The over-riding inspiration for traditional clothing is owed to the dictates of Islam which links Muslims over the wider Islamic world. The desert areas range through extremely hot, to wonderful balmy weather to very cold indeed. The mountainous areas were the same, with those in Saudi Arabia and Jebal Athar in Oman and mountainous Yemen being pleasantly cooler than the desert during the summers.
Islamic clothing has two purposes, which are to cover the body as well as beautify the appearance.
The Prophet Mohammed insisted that people attend prayers and general gatherings nicely dressed and well groomed. Those who live in this part of the world will agree that this fact can be noticed by even the most casual observer at, for example Friday prayers. The use and wearing of gold jewellery and pure silk are not permitted for men but allowed to women. This edict is based on ideas about gender differences in character between men and women .Too luxurious a manner of living , particularly for men , is considered not only indicative of social injustice, but can lead to an unbecoming softness and weakness of character. It is notable throughout the Islamic world , that some silken coats and other items of male attire worn by those who could afford such clothing , were often woven half of cotton and half of silk thread.