Traditional clothing in Jizan and its relationship to the environment and the community

A tangible component of heritage, clothes reflect a civilisation’s level of advancement, the degree to which people mixed and exchanged knowledge, and the extent to which cultures interacted. Clothing reflects economic and social status, gender, age, marital status, religious beliefs, manufacturing standards and aesthetic ideals.

The variations in clothing highlight the importance of material culture. Clothing is tangible evidence of the past, which has a great impact on the present and the future.

This study documents traditional clothing, and complements my studies of different regions of Saudi Arabia.

Jizan has a long history, rich traditions and distinctive clothing. This study draws attention to the clothing of Jizan, and to Jizan’s heritage in general.

This study classifies and documents Jizan’s traditional clothing, and discusses how clothing is related to various environmental factors by:

1. Documenting and classifying the region’s clothing and accessories according to place and social group.

2. Identifying decorating and embroidery techniques, skills and related materials

3. Highlighting the impacts that environmental factors and Jizan’s coastal location have had on clothing.

4. Adapting traditional clothing for modern life without losing its traditional character.