Traditional Moorish Clothing
Traditional Moorish dress reveals the lifestyle, climate and culture of the Moorish people. The harsh desert climate forces Moors to protect their skin from the sun, heat during the day and cold at night.
Traditional Moorish dress reveals the lifestyle, climate and culture of the Moorish people. The harshness of the desert climate compels Moors to protect their skin from the sun and daytime heat, as well as nighttime cold. Combined with Islam's requirement to cover the body, desert attire proves remarkably well-suited to these needs!
Traditional Moorish men's clothing
Traditional Moorish men's clothing comprises a drâa, sarouel and haouli. The Moors are deeply attached to their costume and even if they live and work in the city, they continue to wear it daily.
The drâa
The drâa, commonly called a "boubou," is a long, loose and flowing tunic with sleeves that can be folded and rolled up onto the shoulders when it is very hot. Pockets sewn into the sides serve to hold personal belongings.
The drâa is crafted from plain cotton or damassé bazin, sometimes adorned with beautiful trim. Synthetic materials are also beginning to gain popularity.
The color is always either blue or white, or both. These colors are thought to be neutral and retain neither heat nor cold.
The sarouel
The boubou is always worn with a sarouel, a billowing pair of trousers that is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world. This garment was introduced to Africa during the era of Persian invasions. In Mauritania, it is worn with a leather belt that extends beyond the waistband. It is cool and airy, pleasant to wear in summer.
The color is always black, blue or white. It is highly practical for desert treks. Whether walking or riding a camel, the sarouel allows tremendous freedom of movement. It causes no hindrance at all!
The haouli
To complete the boubou and sarouel, the Moor wears a haouli. It is a type of turban approximately 4 to 8 meters long that is wrapped around the head and face. It serves to protect the head and skin from the sun and sand winds in the desert.
The drâa is not worn only in the desert; men wear it during religious festivals, ceremonies, weddings, and so forth.
Traditional Moorish women's clothing
For Moorish women, the reference traditional garment is the melafah.
The melafah
It is a long, rectangular voile that is supple and fine, enveloping the woman from head to toe. Those who have traveled to India might compare it to a Sari. It is practically the same, as the fabric wraps around the body, tied at the shoulders before covering the hair. Since considerable fabric remains at the end, it is draped backward over the left shoulder.
They come in solid and multicolored hues, and can be coordinated with the dress, shoes, bags, jewelry and makeup.
One can also wear a bodysuit, ample skirt or trousers underneath. The outfit is worn for all occasions: trekking in theAdrar, weddings, celebrations, and so on.
Frequently asked questions
The drâa (or boubou) is a long, loose tunic worn by Moorish men in Mauritania. Crafted from cotton or damassé bazin, typically white or blue, it is worn with a sarouel (billowing trousers) and a haouli (turban). This attire is worn both in daily life and during ceremonies and religious festivals.
The melafah is a long, rectangular, fine and supple voile that envelops the Moorish woman from head to toe. Similar to the Indian Sari in its wrapping principle, it comes in solid or multicolored hues and can be coordinated with the dress, jewelry and shoes. It is worn for all occasions, from daily wear to weddings.
White and blue colors predominate in Moorish attire because they are thought to be neutral and retain neither the heat of the sun nor the cold of desert nights. This adaptation to Mauritania's desert climate is at the heart of traditional clothing choices.
Yes, it is possible to purchase traditional Moorish garments in Mauritanian markets and souks, particularly in Nouakchott or the Adrar. You will find drâas, sarouels and melafahs crafted from cotton or bazin. It is a lovely travel souvenir and a way to immerse yourself in local culture.
No, Moorish men wear the drâa and sarouel in many contexts: in daily urban life, during religious festivals, weddings and ceremonies. Even Moors living and working in urban settings continue to wear these traditional garments, testifying to their deep attachment to their culture.
