What is traditional Moroccan clothing for women?
Traditional Moroccan clothing for women is best known through the kaftan, a long one-piece dress worn for celebrations. Alongside it, traditional Moroccan dress also includes the takchita (a two-piece ceremonial outfit), the djellaba (a hooded everyday robe) and the gandoura (a light tunic). This guide explains how they differ and when to wear each one.
The kaftan, Morocco's traditional celebration dress
The kaftan is a long, straight dress, open or buttoned down the front, often finished with sfifa (braided trim) and aakad (knotted buttons). It is worn as a single piece, with or without a belt. It is the traditional Moroccan dress for weddings, Eid and big family gatherings. Browse all Selhyan kaftans or read our guide what is a kaftan?.
The takchita, the traditional Moroccan ceremonial outfit
The takchita is made of two layers: an underdress (tahtia) and an overdress that is often lighter or openwork (dfina), cinched at the waist with a belt. Dressier than the kaftan, it is kept for major ceremonies. Learn more in what is a takchita? or discover the peacock blue wave-pattern takchita.
The djellaba, Morocco's everyday traditional garment
The djellaba (or jellaba) is a long, long-sleeved robe with a hood, worn every day as well as for going out. Simpler than the kaftan, it now comes in dressier fabrics such as crepe or duchess satin. At Selhyan: the black hooded crepe Moroccan jellaba or the mustard duchess satin jellaba.
The gandoura, the light tunic
The gandoura is a loose, light tunic without a hood, with short sleeves or none. It is worn at home or in hot weather. To tell these pieces apart, read our comparison kaftan, djellaba, gandoura, takchita: the differences.
Which traditional Moroccan outfit for which occasion?
As a wedding guest
A kaftan or a takchita, in a colour that does not compete with the bride. See our guide what to wear as a guest at an oriental wedding and the kaftans for guests collection.
For Eid and family celebrations
A light kaftan or a modern Moroccan mlifa dress, easier to wear all day. See what kaftan to wear for Eid.
Every day
A djellaba, a gandoura or a modern Moroccan dress: traditional pieces blend with modern oriental ready-to-wear.
FAQ: traditional Moroccan clothing for women
What is the best-known traditional Moroccan garment?
The kaftan. It is the traditional Moroccan dress most worn for celebrations and weddings.
What is the difference between a kaftan and a takchita?
A kaftan is a one-piece dress. A takchita layers two dresses, a tahtia and a dfina, cinched with a belt.
Is the djellaba a celebration outfit?
Originally it is a hooded everyday robe. In fabrics such as duchess satin or crepe, it becomes dressier.
What is the traditional Moroccan ceremonial outfit called?
The kaftan is the one-piece dress and the takchita the two-layer outfit, the dressiest of the two.
