It is not entirely clear what a tonban is nor where its origin lies. One likely explanation is that it's a type of clothing worn in Afghanistan. A pirhan tonban (according to one source) is a long, loose skirt formerly worn by women, but now traditional male clothing. It is also called a shalwar kameez and consists of baggy trousers and a long shirt. In addition to men, the tonban is comfortable and popular with many women working in Afghanistan.