Deel (clothing)

A deel (Mongolian: ᠳᠡᠪᠡᠯ /дээл [deːɮ]; Buryat: дэгэл [dɛɡɛɮ]) is an item of traditional clothing commonly worn by Mongols and can be made from cotton, silk, wool, or brocade.

The area between the flaps and above the belt creates a large pocket in which the wearer can store objects; Mongolian men will occasionally even carry a silver bowl or cup, or even a snuff box in their deel.

Though there is no major difference in material or outline between male and female deels, women tend to wear the "pocket" closer (that is, women often prefer a more snug-fitting deel), while men's may have larger pockets, a looser fit, and wider sleeves.

Nevertheless, other Mongol regions, such as Bortala in Xinjiang, retain the specific meaning of the word deel as the traditional garment, and refer to other overcoats as olondoi.

There are even distinct variations among different Mongol tribes,[2] mostly on the design of the upper chest opening edges.