Keffiyeh

Definition: Keffiyeh

September 17, 2007

Keffiyeh

A traditional headdress of Arab men, made of a square of cloth ("scarf"), usually cotton, folded and wrapped in various styles around the head. It is commonly found in arid climate areas to provide protection from direct sun exposure.

Recently, men, like Joshua Jackson, and women, like Diane Kruger (left), have been seen wearing keffiyehs as fashion accessories.

Bauer-Griffin

25 Comments

il fashionista 3 years 20 weeks

I wear my keffiyehs all the time they're a very useful item. I've always known the political meaning but to me this is what it means;I had a friend who was in the army and while he was out on tour he got one of these then he brought it back and told me that guys out there use um all the time they block your face from sand, heat, etc.and I was like dude I gotta get one then a few years later they started getting big out here in the states and I was all about it. I wear mine simply cause its a useful cool lookin item and it has a bohemian feel to it and guess what thats why most people wear um!!!!If it's offensive sorry but I guess you're gonna offend someone with what you wear all the time. I think the star of David looks way cool and I totally know the meaning of it but if I wore one on my belt or on a necklace to a club I in vegas I can gaurantee someone is not gonna be happy!!lets face it most people dont know what the keffiyeh means. To me its something a friend brought back serving this great country!!

3 years 47 weeks

I really wish people really knew what they were talking about before things coming spewing forth...the keffiyeh fabric was worn by Arab men way, way before Yassar Arafat and before it became a so-called symbol of the PLO. These "scarfs" to help shade one from the heat and to help protect one from the sand and dust and so forth. It became a symbol of "hate" only because that's all he and some his associates were seen wearing. Please my beloved Americans, let's not stay so one-tracked in our thinking. Believe it or not, there's a whole big world out there, beyond our borders. Peace.

x_pixiebean_x 5 years 5 weeks

I know that there is a political meaning behind these. But what is it?

x_pixiebean_x 5 years 5 weeks

I know that there is a political meaning behind these. But what is it?

hshs1 5 years 34 weeks

I do know and I do understand. While you may be feeling defensive, I also know people and families, and lives, from that region, so please don't speak to me of knowing only what the NY Times is saying. This isn't a matter of "dismissing" others and their feelings. On the contrary, I was bringing light to other's feelings about this matter. While you may feel one-sided on this political debate, I try to view it with open eyes, and that means that BOTH sides are getting hurt. But this is exactly why I meant to keep it lighthearted; this isn't a political forum, it is a fashion blog! I was merely commenting on a fashion trend seen only for it's fashion, and not for it's meaning, and that is that this scarf is a political statement. Period. Anything beyond that, personal views and opinions on that actual political matter, wasn't my concern. Why? Because of course everyone feels strongly about it! But again, this isn't the forum for it. So sorry if you felt insulted, but again, no insult was intended.

nati 5 years 35 weeks

loves it!

nati 5 years 35 weeks

loves it!

Rugelach 5 years 35 weeks

if i am unable keep it lighthearted it is because 3 years ago a cousin i was close to was seriously maimed by shrapnel when a car exploded in the west bank. she is lucky to be alive but she has scars on her face and body. it is true that the situation is complex. but not all of us are able to analyze it at arm's length and fold it away with our NY Times. for many many people there is a very strong and very real emotional component that goes along with these symbols. do not dismiss these people. do not tell them that their associations are wrong or have no meaning. you may know a lot and be very informed. but to be informed is different than to understand.

Rugelach 5 years 35 weeks

hshs1 5 years 35 weeks

p.s. and the meaning behind these are not bloodshed and hatred, the situation in the middle east is extremely complex, we should be educated enough to give everyone involved the benefit of the doubt, especially when there are women and children suffering on both sides. ok, thats my political p.o.v.! lets keep it lighthearted lol

hshs1 5 years 35 weeks

lolany: That's my point- these scarves are a sign of solidarity with Palestine, hence their political nature. I don't really care for who was wearing it and why, but the point is that there is a story, a reason, behind this "fad" and people should get it straight. I personally would wear it, because I do sympathize with the Palestinians, but that doesn't mean an other person would, so for everyone out there, just make sure your making the statement YOU want to make, not something imposed by the fad around your neck.

amandaaa 5 years 35 weeks

thank you! i'm glad someone pointed out the meaning behind these. i don't like to shop at urban outfitters because they sold these.

lolany 5 years 35 weeks

hshs1: in the 80's (at least in Europe) people were wearing this as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinians. It was mainly worn by extreme left wing peeps, often spotting a (real) 'hawk.

kstraw23 5 years 35 weeks

i agree with the whole political/cultural thing hshs1 said. i had just gotten back from studying abroad in the middle east when wearing the keffiyeh as a scarf was really big and i saw all these people wearing them and was just like "wtf? do they realize the cultural implication of these?" i don't necessarily associate it with hatred and death, but i do think people need to realize what wearing such a symbol could imply.

Rugelach 5 years 35 weeks

hshs1 is right. educate yourselves people. this is no worse than cameron diaz's dumb ass in peru. when i see this shit it instantly reminds me of how yaser arafat always had one on. it makes me think of unending hatred and death. which are never trendy.

Lavina 5 years 35 weeks

this is so 2005 and I agree with hshs1..

hshs1 5 years 35 weeks

I think it's funny how everyone thinks its a fad of some sort, whether it's "in" now or it was "in" in the past. The truth of the matter is that these scarfs are deeply political and central to the Middle East. I just think people should be educated about what they think is fashion and research just what it is they are supporting, and NOT wear something just cause it's fashionable, that's pathetic.