The keffiyeh and kufiya share the same meaning but are merely two different forms of spelling. Both names refer to a one metre square of checkered fabric that is today closely associated with Palestinian identity and solidarity. 

The keffiyeh may also be referred to as a hatta or shemagh. The term is generally used to encompass all of the traditional headscarves worn in the Middle East, regardless of their differences in color or cloth. 

The keffiyeh has become a marker of freedom and the human rights struggle of Palestinians. Originally popular amongst farmers as a form of sun protection, the traditional headscarf has come to symbolise sovereignty and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. 

During the Ottoman period, the keffiyeh was worn by rural workers whilst the more urban classes boasted the red felt hat known as the tarboosh. However, during the Arab Revolt of the 1930s against the British colonial occupation of Palestine, Palestinians of all classes began wearing the black and white head covering in a show of national unity. 

Gradually, the keffiyeh gained international attention, particularly after being seen around the shoulders of prominent Palestinian politician, Yasser Arafat. Especially during the three decades in which Israeli authorities banned the Palestinian flag (1967-1993), the keffiyeh gained popularity worldwide as an expression of Palestinian identity.  

Today, wearing the keffiyeh is seen as an unspoken expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people, in their pursuit of freedom.

The beauty of the keffiyeh is that you can wear it however and wherever you want. If you are interested in ways to wear your keffiyeh, check out our “how to wear” page.

The keffiyeh can be worn by anyone in support of the Palestinian cause. In fact, Palestinians love to see people from around the world expressing support through this meaningful fabric. When you choose to wear a Keffiyeh made in Palestine, it means you are aware of its cultural significance and are benefiting its original community. Whereas, wearing an imitation just for fashion, without any connection to its roots, can be considered cultural appropriation.

What seem like loose threads on the edges of the keffiyeh pattern are a common occurance with a keffiyeh, but these threads are nothing to worry about. Such threads may occur because during production, the ends of the pattern are trimmed by hand by one of our artisans. Small ends of the threads may remain, but these can be easily picked and removed, or will naturally fall off when the keffiyeh is washed.

The keffiyeh is a non-religious form of clothing. It is popular amongst Christians, Muslims, Druze and even secular people across the Middle East. Rather than holding any religious symbolism, the keffiyeh is simply donned across the region as a form of traditional clothing.

Indeed, not all people in this region wear the keffiyeh, and even those that do might wear it differently to the Palestinian keffiyeh. For instance, whilst the Palestinian and Syrian keffiyeh is black and white, the Jordanian shemagh boasts red and white checks. Likewise, the plain white ghutra is popular among countries in the Gulf like the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

The keffiyeh is most commonly associated with Palestinian culture. However, this headscarf originates as far back as 3100 BCE Mesopotamia, in the Kufa region of today’s Iraq. Since then, it gradually gained popularity across the Middle East. 

Today, the keffiyeh is worn in Jordan, Syria and across the Gulf, albeit using different patterns and cloths. However, as the traditional black and white keffiyeh has become popular as an expression of Palestinian identity, it is globally recognised to be a product of Palestinian culture and history.

The Hirbawi kufiya is made of 85% organic cotton for a natural and breathable fabric, and 15% high quality synthetic thread that is used to help maintain the durability and shape of the kufiya. 

We typically recommend hand washing a kufiya to accomodate the delicate fabric. You may also machine wash at a delicate setting. We advise using a mild detergent, and to air dry the kufiya after washing.

The kufiya is a versatile headdress suited for both cold and warm weather conditions. It may be used as a light scarf for warmth, and can alternatively keep you cool in hot climates under direct sunlight. The kufiya offers effective shielding against dust and fast-blowing winds, and excellent moisture-wicking properties, directing sweat and moisture away from the skin.