Thobes for Men: Saudi, Mandarin and Collarless Compared
1 October 2026
The right thobe for a man comes down to the collar. A Saudi collar or a premium shirt collar reads most formal, a Mandarin collar sits sleek and modern, and a collarless neckline is the cleanest and easiest to wear daily. Amaani is a South African thobe house, and its men's thobes run from R799 to R1399 across all four collar styles.
Which thobe collar should you choose?
Choose the Saudi collar or the shirt collar for formal occasions, the Mandarin collar for a modern look that still suits Jumuah, and the collarless cut for daily wear. The table below sets the four side by side using Amaani styles.
| Collar | Look | Best for | Amaani example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi collar | Classic and upright | Jumuah, Eid, the Nikah | Noble, R899 |
| Premium shirt collar | Tailored and contemporary | Formal gatherings, work | Ace, R999 |
| Mandarin collar | Sleek and modern | City, masjid, smart casual | Edge, R799 |
| Collarless | Minimal and clean | Daily wear, warm weather | Dune, R799 |
What makes a Saudi collar thobe different?
A Saudi collar thobe has a structured, upright collar and a traditional, formal line. It is the classic reading of the thobe and the safest choice for Jumuah, Eid or the Nikah. The Noble takes this silhouette in black with silver signature buttons, a hidden zip placket and double side pockets, in easy care polyester that holds its colour.
If you want the Saudi collar in a plainer, more architectural finish, the Sakeen uses smooth plain fabric and a sharp structured silhouette, and it belongs to the Signature Collection.
When does a shirt collar thobe make sense?
A premium shirt collar suits the man who wants a thobe that reads tailored rather than traditional. It has a contemporary line and holds its shape under a jacket or waistcoat. The Ace pairs it with handcrafted Arabic embroidery on the placket, and it is cut in polycotton, a polyester and cotton blend that pairs cotton breathability with polyester durability.
Is a Mandarin collar thobe formal enough?
A Mandarin collar is a short, upright band with no fold. It keeps the neckline sleek and modern, and it is formal enough for the masjid and a smart evening while staying easy to wear. The Edge adds an intricate shoulder design and the Amaani Signature Zip, and it is sharp enough for a formal event and easy enough for the city.
Why choose a collarless thobe?
A collarless thobe removes the collar entirely, which makes it the cleanest and most comfortable cut for everyday wear. Nothing sits at the neck, so the placket carries the design. The Dune puts a single intricate placket detail on a collarless black body and works from casual outings to formal events. The full collarless thobes collection lists more colours and cuts.
How do you pick the right size and fit?
Choose your size by length. Amaani thobes are sized using two measurements, length and width, and the numeric size reflects the thobe length in inches. Measure from the shoulder to where you want the hem to sit, then check the width against your chest. Sizing by length is why a numeric size such as 52 tells you how the thobe will fall.
Which thobe suits which occasion?
For the Nikah, lean to the Saudi or shirt collar and browse the Nikah thobes. For warm weather, a short sleeve cut keeps things light, and the short sleeve thobes are cut for South African summers. For daily wear, a collarless or Mandarin thobe is the easiest to live in. If you are buying for a son, the kids collection mirrors many of the men's designs.
Frequently asked questions
Which thobe collar is most formal?
The Saudi collar and the premium shirt collar are the most formal. Both sit upright and structured, which is why they suit a Nikah, Jumuah and Eid.
Is a collarless thobe acceptable for the masjid?
Yes. A collarless thobe is a clean, modest cut and is widely worn for Jumuah and daily prayers. Choose a darker colour or a longer length if you want it to read more formal.
What size thobe should I order?
Amaani thobes are sized by two measurements, length and width. The numeric size, such as 52, is the thobe length in inches, so measure from the shoulder to where you want the hem to fall.
Which thobe suits hot weather?
A short sleeve cut keeps things lighter. The Amaani Eclipse and Drift short sleeve thobes are cut for warm South African weather, and the short sleeve thobes collection lists the full range.
How much does a premium thobe cost in South Africa?
At Amaani, men's thobes range from R799 to R1399 depending on the collar, the fabric and the detailing. The Signature and Saudi ranges sit at the top of that range.
Where to browse next
Shop the Amaani Thobes collection and find the collar that fits how you dress.