No traditionally and especially in rural commuities it was the traditional thoub hand stiched by the women that wear them. The stich typically is a cross stich in most of Palestine other stiches are used in places like ramallah and salt. Each area has specific designs and colors of threads used. If you search for widad Kawar she has a site on the matter as she is a collector of these beautiful old garments.
As far as my grandma remembers, it has always been white. she recalls wearing her mom's white dress. at least one generation before my grandma's; 3 or 4 before ours, its been white...
