When we talk about Morocco, we explore one of the richest cultures, distinguished by its unique and luxurious Moroccan traditional clothing designs. But what is the reason behind this? Is it the geographical location? To some extent, yes. Thanks to its position overlooking two coastlines, Morocco interacts with many different civilizations, making it a focal point for various nations. Morocco’s history features numerous colonial attempts, and this journey through time shapes its unique fashion. The country blends Berber, Andalusian, Arab, Islamic, Saharan, and even Jewish cultures. This combination gives traditional Moroccan attire its distinct charm, highlighting various civilizations while maintaining a unique elegance.
The Moroccan Fashion Market
To truly appreciate the harmony and uniqueness of Moroccan traditional clothing, let us take a quick tour through the Moroccan fashion market and explore some of its most famous pieces.
The Moroccan Caftan
Who hasn’t heard of the caftan? It represents Morocco, and Morocco embodies the caftan. This long garment extends to the ankles and features intricate embroidery in captivating golden or silver thread, or both. Designers often use luxurious fabrics like silk, and people usually wear it on special occasions such as weddings and parties.
The Moroccan Takchita
The takchita consists of two pieces. The first piece is simple, without patterns or embroidery, made from shiny, luxurious fabric. The second piece, slightly transparent, is worn over the first and showcases stunning patterns and embroidery that reflect boldness and grandeur. Like the caftan, the takchita also extends from the ankles to the wrists, maintaining the modesty that Moroccan clothing is known for.
The Moroccan Jellaba
The jellaba closely resembles the Moroccan kaftan. It is a long garment extending to the ankles and features a hood. The choice of fabric varies by season—woolen fabrics suit winter, while light white or striped fabrics are preferred in summer. Men often wear the jellaba on special occasions, pairing it with the Moroccan tarboosh or turban and traditional Moroccan slippers.
The Melhfa
The melhfa is a long piece of fabric, about four meters long, worn by Saharan women wherever they go. While it may seem like just a piece of cloth, the melhfa signifies time and place for Saharan women. The daily-use melhfa differs from the one worn at special events, and a young woman’s melhfa varies from that of an older woman. Yes, it is just cloth, but the way they wear it transforms it into an elegant and modern garment.