Malifa: Traditional Moroccan Attire

The Malifa, Djellaba, Jabador, Jubba  or Thoba is a traditional Moroccan attire worn not only across North Africa and the Middle East, but also the wider world. With the inevitable spread of regional customs and cultures in the twenty-first century the Malifa has become more commonplace and can be found and bought internationally. Other similar Moroccan garments like the “The Moroccan Kaftan” has gained mass popularity after being adopted by major clothing lines, and stylists and through prestigious fashion shows, such as the Oriental Fashion Show during "Fashions week " around the world; as well as the promotion work of Moroccan magazines like "Femmes du Maroc" (Women of Morocco). Occasions of exposure such as these and many others have catapulted more traditional fashion choices into the wider commercial market.  Nowadays, the Moroccan kaftan popularity has exceeded the country's borders and it’s exported in large quantities abroad. 

Although these garments are now often manufactured by different companies, these customary garments are still handmade by native artisans in South Western Morocco, these craftsmen and dressmakers are called “maaalem” . These master artisans are experts in their field and have refined their techniques of tailoring and embroidery, the detail and quality of which is unmatched. In fact, under Amazigh and Adulusian influence, textiles and embroidery have become indispensable sectors for the Moroccan peoples, accounting for 30% of the country's industrial employment and 15% of its exports. These peoples use an eight bar threading tool which delicately threads the chosen unique design around the neck and on the sleeves using different coloured threads and different designs for the “Malifa” or “Djellaba”. This and their professional quality stitching is what gives this garment it’s staple look of formal elegance. 

For those unfamiliar with this attire, the Malifa or Jubba garment can be described as a long tunic, sometimes worn with a belt called a mdma - made in an array of extended colours and styles. It is normally made of a super soft high quality “malifa” which when sown and tailored together creates the Djellaba or Thoba. It is a luxury lightweight to medium weight fabric, yet despite the malifa garment is often quite heavy. They can be produced using a variety of different fabrics such as pure wool, mixed wool, linen toweling cotton, thick cotton, thin cotton and synthetic fibers. These fabrics can be made into a range of different designs, colors and patterns. 

This customary North African attire is often worn for special or formal occasions. Depending on the design,  embroidery and make of the “Malifa”, it often comes with three pieces; a long kaftan, trousers and the long coat not to mention that some more contemporary designs also include pocket slits. It ensures a breathable garment, with a cooling and soft feel to the skin, and is particularly good for protecting exposed skin to direct and intense sunlight.