Traditional Jordanian Dress Costume
Celebrate Jordanian heritage with an elegant, embroidered black Thobe and headscarf.
The traditional Jordanian dress, or Thobe, is a stunning representation of Levantine heritage known for its intricate embroidery and modest silhouette. Worn for cultural celebrations, weddings, and festivals, this costume features a long, loose-fitting black gown adorned with vibrant red and multicolored Tatreez cross-stitch patterns. It is typically paired with a matching headscarf and traditional silver jewelry.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $45–150
Try it on
See yourself as Traditional Jordanian Dress
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What you need for a Traditional Jordanian Dress costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Traditional Jordanian Dress costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Embroidered black Thobe
A loose-fitting, full-length black dress or kaftan featuring traditional red and multicolored cross-stitch embroidery (Tatreez) along the chest, sleeves, and hem.
DIY: Use a plain black maxi dress and apply embroidered ribbon trim or fabric paint along the collar, cuffs, and center seam.
Woven belt or sash
A red, gold, or multicolored fabric sash tied around the waist to cinch the loose dress.
DIY: Tie a long red scarf or braided yarn belt around your waist.
Black headscarf (Shayla or Hatta)
A lightweight black scarf draped elegantly over the head and shoulders, sometimes secured with a headband.
DIY: Use any long, lightweight black scarf draped over your hair.
Silver coin jewelry
A statement silver necklace or headpiece featuring dangling silver coins, typical of traditional Levantine bridal and festive wear.
DIY: String plastic silver coins onto a chain or cord to make a custom necklace.
Black flats or sandals
Simple, comfortable black leather flats or low-heeled sandals that sit subtly beneath the long hem of the dress.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Traditional Jordanian Dress costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Slip on the long black embroidered Thobe, ensuring the hem falls close to the ankles.
- 2
Wrap the woven fabric sash or belt around your waist, tying it gently to define the silhouette while keeping the dress loose and modest.
- 3
Drape the black headscarf over your head, letting one side hang longer than the other, then wrap the longer side loosely under your chin and over the opposite shoulder.
- 4
Layer the silver coin necklace over the chest, positioning it so it complements the dress's embroidered neckline.
- 5
Put on simple black flats or sandals to complete the footwear.
- 6
Adjust the sleeves and drape of the dress to ensure comfortable movement.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair neatly tucked under the headscarf. For makeup, opt for a warm, natural look with defined eyeliner (kohl style) and a neutral or soft red lip color.
Traditional Jordanian Dress for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a partner wearing a white thobe (dishdasha) and a red-and-white checkered Shemagh (Keffiyeh) secured with an Agal headband.
- group
- Have group members wear different styles of Levantine embroidered thobes in black, white, or deep blue to showcase regional Tatreez variations.
- kids
- A miniature version of the black embroidered thobe with a simple red sash and a matching headband.
- Plus size
- The loose, flowing cut of the Thobe is naturally inclusive and comfortable for all body types; choose a soft, breathable fabric like crepe or linen.
Tips
- Ensure the dress is long enough to cover your ankles but short enough to avoid tripping while walking.
- Use safety pins to secure the headscarf in place so it doesn't slip during movement.
- If wearing this outdoors in cooler weather, wear thermal leggings and a long-sleeve shirt underneath the loose Thobe.
Traditional Jordanian Dress costume FAQ
- What is a traditional Jordanian dress called?
- The traditional dress is called a Thobe (or Tob), which is a long, loose-fitting gown. It is often accompanied by a headscarf and characterized by beautiful handmade embroidery called Tatreez.
- What colors are traditional for a Jordanian Thobe?
- Black or dark blue are the most traditional base colors for the dress, which makes the vibrant red, orange, and green embroidered patterns stand out.
- Can I make a DIY version of the embroidery?
- Yes! If you don't have an authentic embroidered Thobe, you can sew or fabric-glue embroidered ribbon trims onto a plain black maxi dress around the neckline, cuffs, and hem.
Did you know? The embroidery patterns (Tatreez) on a traditional Jordanian Thobe are highly regional; historically, a woman's dress could tell you which town or village she was from based on the specific colors and geometric motifs used.