
Every day, with flat shoes and a simple bag; for a celebration, with gold jewelry. Our black crepe jellaba, hooded and trimmed with gold sfifa, works for a ceremony as well as for everyday life.
