It was only a couple of days ago that Carol, at American Bedu blog, was writing about farwa, fleecy garments worn by many Saudis in wintertime.
Farwa, sheepskin lined coat
A government office in Baha has banned the wearing of farwa in the workplace, however. According to this Saudi Gazette/Okaz piece, it’s because it reduces efficiency because of its bulk. Further, it’s not needed in heated offices. Perhaps this office just needs to invest in some coat hooks on which chilled employees can hang their garb until it’s time to go back outdoors…
I admit to being puzzled by the description of the farwa as an undergarment. Does the word have a very different meaning in Baha?
Winter clothes banned at work
Abdul Khaliq Nasser Al-GhamdiAL-BAHA – Staff at a government office in Al-Baha have been instructed not to wear the traditional fleece undergarment, known locally as a “farwa”, in the workplace as managers believe it to impede efficiency.
The farwa fleece, worn during the winter season and popular in the southern mountain regions where temperatures can drop to 10 degrees, was cited in a circular describing it as “improper and impractical during working hours”.
“It confines the movement of those wearing it and in consequence leads to the tasks required of them being delayed and performed improperly,” the circular said.
The notice asked staff to find more suitable alternatives to the favored farwa fleece, but added:
“There is not even any need to wear the farwa in the first place, given that all offices are equipped with heating systems.” – Okaz/SG
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December:18:2009 - 10:11
That is frustrating having more dictation on what is or is not acceptable to wear…. and I can tell you that in winter time Saudi offices are either way too warm or waaayyy to cold. My husband workds at Foreign Affairs and I know that many of the officials there will wear double long johns under their winter thobes since parts of that building although heated do not feel warm at all. I’m sure you can remember that yourself John from trips to MOFA.
And the farwa is another way to demonstrate the beautiful uniqueness of KSA and its heritage and here again it’s getting shot down. Ridiculous!
Lastly what would be meaning that the farwa reduces efficiency because of its bulk? Think about how many women have to work all day with their abaya on… why can’t a man (or woman) work with their farwa?
Or is there a fear that wearing a farwa in the workplace sends a negative message of the workplace?
Okay…I’ve said my tangent!
December:18:2009 - 12:27
That’s just a way of showing who is in control and therefore, has the power to give orders to others. It’s common in bureaucratic cultures everywhere.
Perhaps they wear it under their long gown – hence “undergarment!”
December:18:2009 - 15:57
Something got lost in translation here. What is meant here is that it is informal wear, normally worn at home with one’s family and close friends, not at work.
December:18:2009 - 18:05
I’d say that’s a very near total failure to translate correctly!
Or, as my son might say, “Epic Fail”.
December:18:2009 - 19:37
Are they made in Mossy Oak™ shadowgrass camo? I could use one for goose hunting next week!
http://deanstop.com/images/shadowgrass.jpg
December:18:2009 - 19:57
Rather Dashing,
Although bulky their warmth would be ideal especially if sitting in a duck or deer shack! hmmm…for the enterprising Saudi, here is a great marketing opportunity. I can see individuals ordering custom farwas as well as wanting the traditional farwas…and with internet, pay pal and so on, it should be relatively easy to set up.
on to other views, I will still agree to disagree that it is right or proper for entities to dictate clothing. But on the other hand I guess this is where the men get an inkling of what the women feel by having to conform to certain dress and attire…
December:18:2009 - 21:39
Commenter–interesting. Do you have a link to an article in Arabic, I would be interested in following up. Thanks.
December:18:2009 - 22:03
@ #6 American Bedu,
LOL. Thanks. But, I’ll probably stick with the newer materials. I do well with my drylete base layer and microfleece top and polypropylene long johns and thinsulate lined goretex boots and neoprene socks. They’re lightweight, warm and water resistant.
Sorry, sheep. You’ve been replaced.
December:19:2009 - 22:41
Some woman, that! Wow!