Fresh produce stands like these are familiar sights along the streets of Jeddah. These two are located in an industrial area. In general, prices for food are much cheaper here than in the states. The man on the left in the red and white shirt is wearing a skirt called a futa. It is made from one long piece of fabric folded in half and sewn together with one seam which runs lengthwise. That forms a large shapeless skirt which the man steps into. He folds the width at his waist, to the right and then to the left and back again, and then folds it down at the waist a couple of times to secure it. Simple and easy. Many men wear them out in public here. I’m not sure what they wear underneath. My husband wears his at home and wears nothing underneath.
About This Blog, and About Me: Susie of Arabia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is KSA's 2nd largest city and is located on its west coast, right on the Red Sea. I moved here in 2007 with my Saudi hubby and teenage son. This journal reflects the things that I see here, life through my eyes, my lens.
Please be sure to also visit my other blog, SUSIE'S BIG ADVENTURE, which relates my experiences, thoughts, and observations about living in Saudi Arabia.
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These are great.
The Futa / Lungi, also known as a sarong or dhoti , is a garment worn around the waist in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Horn of Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula .
It is particularly popular in regions where the heat and humidity create an unpleasant climate for trousers.
Note you must wear shorts first and then futa / lungi otherwise you will be exposed… be careful! Take care!
Thanks, Mohammed – I was hoping someone would fill in about what is worn underneath the futa when men are out in public. My husband only wears his at home, but I see many men out in public wearing the futa.
The futa sounds like the Malaysian/Indonesian sarong, which both men and women wear.
I’ve tried wearing the futa here once in a while, but it just doesn’t stay put on me – maybe because of my different body shape?
wonderful pictures, Susie. They brought back such memories to me of color and vibrancy, idealism and a bit of “goody-two shoe-ness” from my days living in Dhahran long ago. Love your blog too.
Thanks so much, Jean! I’m so glad you are getting some warm fuzzies in memories by seeing my pics.