Nigerian man in a pale sky-blue babban riga, the wide gown folded over one shoulder, a tone-on-tone embroidered triangle at the chest and a matching embroidered cap, in a walnut-panelled room

Traditional wearWeddingEid

The Babban Riga

The great gown, in one colour from cap to hem. Wide sleeves folded over the shoulder, and hand embroidery at the chest.

STYLE Babban riga 3-pieceGOWN Wide, full-lengthEMBROIDERY By hand, neck and chestCAP Hula or zanna

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The details

What makes a babban riga

Gown, kaftan and trousers, made to be worn together.

  1. The gown

    GOWN Wide, full-length

    Cut generous and long, so it falls in heavy folds from the shoulder to the wrist.

  2. The embroidery

    EMBROIDERY By hand

    Done by hand at the neck and chest, in matching or contrasting thread. We agree the design with you.

  3. The kaftan

    SET Kaftan, trousers

    A long kaftan and trousers beneath, cut close so the gown sits cleanly over them.

  4. The cap

    CAP Hula or zanna

    A matching embroidered cap. Ask for one at your first visit.

Fabric

Recommended fabric

Our picks for the Babban Riga. The showroom has more than 3,000 others.

See our fabrics

How we work

How it’s made

Four steps, all in Business Bay. We keep fitting it until it is right.

  1. A tailor measuring a client’s shoulder and arm with a tape measure

    Consultation

    We talk about where you will wear it. Then we take your measurements.

  2. A hand turning the pages of a fabric book on a walnut table

    Choose your fabric

    Choose from more than 3,000 fabrics, in the showroom or at home.

  3. Tailor’s shears cutting into brown wool fabric

    Cutting

    We draw your pattern by hand, then mark and cut the fabric.

  4. A tailor adjusting the shoulder of a jacket during a fitting

    Fittings

    We fit and adjust until it feels right. We keep your pattern for next time.

  1. Consultation
  2. Choose your fabric
  3. Cutting
  4. Fittings
  5. Collection

From first visit to collectionAbout 6 to 8 weeks

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Questions

Questions about the babban riga

Is there a babban riga tailor in Dubai?

Yes. The Bespoke Corner in Business Bay makes the full babban riga: gown, kaftan and trousers, from a pattern drawn by hand.

How early should I order a babban riga for a wedding or Sallah?

Allow about 6 to 8 weeks. Give us the date when you book and we will plan the fittings around it.

What fabric is best for a babban riga?

Fine cotton or Sand Linen for a light gown in the Dubai heat; Midnight Barathea for a darker, formal set. The showroom has more than 3,000 others.

More styles

See the full catalog