saudi arabian dress strictly follows the principles of hijab (the islamic principle of modesty, especially in dress). the predominantly loose and flowing, but covering, garments are suited to saudi arabia's desert climate. traditionally, men usually wear a white ankle length garment woven from wool or cotton (known as a thawb), with a keffiyeh (a large checkered square of cotton held in place by an agal) or a ghutra (a plain white square made of finer cotton, also held in place by an agal) worn on the head. for rare chilly days, saudi men wear a camel-hair cloak (bisht) over the top. in public women are required to wear a black abaya or other black clothing that covers everything under the neck with the exception of their hands and feet, although most women cover their head in respect for their religion. this requirement applies to non-muslim women too and failure to abide can result in police action, particularly in more conservative areas of the country. women's clothes are often decorated with tribal motifs, coins, sequins, metallic thread, and appliques.