5 Things We Wish More Sudanese Girls Knew About the Toub

The Sudanese toub is more than something we bring out for weddings and special occasions. It’s part of our culture, our history and one of the most recognisable parts of Sudanese women’s dress.

But somewhere along the way, a lot of us grew up feeling like the toub belonged to another generation. We think it’s time to change that.

Here are five things we wish more Sudanese girls knew about the toub.

1. You don’t have to be married to wear one

Probably the biggest misconception of all.

The toub isn’t reserved for married women. While the way it has been worn and the traditions surrounding it have changed across generations, you don’t need to wait for marriage to start wearing and celebrating your own culture.

If you love it, wear it.

2. It doesn’t have to feel overly formal

When you picture a toub, you might immediately think of weddings, full glam, henna and gold.

And we love that version too.

But the toub can also be simple and understated. A lightweight fabric, minimal design and softer colour palette can completely change how it feels.

Wear it to dinner. Wear it when visiting family. Wear it to an event. Wear it simply because you feel like wearing your toub.

3. There isn't only one way to style it

One of our favourite things about the toub is how much you can make it your own.

The same toub can look completely different depending on how you drape it, what you wear underneath and the jewellery and accessories you pair with it.

Some designs give you even more options. Our Ashrose toub, for example, can be wrapped with the ash tone on top or flipped so the rose takes centre stage — giving you two completely different looks from the same piece.

4. You’re allowed to learn

Not knowing how to wrap a toub perfectly shouldn't stop you from wearing one.

Many of us grew up watching our mums, aunties and grandmothers put theirs on effortlessly, but that doesn't mean we're automatically supposed to know how to do it ourselves.

It takes practice.

That’s one of the reasons How to Wear is such an important part of Tiyab Mahanna. We want tutorials and styling inspiration to make wearing the toub feel accessible rather than intimidating.

5. Keeping the toub alive means actually wearing it

Culture isn't only something to admire from a distance.

Every time a new generation learns how to wear the toub, styles it in their own way and chooses to reach for one, the tradition continues.

That doesn't mean the toub has to stay exactly as it was. There is space to respect its history while allowing Sudanese women today to make it their own.

That’s exactly why we created Tiyab Mahanna.

The Sudanese toub, reimagined.

Tiyab Mahanna was created for a new generation of women who want to feel connected to the Sudanese toub while wearing pieces that reflect their own style.

Our tiyab are designed in the UK with modern colour palettes, lightweight fabrics and considered details — while celebrating the garment at the heart of it all.

Wear the toub. Make it yours. Pass it on.