What Is Worn Under the Kandura?
Under the kandura, Gulf men wear the wizar (izar): an unsewn cloth wrapped around the lower body from the waist to mid-calf or the ankles and tied at the waist. Many add a cotton undershirt that absorbs sweat and protects the kandura’s fabric. Light, breathable cotton is the rule in Gulf heat; prices are shown in-store.
The wizar (izar): the foundation
The wizar — formally the izar — is an unsewn garment covering the lower body from the waist to mid-calf or the ankles, wrapped around and secured at the waist with a tie or a belt. It is the customary first layer under the kandura in the UAE and the Gulf.
Heritage sources describe it as a rectangle of roughly two metres by one metre, historically imported by traders from India — like much of the Gulf’s cloth in earlier times.
How is the wizar tied?
The wizar is wrapped around the waist so the cloth falls evenly, then the upper edge is folded and cinched at the waist — directly, or with a belt of leather, wool or cotton. A good tie keeps it steady through sitting and walking without over-tightening.
The undershirt and cotton underlayers
Alongside the wizar, Gulf menswear shops carry cotton underlayers — sleeved and sleeveless undershirts and cotton under-trousers — worn to absorb sweat, protect the kandura’s fabric and keep it fresher between washes. Pure cotton is the standard in the Gulf climate because it breathes. Our branches carry Dream Man cotton underlayers alongside the wizar — ask your nearest branch what is available.
Summer and winter
Summer thins the layers: light cotton and a fine wizar — Al-Bayan newspaper documents that the lighter summer kandura was historically known as the "muqassar". Winter thickens the outer fabric a little, and the rule stays the same: breathable cotton under a heavier kandura.
Why the underlayer matters
- Modesty: white kanduras in light weaves need a layer beneath.
- Comfort: cotton absorbs sweat and keeps the body cooler in heat.
- Protecting the kandura: the underlayer shields the outer fabric, extending its life and whiteness.
- Stability: a well-tied wizar means comfortable movement all day.
Sources & references
Related questions
What is a wizar?
An unsewn cloth wrapped around the lower body from the waist to mid-calf or the ankles and tied at the waist — the customary first layer under the kandura.
What size is a wizar?
Heritage sources describe a rectangle of roughly two metres by one metre, historically imported from India.
Is an undershirt worn under the kandura?
Many men add a cotton undershirt to absorb sweat and protect the kandura’s fabric — our branches carry Dream Man cotton underlayers.
What changes in summer?
Layers get lighter: a finer wizar and lighter cotton; the lighter summer kandura was historically known as the "muqassar".
Where can I find the wizar and underlayers?
Ask your nearest of our eleven branches, or WhatsApp us, about current availability; prices are shown in-store.