If you’re visiting the Sultanate of Oman, you could very well be taken aback by the traditional Omani men’s wear. You may start to wonder what are the men doing wearing a dress! , the traditional men’s dress is actually a dishdasha (not a dress!!!)  Not as bad as what you think ……

The Omani Dishdasha is a simple gown with long sleeves.  The dishdasha can come in a variety of colours but is white is perhaps the most popular colour. There is no particular reason that the white dishdasha is more popular , however I think it could be linked to the fact that white helps to cool you where as when wearing a darker colour dishdasher , you could very easily fall victim to the heat of the , inviting the sun to absorb into darker colours.

The Omani dishdasha is a collarless outfit that is usually custom stitched to ankle-length, underneath the dishdasha the men wear a wizar which is a piece of cotton wrapped around the lower part of the body, from the waist to the ankles. (Yes guys you could say it’s the Omani alternative to boxer shorts!!!

Traditional Omani fashion also calls for Turban made up of woven wool or cotton, and also a Kumar (cap) it totally up to the man whether he chooses to wear a hat or a turban, however for more official meetings a turban is perhaps a more official way of representing yourself in the Sultanate of Oman. 

Omani dishdashas have a tassel sewn into the neckline of the dress with a button to fasten at the collar. Men that like perfection sometimes soak Oudh into the tassel.

Omani fashion can include the Khanjar.  The Khanjar is usually worn at the waist and it is a curved dagger.  The sheath that the Khanjar is kept in can be made from simple materials to silver or gold.  The hilt of this item is often made from rhinoceros horn or sandalwood and marble.  The Khanjar is often worn on special occasions, feasts or holidays but many men wear this item as part of traditional Omani fashion.

On holidays, Omani fashion may allow men to add a cape to the outfit, also known as the bisht.  The cloak can be embroidered with intricate silver or gold edging.  The assa, a stick, can often be seen accompanying the dishdasha.  Finally, sandals are worn to complete the traditional dress of Omani men.

Dishdashas are available ready made, however the majority of men stitch them at the tailor. At the tailor the outfit is custom made and they will be able to choose from a variety of colours and materials.

At one time, the dishdasha was thought to be in danger of disappearing as many Arabs began to adopt Western wear.  Today the dishdasha is an integral part of Omani fashion and it can be seen everywhere.

Traditional Omani men’s wear has a long and rich history.  The Khanjar is thought to have existed before written history.  This unique weapon helped to defeat the knights that tried to take the Holy Land.  Its unique curve gave the scimitar a special advantage the knights learned at a costly price.  Artisans today still create this special weapon but it has also become a part of traditional Omani fashion for men.

Your visit to the Sultanate of Oman would not be complete without the purchase of a traditional Khanjar.  You will be able to purchase the Omani Khanjar, at the souq in Muttrah although be warned there are a lot of different qualities out there on offer, if you don’t know your stuff it’s perhaps better to take someone
that’s familiar with the different varieties of Omani wares. Today it may be worn as a decoration as part of Omani fashion, but it represents the power of a time past that should not be forgotten or ignored.

If you are visiting Oman then the powerful heritage of the Omani  Culture will become apparent to you.   You may also want to pick up some <a href=”http://omantravel.info/omani-frankinsense/”>Omani frankinsense </a>whilst you are on yout travels to Oman!