How to Style Your Kufiya: Fashion Tips and Ideas
Kufiya/Kuffiyeh, also known as shemagh, is a popular traditional Arabic scarf millions of Palestinians wear. It holds great cultural significance among the people of Palestine, as it symbolizes resilience and identity. Kufiya/Kuffiyeh, often considered a cultural piece of clothing, can be worn by non-Arabs and non-Palestinians as well. As it is a symbol of resistance, and anyone who wishes to show solidarity for the Palestinians, can wear Kufiya/Kuffiyeh.
Kufiya/Kuffiyeh, as a headpiece, originated in parts of the Middle East. However, it has gained popularity over the years and reached the global wardrobe. People of all races, religions, and nationalities promote wearing Kufiya/kuffiyeh, in order to display their participation in global resistance. But people wearing Kufiya/Kuffiyeh, simply for the purpose of fashion, can be considered as an act of cultural appropriation.
Kufiya/Kuffiyeh in Palestine has an interesting history attached to it. Palestinian Farmers used to wear Kufiya/Kuffiyeh as headgear which protected them from the scorching heat of the sun whilst farming. Also during the Ottoman Empire, to establish a class distinction, people of the working class used to wear kufiya/Kuffiyeh, while the urban aristocratic class used to wear a classified red hat known as tarboosh. Later on in the 1930s, which was the time of the Arab Revolt, people of all classes started wearing Kufiya/Kuffiyeh in order to establish uniformity and unity. Wearing Kufiya/Kuffiyeh in Palestine then became an expression of unspoken solidarity. In this blog, we will discover different ways in which the authentic Palestinian Kufiya/Kuffiyeh can be styled and adorned.
The Styling Guide
- The Classic Drape
To truly honor the origins of the Kufiya/Kuffiyeh, which hails from Palestine, one can always choose the traditional drape. It is an easy and effortless look that can elevate your casual as well as authentic look. To style the classic drape, one has to fold a Kufiya/Kuffiyeh into a triangle and the long edge of the folded triangle should be placed over the chest. Finally, you would have to drape the two ends over your shoulder and the classic look is complete.
- The Modern Wrap
For a modern twist on the traditional Palestinian Kufiya/Kuffiyeh, try styling it with a contemporary wrap. This modern wrap will add an element of festive cheer while also giving an elegant look. It can also be styled to beat the cold in a stylish manner. To achieve this look, one has to simply fold the Kufiya/Kuffiyeh into a triangle and wrap it around your neck. The two long ends of the scarf should hang in the front. If you wish to hide the long ends, you can also tuck it inside your jacket or t-shirt, which gives it a more clean and streamlined look.
- Headscarf Style
The Kufiya/Kuffiyeh is essentially a headscarf, therefore wearing it as a headscarf is simply giving in to its original purpose. Wearing it as a kufiya/Kuffiyeh is in many ways functional, but it is also a symbol of expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people. It shows your stand on the map of global conscience.
To style the Kufiya/Kuffiyeh as a headscarf, you have to first fold it into a triangle, and simply wrap it around your head. If you don’t wish to let the ends hang loose, you can fold it multiple times.You can also fashion the scarf into a headband. Pair it with oversized t-shirts, jackets, or trench coats for a trendy urban look.
- The Accessory
It is not necessary to wear the Kufiya/Kuffiyeh as headgear, it can also work as an accessory that simply refines your look. It can be accessorised as a belt, bag chain, or a hat flair. Its versatility can be easily incorporated into your casual or formal look. You can pay tribute to the Palestine heritage and movement without wrapping it around your head or neck. It can be tied to your handbag or can be looped through your jeans or even tied around your wrist as a bracelet.
- Going with the basics
Never underestimate the impact of the Kufiya/Kuffiyeh when it comes to styling. Its versatility can truly elevate your look. When you’re wearing a plain, basic t-shirt and denim, you do not need many accessories to elevate your look, but simply a Kufiya/Kuffieyh. Throw it around as a scarf around your neck or wrap it around as a shawl over your shoulders, and it will give the most minimalistic yet chic look.
- Layer it over
During winter, when you want to cover yourself with heavy jackets, overalls, and coats, simply adding a Kufiya/Kuffiyeh will enhance your look, without having to battle cold. You can drape the Kufiya/Kuffiyeh around your neck, and let the two loose ends hang over your outer layer. This layering technique is a hack to make your basic outfit look elaborate and fancy.
- Bag it up
Hirbawi Kufiya can not only be used as a styling accessory, it can also be used as a tote bag to carry your daily essentials. To make the Kufiya into a creative tote bag, you have to fold the Kufiya into a big triangle. Then take the two ends, and tie two knots on each side. Take the loose corners and tie it into one single knot. After that, tuck the knots that you had made on either side inside. Voila! you have made yourself a stylish Kufiya tote bag.
Conclusion
It is well established that Kufiya/Kuffiyeh is more than a clothing apparel or an assisting accessory. It holds great significance in Palestinian culture and identity. The Hirbawi factory, based in Hebron, West Bank, is one of the region's last remaining Kufiya/Kuffiyeh manufacturers.
Holy Land Dates has partnered with Hirbawi to supply the UK with original, authentic Palestinian Kufiyas/Kuffiyehs, crafted with decades of tradition and expertise. Made in Palestine, true to its roots.