Going to the mosque every winter, we kept noticing the same thing. As soon as the cold sets in, the thobe takes a back seat: either it disappears under a jacket or a puffer, or it does its best to cover a coat worn underneath. The problem isn't the thobe itself, but the climate it's worn in. That observation is where the AWRAH fleece thobe began.
The AWRAH fleece thobe is a long thobe in lined fleece, with a sherpa-lined collar and ribbed cuffs. Designed for cold climates, it is worn on its own, with no coat on top, from the walk to the mosque all the way to work.
When temperatures drop
The thobe as we know it usually comes from countries where it is warm for much of the year. Its light fabrics and loose cut make it an elegant, comfortable garment, perfectly suited to those climates.
In Europe and North America, winter lasts several months. In Paris or Brussels, mornings regularly drop below 5 °C; in Montreal, the January average hovers around -10 °C. In these conditions, a light fabric is no longer enough. So the layers pile up, with a coat to take off on arriving at the mosque, put somewhere, then find again after the prayer.
A unique design, made for the cold
Rather than adding a layer over the thobe, we wanted the thobe itself to do the job. The fleece thobe is cut from a soft, thick fleece, lined on the inside, that holds in warmth along the entire length of the garment.
Its most distinctive feature is the collar. Closed with its snaps, it rises high on the neck and protects the nape. Open, it folds down like a jacket collar and reveals its sherpa lining, a soft, fur-like material.
The ribbed cuffs keep warmth in the sleeves and make them easy to push up when performing ablutions. Two side pockets complete the design.
A look inspired by Western wardrobes
The fleece thobe keeps the essence of a thobe: its length, its modesty and its simplicity. For the details, we drew on pieces worn every day in the West: a sherpa collar like those on aviator jackets, a half-zip like those on quarter-zip sweaters, ribbed cuffs like those on bomber jackets. In black or grey, it fits naturally into the cities of Europe and North America.
The elegance of the thobe, the warmth of a winter garment.
Day to day
The fleece thobe goes with you on the way to the mosque, to Friday prayer, to work or out in town. When you arrive, there's nothing to take off: the thobe stays your main garment, even in the depths of winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is the fleece thobe warm enough for winter?
Yes. Its lining holds in body heat and its collar closes high on the neck. In very cold weather, a thin sweater underneath is enough to add a layer without changing the silhouette.
How should I care for it?
It is machine washable at 30 °C, inside out. Do not tumble dry.
What sizes are available?
From S to XXL, with a length of 131 cm in size S up to 144 cm in size XXL. The size guide lists all the measurements.
The AWRAH Fleece Thobe
Lined fleece, sherpa-lined collar, ribbed cuffs. In black and grey, from S to XXL. Designed for cold climates.
Discover the fleece thobe