Arab Thobe Fabric Market - Global Industry Research Analysis

According to Market Research Store, the Arab thobe fabric market size was valued at around USD 4.67 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach USD 10.83 billion by 2032, to register a CAGR of approximately 9.80% in terms of revenue during the forecast period 2024-2032.

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The Arab thobe fabric report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market, including its size, share, growth trends, revenue details, and other crucial information regarding the target market. It also covers the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges till 2032.

Arab Thobe Fabric Market: Overview

Arab thobe fabric refers to the textiles used to create the traditional thobe, a long robe typically worn by men in the Arab world, especially in the Gulf region. Thobes are generally made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, ideal for hot climates. Common materials include cotton, linen, polyester blends, and other synthetic fabrics that provide comfort, airflow, and durability.

The fabric choice often depends on the season, with lighter materials being preferred for summer and heavier fabrics like wool or thicker cotton used for cooler months. The fabric is typically plain or subtly textured, emphasizing simplicity, elegance, and tradition.

The Arab thobe fabric market is experiencing growth, driven by both the cultural importance of thobes in the Middle East and the evolving preferences for more comfortable and versatile fabrics. The market is dominated by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, where thobes are worn daily.

As the demand for high-quality and luxurious textiles rises, manufacturers are focusing on producing fabrics that offer both comfort and durability, especially for the hot and arid climates of the region.

Key Highlights

• The Arab thobe fabric market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.80% during the forecast period.
• The Arab thobe fabric market was estimated to be worth approximately USD 4.67 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 10.83 billion by 2032.
• The growth of the Arab thobe fabric market is being driven by increasing demand for traditional clothing, cultural pride, and the growing Muslim population.
• Based on the type, the polyester blended fabric segment is growing at a high rate and is projected to dominate the market.
• On the basis of application, the white segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• In terms of end-users, the men segment is expected to dominate the market.
• By region, the Middle East & Africa is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Arab Thobe Fabric Market: Dynamics

Key Growth Drivers

• Growing demand for traditional attire: The resurgence of interest in traditional Arab attire, particularly among younger generations, is driving the demand for thobe fabrics.
• Increasing disposable income: Rising disposable income in many Arab countries is enabling consumers to spend more on clothing and fashion.
• Advancements in fabric technology: Innovations in fabric technology, such as improved breathability, comfort, and durability, are enhancing the appeal of thobe fabrics.
• Expanding applications beyond traditional wear: Thobe fabrics are being used in a wider range of applications, including home decor, accessories, and fashion design, driving market growth.

Restraints

• Fluctuations in demand based on cultural and religious factors: The demand for thobe fabrics can be influenced by cultural and religious factors, which may lead to fluctuations in market demand.
• Competition from other fabrics: Thobe fabrics face competition from other fabrics, such as silk, satin, and chiffon, which may be preferred by some consumers.
• Regulatory challenges: Adherence to textile regulations and standards can be complex and costly, especially for international trade.
• Supply chain disruptions: Disruptions in the supply chain, such as shortages of raw materials or transportation issues, can impact the production and availability of thobe fabrics.

Opportunities

• Expanding applications in fashion and lifestyle: Thobe fabrics can be used in a wider range of fashion and lifestyle products, such as scarves, bags, and home decor items.
• Development of new fabric blends and finishes: Innovations in fabric technology can lead to the development of new thobe fabric blends and finishes with enhanced properties.
• Growing demand for sustainable and ethical fashion: Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable and ethical fashion options, which can drive demand for thobe fabrics produced using eco-friendly methods.
• Integration with emerging technologies: Thobe fabrics can be integrated with emerging technologies, such as smart textiles, to create innovative products.

Challenges

• Market volatility: The market for thobe fabrics can be subject to fluctuations due to economic conditions, cultural trends, and geopolitical events.
• Competitive landscape: The market is competitive, with numerous players offering thobe fabrics and products.
• Technological advancements: The rapid pace of technological advancements can make it difficult for manufacturers to keep up with the latest innovations and maintain a competitive edge.
• Supply chain disruptions: Disruptions in the supply chain, such as shortages of raw materials or transportation issues, can impact the production and availability of thobe fabrics.

