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15 Ways to Wear a Ke!yeh &

Shemagh (PHOTOS)
November 21, 2022

The Kufiya, also known around the world as “keffiyeh”, “shemagh” and “hatta”, is a traditional
Arabic scarf recognizable as a wrapped headdress often featuring the iconic checkered pattern.
The Palestinian ke!yeh scarf holds significant symbolic value for millions of Palestinians as a
wearable symbol of resistance, freedom and independence in Palestine.

The Ke!yeh is di#erent from the Shemagh as a more casual garment. Whereas the “tactical”
shemagh is more often woven with thicker cotton and wool fibres, the Ke!yeh has a lighter, less
reinforced material for its purpose as a daily headdress.

A Symbol of Support & Freedom to Palestine

The Arabic head scarf has since gained tremendous popularity worldwide as a statement of
support to the Palestinian people in their ongoing political struggle.

With the help of online e-commerce solutions and the power of social media, the purchasing of
original Palestinian ke!yehs has become a gateway to supporting local Palestinian clothing and
businesses from abroad.

How to Tie a Ke!yeh or Shemagh scarf

As people share photos of themselves wearing the Ke!yeh scarf from around the world, it carries
the message of Palestine’s strong identity. As such, we thought we’d help educate our international
supporters on how to wear the iconic Palestinian Ke!yeh. Below are detailed instructions on how
to tie a Ke!yeh in 15 di#erent styles.

Classic Ke!yeh Neck Wrap

Keffiyeh shown: Dheisheh Hirbawi® Kufiya and Haifa Hirbawi® Kufiya

The trendiest way to wear the Ke!yeh Palestinian scarf is a loose wrap around the neck and
chest. This is a quick and e#ortless look that is easy to combine with any casual outfit.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Kufiya into a triangle.

2. Pull the Kufiya over the lower half of your face.
Your neck should be covered, and both ends of the Kufiya should be of equal length.
3. Knot both ends together around the back of your neck.
4. Place the ends of the Kufiya in front and let the tassels hang over your chest.
Make the necessary adjustments and pull down the portion of the Kufiya that’s covering the
lower half of your face below your chin, letting it snuggly wrap around your neck.

Tidy Ke!yeh Neck Wrap

Keffiyeh shown: Inverted Hirbawi® Kufiya

If you’re looking for an alternative style to wearing the Ke!yeh as a scarf, try this popular option.
The tidy Ke!yeh neck wrap will elevate your outfit while keeping your neck nice and warm.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Kufiya into a triangle.

2. Cover the lower half of your face and pull the ends of the Ke!yeh to the back of
your neck.
3. Without tying them, wrap the ends of the Ke!yeh around your neck.
Bring both sides back around to the front and cross them over at the back of your neck. For
this particular wrapping style, the two ends of the Ke!yeh should only cross over once and
should be positioned over your chest.
4. Tie both ends under your chin.
Hide the excess fabric under the remaining corner of the Kufiya. If you’re wearing a jacket,
blazer, or coat, you can tuck in your Ke!yeh underneath the top collar. Make the necessary
adjustments by tugging down the Kufiya underneath your chin, snuggly wrapping around
your neck.

Traditional Head & Face Wrapped Ke!yeh

HIRBAWI®

Keffiyeh shown: Shami Hirbawi® Kufiya

The classic hatta headdress style was commonly worn by the protesting and freedom-loving
Palestinian youth. If you want to use your Ke!yeh to shield your face from the sun or cold winds,
this tying method is an excellent option for you to try.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Ke!yeh into a triangle.

Spread the Ke!yeh open, and match one corner with the opposite corner to fold the square-
shaped scarf into a triangle.
2. Drape the fabric over your forehead.
Position the folded edge of the Ke!yeh between your eyebrows and your hairline and pull it
over your forehead. Let the excess material run over the top of your head and down the
back, and make sure both ends of the Kufiya are of equal length.
3. Take the right side of the Ke!yeh and wrap it under your chin.
After it goes under the chin, pull it towards the back of your head, and hold it in place to
prevent loosening the wrap.
4. Take the left side of the Ke!yeh and wrap it over your face.
Pull it across your face towards the right side, covering your nose and mouth. Then pull it
towards the back and hold it in place.
5. Tie both ends.
Now that both the right and left ends are held in place at the back of your head, you can
tie them firmly together. You can double the knot to keep the Kufiya secure. Make sure that
you don’t wrap your Ke!yeh too tightly either so you can move and breathe easily.
6. Make the final adjustments.
Adjust the Ke!yeh so that the garment covers the top of your head, your chin, nose, and
mouth without disturbing your eyes.

Tactical Head & Face Wrap Ke!yeh

Image credit: https://pin.it/27x1IpW and https://pin.it/69f351I

If you’re going to a place with lots of dust, sand, or debris, then you might want to wrap your
Ke!yeh this way to shield your face from the elements. This robust wrapping style o#ers even
more protection in harsh environments compared to the traditional or casual face wrapping style.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Ke!yeh into a triangle.

