Moroccan Berber Coat

Wool, and nothing else

A dense, thick wool that insulates against the cold while regulating temperature: you don’t feel stuffy while walking, and you don’t freeze when standing still. This is something synthetic fibers can’t do—they trap heat but also trap sweat. Our styles are woven in Morocco using the original fabric.

The pointed hood

It’s the garment’s signature feature: a conical hood, inspired by the burnous, that protects the neck and head from the wind without obstructing your vision. Folded back at the nape, it gives the coat its instantly recognizable silhouette.

The layered cut

Loose sleeves, generous length: the Berber coat is designed to be worn over other layers—a qamis, a djellaba, or a thick sweater. No need to go up two sizes; layering is built into the original cut.

Definition

What exactly is a Berber coat?

It’s the traditional winter coat of North Africa, often called a kachabia. Woven from thick wool in the mountainous regions of Morocco and Algeria, it’s recognizable by its pointed hood, long sleeves, and loose fit that falls below the knee. Originally designed for the harsh winters of the Atlas Mountains, it is now worn both as an everyday coat and during winter festivals and ceremonies.

Difference

What is the difference between a kachabia and a burnous?

The sleeves. The burnous is a cape: it has no sleeves, drapes over the shoulders, and is worn mainly on special occasions—Algerian grooms traditionally wear a white burnous. The kachabia, on the other hand, has sleeves and fastens: it’s everyday winter wear, the garment you put on to go out. Same family, same wool, two uses.

Warmth

Does a Berber coat really keep you warm during a European winter?

Yes. It was designed for mountain winters, where nighttime temperatures drop well below zero. The dense wool blocks the wind and insulates against the cold, and the hood protects the areas where you lose the most heat: the head and the back of the neck. Worn over a sweater or a winter djellaba, it easily replaces a traditional coat, with the added benefit of wool, which regulates body temperature rather than making you sweat.

Care

How do you care for a Berber wool coat?

As little as possible—and that’s good news: wool is naturally self-cleaning, so airing it out regularly in the open air is usually enough. If a stain occurs, spot-clean with cold water; for a full wash, opt for dry cleaning—never use a hot washing machine or dryer, as these will irreversibly felt the wool. Stored on a wide hanger when not in season, it will last for years.