Arab Thobe Fabric Market: Segmentation Insights

The Arab thobe fabric market is divided by type, application, end-users, and region.

Segmentation Insights by Type

Based on Type, the Arab thobe fabric market is divided into polyester blended fabric, cotton, and others.

The Polyester Blended Fabric segment dominates the market in terms of volume due to its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for daily wear thobes. Polyester blends offer the practical benefits that many consumers seek in a garment designed for regular use.

However, the Cotton segment is equally important, particularly in regions with hot climates, where breathability and comfort are prioritized. Cotton thobes are often preferred for everyday wear and special occasions, such as religious gatherings, due to their natural softness and ability to keep the wearer cool.

Segmentation Insights by Application

On the basis of Application, the Arab thobe fabric market is bifurcated into white and others.

The White segment holds the dominant share of the thobe fabric market, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, where white thobes are the standard for everyday and formal dress. This color is often associated with traditional attire and is favored by men for its simplicity, elegance, and cultural significance.

The Others category includes thobes in colors other than white, such as black, gray, beige, brown, blue, and other shades. The Others segment is growing in the thobe fabric market, driven by increasing consumer demand for diversity in colors and styles. Colored thobes are particularly popular for formal events, evening gatherings, and cooler seasons. While white remains the dominant choice, the appeal of colored thobes is expanding, especially among younger generations and in urban areas.

Segmentation Insights by End-Users

In terms of End-Users, the Arab thobe fabric market is categorized into men, women, and others.

The Men segment dominates the thobe fabric market, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, where thobes are a staple in men’s wardrobes for both casual and formal occasions. Men’s thobes are often white for everyday use, but other colors are also worn during cooler months or for formal events.

However, the Women segment is smaller compared to the men’s segment but is growing, especially in regions where women’s traditional attire is evolving to incorporate more variety in design and fabric choices. While abayas are more commonly associated with women’s traditional clothing, thobes for women are often worn for specific cultural or religious occasions.

Arab Thobe Fabric Market: Report Scope

Arab Thobe Fabric Market: Regional Insights

The Middle East, specifically Saudi Arabia and UAE, leads the market due to the cultural significance of the thobe, which is an everyday garment. This region accounts for the largest share, driven by the demand for high-quality fabrics that are comfortable for the region’s hot climate. Cultural traditions, high population density, and a growing interest in high-quality, luxurious fabrics keep the demand strong in this region​

The Asia-Pacific region, especially China and India, plays a key role as a manufacturing hub. These countries produce large volumes of fabric to meet the growing demand in the Middle East. Moreover, there is increasing domestic demand in Southeast Asian countries with growing Muslim populations, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Europe and North America are seeing growing demand, particularly due to cultural diversity and the increasing interest in traditional Arab attire.

Arab Thobe Fabric Market: Competitive Landscape

The report provides an in-depth analysis of companies operating in the Arab thobe fabric market, including their geographic presence, business strategies, product offerings, market share, and recent developments. This analysis helps to understand market competition.

Some of the major players in the Arab thobe fabric market include:

• AJLAN BROS
• Bofang Textile
• Far Eastern New Century
• Kuraray
• LUCKY TEX
• Mitsubishi Rayon
• PEN FABRIC
• PT. Dewasutra tex
• PT. Leuwijaya Utama
• Shahlon Group
• Shaoxing Surui Textiles
• Shikibo
• Sung Kwang
• Taekwang
• Toyobo
• Ulhwa Corporation
• Weiqiao Textile

The Arab thobe fabric market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Polyester Blended Fabric
• Cotton
• Others

By Application

• White
• Others

By End-user

• Men
• Women
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Germany
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Rest of Latin America
• The Middle East and Africa
  • GCC Countries
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East Africa

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