2. Drape the Ke!yeh over your forehead.
Position it between your eyebrows and your hairline. The right end should be longer than the
left, so position it around three-quarters from the highest point of your head.
3. Wrap the shorter end of the Ke!yeh under your chin.
Pull it towards the back of your head and hold it in place.
4. Wrap the longer end across your face to cover your nose and mouth.
5. Pull it up and over the top of your head, meeting the end of the other side.
6. Tie both ends together.
You can knot the ends twice to secure the Ke!yeh in place. Make any necessary final
adjustments to ensure that the top of your head and the lower half of your face is concealed
properly and that the Ke!yeh is wrapped loosely enough to allow for comfortable
movement and breathing.

Emirati Ghutra Traditional Head Wrap

Keffiyeh shown: Majdal Hirbawi® Kufiya

Known also as the “ghutra” in the gulf, this traditional ke!yeh style can also be worn with a black
agal ring to keep it in place. The ghutra is a tidy and formal wrapping style that o#ers complete
coverage and protection for your head.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Kufiya into a triangle.

2. Take the folded side of the Kufiya and make another fold.
Fold the longer side of the Kufiya inwards, about 1/3 to half the width of the entire triangle.
3. Place the Kufiya on top of your head with the edge just right above your eyebrows.
Let the ends of the Kufiya fall over your chest. Adjust so that both sides are equal.
4. Twirl both sides.
5. Pull one side to the back then wrap it over your forehead.
Tuck the end of the Kufiya in a corner to secure it. Do the same for the other side. Make the
necessary adjustments to achieve the right fit.

Ke!yeh with Agal, Arafat Style

Yasir Arafat speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, 13 November, 1974

This elegant ghutra ke!yeh style is in fact quite simple and features a black agal that holds the
headdress in place. This style is most prominent in the Gulf and the traditional nobility in the
Middle East. Worn especially by Arab leaders, business figures, and local elders, as a sign of
virtue, and honour towards Arabic heritage.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Kufiya into a triangle.

2. Place the folded edge Kufiya on top of your head and let it run down your back.
You can also let it run down your shoulders and chest if you prefer.
3. Pull down the Agal in place.
Adjust as needed, the bottom of the Agal should ideally be aligned to your hairline with just
enough distance from your eyebrows.

Tight-Wrapped “Bandana” Ke!yeh

Via our Instagram: Supporter submissions.

This style is another great way to protect yourself from colder, or dustier, environments by
covering up your nose and mouth with the Ke!yeh.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Kufiya into a triangle.

2. Pull it over your face and hold it in place at the back of your head.
3. Without tying, pull both ends and wrap them around the back of the neck to the front.
4. Pull the ends to the back and tie them together.
Adjust as needed to move and breathe easily.

Casual Shoulder Wrap Ke!yeh

Keffiyehs shown: Red & White Hirbawi® Kufiya and Black & White Hirbawi® Kufiya

One of the simplest and most casual ways to wear a Kufiya is to just wear it over your shoulders–
No need for any wrapping or tying! This is a great option to try if you’re looking to conceal your
shoulders and upper arms, and show o# the intricate pattern and colour of the ke!yeh you’re
wearing.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Kufiya into a triangle.

2. Pull one end of the Kufiya around your back to the other side.
Position the folded edge of the Kufiya right behind your neck.
3. Place both ends of the Kufiya in front and let it run down your shoulders and over your
chest.
Make the necessary adjustments to match the length of both sides.

Simple Scarf Ke!yeh Style

Keffiyehs shown: Inverted Hirbawi® Kufiya and Beit Jala Hirbawi® Kufiya

A Kufiya can even be worn as a simple scarf! If you want to use the Ke!yeh scarf more as a
subtle accent or to simply add a pop of colour to your outfit, try out this quick and easy neck wrap
style!

How to Wear:

1. Grip and squeeze the horizontal sides of the Kufiya together.

2. Position the Kufiya behind your neck.
Divide it so that one length is longer than the other.
3. Pull one end of the Kufiya and let it run down your chest.
4. Take the longer side and wrap it in front of your neck and down the back of your
shoulder.
Make the necessary adjustments.

Loose Head Wrap Ke!yeh

Keffiyehs shown: Bisan Hirbawi® Kufiya and Tabariya Hirbawi® Kufiya

A simpler way to wear the Ke!yeh around your head. This style provides a secure and tight fit
that lasts longer without unravelling, whilst still achieving the casual, laid-back look.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Kufiya into a triangle.

2. Drape the Kufiya on top of your head with the folded edge positioned tight above your
eyebrows.
Position one side to be at least longer than the other side. Hold the shorter side in place
at the back of your head.
3. Wrap the longer side over your head.
Hold it in place at the back of your head next to the other end of the Kufiya.
4. Cross both ends of the Kufiya and bring them to the front.
Let the remaining fabric drop down your chest. Adjust as needed.

Flowy Headdress Ke!yeh

Keffiyehs shown: Gaza Hirbawi® Kufiya and Bisan Hirbawi® Kufiya

Another alternative for a loose and casual wrapping style for the Ke!yeh as a headdress. If
you’re looking to properly show o# the beautiful and intricate patterns of your Kufiya, this would
be a great option to try.

How to Wear:

1. Fold the Kufiya into a triangle.

2. Drape the Kufiya on top of your head.
Position so that one length is longer than the other side. Let the shorter side hang over your
chest.
3. Wrap the longer side over the lower half of your face.
Pull the end to the back. Adjust as needed, you may also tug down the garment to expose
your nose and mouth.

Poncho Shoulder Wrap Ke!yeh