Which Type of Fabric is Used for Kandura?

Many people ask, "What is the Emirati kandura made of?" There are four commonly used fabrics for making an Emirati Kandura. This does not mean that all four fabrics are used at once. Only one type of fabric is used to make a kandura.

Three of these fabrics are suitable for summer, while one is mainly used during winter. I have listed all four fabric types below.

1. Polyester
2. Poly-Cotton Blend
3. Wool
4. Microfibre/Synthetic Blend

1- Polyester

Polyester is the most used fabric in making of Kandura. In UAE, polyester is imported from China, Korea, and Japan. Japanese and Korean polyester is considered best in the fabric market because of its quality and properties like strong color retention, wrinkle resistance, and durability. Kandura is known for its smooth drape from top to bottom and that's why polyester is used due to it's wrinkle resistant properties. At Shabab Al Yola, we have 20 different premium imported polyester fabric options available in different GSM.

2- Cotton-Polyester Blends / Poly-Cotton Blend

Typically Cotton-Polyester is composed of 70-80% polyester mixed with 20-30% cotton and these blends are known for offering extra comfort. The cotton component maintains breathability and softness and polyester helps it stay smooth, keep its color, and hold its shape. This means your kandura looks freshly pressed throughout the day even after hours of wear or sitting.

Blend fabrics are also cheaper than pure cotton while still providing comfort for daily wear. They dry quickly, resist stains and last longer with less care. For men who wear kanduras daily to work or social events, the practical advantages of blends make them an attractive choice that doesn't significantly compromise on comfort.

3- Wool Blends - Perfect for Cooler Seasons

In UAE, wool is used as winter's fabric. It is also imported from countries like India, China, Australia, and United Kingdom. Chinese and Indian wool is is blended with synthetic fabric such as polyester, whereas Australian and British wool is 100 pure, and that's its expensive than Indian and Chinese wool.

This wool comes under 5 major brand names which are:

1. OMC
2. Indian Legend Wool
3. Federigo By Jhon Smith
4. Montgomery
5. Harrisons

While the Gulf region is known for its heat, cooler months and air-conditioned environments are perfect for wearing a kandura that gives more warmth. Lightweight wool blends works beautifully to providing insulation. If you are buying kandura for winters from Shabab Al Yola, our provide you free personal consultation, so you can style you winter kandura like a real Emirati.

4- Microfibre and Synthetic Blend

Microfiber is a very fine synthetic fiber, usually made from polyester, polyamide, or a combination of both. The fibers are much thinner than regular textile fibers.

Common properties of microfibre are:

• Very soft and smooth
• Lightweight
• Quick drying
• Resistant to wrinkles
• Can feel silky to the touch
• Often used for shirts, sportswear, cleaning cloths, kandura, and thobes

On the other hand, synthetic blend means a fabric made by combining two or more fibers, where at least one is synthetic.

For example:

• 65% polyester + 35% cotton
• 80% polyester + 20% viscose
• 50% polyester + 50% rayon

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Kandura in UAE?

Choosing the right fabric depends on a few things. You can get free consultation by connecting with us on WhatsApp and you can also visit our store in Abu Dhabi for in-person help.

• For everyday, poly-cotton would be the best option because it offers the best balance of comfort and appearance.
• If maximum comfort in extreme heat is your priority, Japanese Semiramis (100% polyester) will be perfect as it weighs only 92 GSM which is lightest fabric in our fabric collection.
• For formal occasions and cooler seasons, wool blends provide elegance and warmth.

At Shabab Al Yola, we help you find the perfect fabric that suits your lifestyle, climate, and personal preferences. Whether you prefer the smooth drape of polyester or the practical benefits of modern blends, we have the right kandura fabric for you.