Hand woven in Aleppo on a shaft or pit loom, this qutni cotton fabric imitates the atlas silk that was prized by wealthy Syrians. It is purchased in ready-cut lengths known as saye that are sufficient for sewing a qumbaz (long coat for man or woman.) The cloth is usually striped lengthwise, with carying colors and patterns. The names given to the different patterns refer either to the number of colored stripes or the type of patterns woven into the cloth.

The qumbaz had its origen in ancient Persia. Until the middle of the nineteenth century the sleeves were wide and slit to the elbow in order to show the white shirt underneath. Later, the sleeves became narrower.

Joseph's coat of many colors from the Bible tale probably looked like this model.