Kuwaiti daraa for National Day and Hala February

When the daraa comes out

Kuwait’s National Day falls on 25 February and Liberation Day on 26 February, and the whole month around them is celebrated as Hala February, with concerts, parades, shopping festivals and family gatherings. National Day is the moment many women choose a daraa, either in a traditional colour or in the flag colours of green, white, red and black. Our guide to National Day colours across the Gulf has more ideas for wearing the colours on a kameez or abaya.

Because the celebrations last weeks, a daraa that is comfortable enough to wear to several gatherings is worth more than a delicate piece you wear once.

Planning a made-to-measure daraa

A daraa is simple in shape, which makes the details matter more. When you ask for a quote, think about:

• Length: floor-length with the shoes you will wear, so measure your full length in those shoes or tell us the heel height.
• Sleeves: wide and long is traditional; slightly narrower sleeves are easier for serving food and carrying children’s things.
• Neckline: a round or slightly opened neckline frames the embroidery best. Our necklines guide shows the options.
• The overlay: a sheer thobe over an opaque daraa, with the embroidery or sequins placed on the overlay so the dress underneath stays soft.
• Embroidery: hand, machine, zari, beads or sequins, agreed in your quote. See custom embroidery and our guide to sequins and beadwork.

Flag colours without overdoing it

If you want the national colours, let one lead. A green daraa with a white overlay and a fine red and black trim at the cuffs looks celebratory and elegant. A black daraa with green and red embroidery works well too, and it is easy to wear again. Keep sequins to the overlay and the edges so the dress stays comfortable when you sit on floor cushions at a family gathering.

If you prefer something closer to everyday wear, a loose jalabiya is a near relative of the daraa; the custom jalabiya service explains the shapes and fabrics we use.

Looking after an embroidered daraa

A daraa with a sequinned overlay lasts for many National Days if it is treated gently. Store the overlay folded in a cotton bag rather than on a hanger, because the weight of the embroidery can stretch a sheer fabric over time. Wash by hand in cool water or have it cleaned professionally, never wring it, and turn it inside out so the sequins do not catch. If a few sequins or beads work loose after a long evening, our guide to securing loose sequins and beads shows how to fix them before they fall off.

Ordering from Kuwait

February is a few months away, which is the ideal time to plan: there is room to agree the design and embroidery calmly. Each daraa is made to your measurements in Pakistan once your written quote is approved and paid in full, and making takes 5 to 7 working days, with shipping time to Kuwait added on top. The quote includes delivery to your address and any import charges. Our measuring help guides you through the measurements, and you can start on the quote form for Kuwait. See also our Kuwait page.