How to Tie a Keffiyeh: 5 Easy Styles, Step by Step

Quick answer: to tie a keffiyeh around your neck, fold it in half (or into a triangle if it is square), drape it behind your neck, and cross or knot the ends in front. Below are five styles, each with a diagram and numbered steps.

If you want to know how to tie a keffiyeh, there is no single correct way. People across the Middle East and around the world fold and wrap this cloth in a handful of familiar styles, and you can learn all five in a few minutes. Choosing how to wear a keffiyeh mostly comes down to the weather, the shape of your cloth and the look you want.

The 5 styles at a glance

Before you start: check the shape of your keffiyeh scarf

A traditional keffiyeh is a square piece of cloth. Many keffiyeh scarves sold today come in other shapes, including long rectangles, so look at yours first.

• Square cloth: every style below works, including the head wrap.
• Long, narrow scarf: use styles 1, 3 and 5.

Lay the cloth flat and smooth out the creases before you fold. Keep the folds even so the pattern lines up. The first wrap matters most, because the rest follows from it.

Style 1: The simple neck wrap

This is the easiest way to wear a keffiyeh and the one most people start with.

1. Fold the cloth in half to make a long strip.
2. Drape it around the back of your neck so both ends hang evenly in front.
3. Leave the ends hanging, or cross them once over your chest.

Best for: everyday wear, layered over a T-shirt or under an open jacket.

Style 2: How to tie a keffiyeh around your neck with a triangle knot

This style sits closer to the neck and stays in place better than a loose drape. It needs a square cloth.

1. Lay the square cloth flat and fold it corner to corner into a triangle.
2. Fold the long edge over once or twice to make a thinner band.
3. Place the middle of the band at the front of your neck, with the point of the triangle hanging down your chest.
4. Bring the two ends around to the back, cross them, and bring them forward again.
5. Tie a loose knot at the front or the side and straighten the point.

Best for: a neat, snug look, and for cooler days when you want the cloth close to your neck.

Style 3: The loop wrap

The loop wrap keeps the cloth in place without a knot, which makes it a good choice for a long scarf.

1. Fold the cloth lengthwise into a long strip.
2. Drape it around your neck so one end is a little longer than the other.
3. Wrap the longer end around your neck once, then let both ends hang.
4. Adjust the loop so it lies flat and the pattern shows.

Best for: cold or windy days. For extra warmth, pull the loop up toward your chin.

Style 4: The traditional head wrap

The keffiyeh began as a head covering, and this is the classic way to wear it. It needs a square cloth.

1. Fold the cloth corner to corner into a triangle.
2. Place it on your head with the point hanging down behind your neck and the straight edge across your forehead.
3. Let the two side corners fall forward over your shoulders.
4. To hold it in place, wear an agal, the black cord ring traditionally worn on top of the cloth. Without one, bring the two side corners behind your head, cross them and tuck them in.

Best for: sun and wind, and for anyone who wants the traditional look.

Style 5: The shoulder drape

This style is more about appearance than warmth, and it works with any cloth shape.

1. Fold the cloth in half lengthwise, or into a triangle if it is square.
2. Place it over one shoulder.
3. Let it hang naturally, or secure it at the front with a small knot.

Best for: adding a pattern to a plain outfit, or wearing the keffiyeh as a statement piece.

Common mistakes when you tie a keffiyeh

• Folding it too thick: a bulky band feels tight and looks heavy. Fold once more, or roll the edge thinner.
• Pulling the knot tight: a tight knot is hard to undo and bunches the cloth. Keep it loose and adjust.
• Uneven ends: if one end hangs much lower than the other, slide the cloth around your neck until they match.
• Skipping the pre-fold: smooth the cloth flat first, or creases will show in the finished wrap.
• Wearing it loose outdoors: in wind, use the loop wrap or tuck the ends under your jacket.

Which style should you choose?

Start with the simple neck wrap. Move to the triangle knot when you want a neater, closer fit, and use the loop wrap on cold days. Try the head wrap if you have a square cloth and want protection from sun or wind. The shoulder drape is best for dressing up an outfit.

A note on the names

The same cloth goes by several names. Keffiyeh and kufiya are the most common spellings in English, and you will also see keffiyah. In the Levant it is often called a hatta, in the Gulf a ghutra, and in English-speaking countries it is sometimes called a shemagh. The folds and wraps above work the same whichever name you use.

Where to find a keffiyeh

Our Everyday Palestinian Keffiyeh comes in the traditional black-and-white pattern and costs $14.45. Profits from every order go to food aid for families in Gaza. To compare designs first, browse the full keffiyeh collection.

Frequently asked questions

How do you tie a keffiyeh around your neck?

Fold the cloth in half or into a triangle, drape it around your neck, and either cross the ends (style 1), tie a loose knot at the front (style 2), or wrap one end around once (style 3).

What is the black cord worn with a keffiyeh?

It is called an agal. It is a black cord ring that traditionally holds the keffiyeh on the head. You do not need one for the neck styles.

How do I stop my keffiyeh from slipping?

Smooth out the folds before you start, keep both ends even, and tuck the ends under a jacket or collar. A loop wrap also stays put better than a loose drape.

Can I wear a keffiyeh in winter?

Yes. Wear it as a loop wrap or triangle knot under or over a coat. Wrapping it higher on your neck adds warmth.

Can anyone wear a keffiyeh?

People all over the world wear it, and the Palestinian keffiyeh in particular is widely worn as a sign of solidarity. If you want to wear it respectfully, take a moment to learn what it represents first.