HOW TO TIE/WEAR THE ARABIC HEADSCARF "GHUTRA"

Related articles

Facts You Probably Didn't Know About the Arabic Language

Understanding Arabic Dialects: A Guide to Regional Variation

It’s OFFICIAL: Google Launches Generative AI Tool ‘Bard’ in Arabic

Headgear is an essential part of men's dress code in the Arabia Gulf. This head piece is known in different names such as the keffiyeh or kufiya, ghutrah, shemagh, ḥaṭṭah, mashadah, chafiye, dastmal yazdi or cemedanî. 

If you have access to a ghutra and are curious how to wear and tie the ghutra, here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you put it on! 

1. Fold the ghutra

To start, half-fold the ghutra. Do not fold it in half—rather, fold one end to the halfway point.

2. Place the ghutra on your head

When you put the ghutra on your head, place the folded half over the top of your head. The unfolded half should be on the back of your head and neck.

3. Twist the two ends

There are two ends hanging down over the front of your body. Give both sides two turns moving in the outwards direction (not in toward your body).

4. Pull the two ends over your back and cross

It’s time to showcase your flexibility. Pull the two ends over your shoulders and cross them behind your head and neck. Doing this provides the ghutra with the signature bulge at the bottom of the headdress.

5. Bring the two ends back to the front

Once the two ends have been twisted and crossed, bring them back to the front side of your body (one dangling over your left side and one over your right side).

6. Wrap one end around your head

Now it’s time to really test your coordination. Take one end and wrap it over your forehead and around the back. Tuck and squeeze it into a pocket on the back of your lower head.
Note: Lines, or layers, are important to how the ghutra looks. Great ones can get 10-plus lines, which can be hard for beginners. Try for two lines or layers of cloth for the first end.

7. Wrap the second end around your head

The second end is what will be mostly seen by others. Wrap it around in the same manner. Again, try for two lines. Another thing you can do here is slide the end through to create a tail-like appearance on the side.

After that, check the back and front to make sure it all looks all right. Chances are you may need to try this process a few times before getting good. Remember: Practice makes perfect.