Arabe hat

Types of Arab hats

The Arab hats, also known as head coverings, come in different types. Each type has its significance in culture, climate, and personal preference. Here are some of their various types:

• Keffiyeh or Ghutrah

  The keffiyeh is an Arab headdress that is worn by men. It's also called the ghutrah or shemagh. It is a square-shaped scarf that is folded into a triangle. Then, it is worn on the head. Usually, it is made of cotton or a cotton blend. The keffiyeh serves two purposes: protection from the sun and wind. It also absorbs sweat. The most common colors of the keffiyeh are black and white or red and white. These patterns have cultural and regional significance.

• Agal

  This is a cord that is usually black and worn to secure the keffiyeh or ghutrah in place. The agal is a symbol of Arab identity and masculinity. Traditionally, it is worn by men in the Gulf region. It is also worn in other Arab countries. One or two cords are used to hold the headscarf in place. The agal has variations in style and number of cords depending on the region and personal preference.

• Ghutrah

  The ghutrah is a traditional Arab headscarf that is worn by men. It is a rectangular scarf and is similar to the keffiyeh. The ghutrah is usually white or plain in color and is worn with an agal. It serves cultural and religious purposes. It also provides protection from the sun and heat. The ghutrah has different styles of wearing it. These styles may vary between regions and personal preference.

• Thobe

  A thobe is a long robe worn by men in Arab countries. It's also called a dishdasha or kandura. The thobe is knee-length or ankle-length. It has long sleeves and a loose fit. The thobe is made from cotton or synthetic fabric. It is worn in both formal and casual settings. It may be white or in other colors. It also varies by season and occasion. The thobe is a symbol of cultural identity and tradition. It is worn by men of different ages and backgrounds. The thobe has variations in style and design.

• Akeel

  The akeel is a headband worn by men in the Arab world. It secures the keffiyeh or ghutrah in place. This makes it distinct from other Arab hats. The akeel is usually black but may have different colors. It has one or two bands that are worn around the head. The akeel has cultural significance and is a symbol of Arab identity and tradition. It is worn with different styles of keffiyeh or ghutrah. The akeel has variations in style and design in different regions.

• Kufiya

  This is a traditional Arab hat and headscarf. It is usually worn by men. The kufiya is a square-shaped cotton scarf. The kufiya is often black and white or red and white. It serves practical and cultural purposes. For instance, it protects the wearer from the sun and wind. The kufiya is a symbol of Arab identity and nationalism. The kufiya has variations in style and usage. It has gained popularity as a fashion accessory outside the Arab world.

Design of Arabic hats

Arabic hats are available in various designs. Here are some of the designs of these hats:

• Qatar

  Hat design for Arabic men varies in style, size, and shape from one region to another within the Arab world. The hat worn by men in Qatar is a black and white patterned headgear known as the ghutrah or shemagh. It is held in place by an Iqal, a double black cord. It is characterized by its square shape with rounded corners. It is usually worn by men and is associated with Arab culture. The Iqal consists of two strands twisted together. The hat is worn mainly in the Middle East, especially in Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The hat is worn for religious reasons and to protect the head from the sun.

• Ghutrah

  The Ghutrah is a traditional hat for men in Arab countries. It is a square or rectangular cloth that comes in various colors, such as white, red, and checkered patterns. The Ghutrah is usually worn on the head and held in place by an Iqal. The white Ghutrah is usually worn in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, while the red and white checkered pattern is commonly worn in Jordan and Palestine. This hat is associated with Arab culture. It is worn for cultural and religious reasons. The Ghutrah is worn as a symbol of national identity and pride.

• Keffiyeh

  The Keffiyeh or ghutrah is a traditional Arab headscarf. It is a large and square scarf that is usually folded into a triangle and worn on the head. It is commonly made of cotton or a cotton blend. It features a checkered or striped pattern and is predominantly worn in Palestine, Jordan, and other Arab countries. The Keffiyeh is associated with Palestinian culture. It is worn for cultural and political reasons. It is a symbol of resistance and national identity for Palestinians. It serves as protection from the sun and dust in the desert.

• Saudi Arabia

  Arabic hat design in Saudi Arabia varies from one place to another. The traditional headwear for men is the Ghutrah or Tummah. It is usually a white or red and white checkered cloth worn on the head and held in place by an Iqal. The hat is usually worn with a white or black underscarf called a 'bihdah' or 'ghutrah.' The Ghutrah is mostly worn in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. It is a symbol of cultural identity and pride. It is worn for religious, cultural, and practical reasons. The Iqal is a black cord worn on top of the Ghutrah to keep it in place. The Tummah is a plain white cap worn under the Ghutrah.

• Yemeni

  The Qatar hat design differs from others. The traditional headwear for men in Yemen is called the 'qumbaz' or 'bisht.' It is usually a long, flowing garment that reaches the ankles. It is mostly worn with a headscarf or cap. The design of the hat varies in size and shape. It is usually made of cotton or a cotton blend. The hat design is usually plain or comes with simple patterns. It is usually worn by men and is associated with Arab culture. The hat is worn for cultural and religious reasons. It is a symbol of national identity and pride in Yemen. It is mostly worn for formal occasions and as a sign of respect. The hat protects the head from the sun and is a symbol of modesty and dignity.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of Arab hats

Arab hats have a variety of styles and designs. Therefore, it is essential to know how to wear and match them to complement the outfit one is wearing. Here are some general guidelines:

• Wearing the Ghutrah or Keffiyeh: The Ghutrah or Keffiyeh is folded into a square and worn as a head covering. It is usually worn with a Thobe, which is an ankle-length garment worn by men in many Arab countries. The Ghutrah is usually white, while the Keffiyeh is often black or colored with a checkered pattern. It is secured by a black cord called the agal. To wear it, fold the Ghutrah/keffiyeh into a triangle and place it on the head with the folded edge in front. Then, adjust the ends to hang over the shoulders and secure them with the agal. Adjust the fabric for comfort and coverage. For variations, one can try different folds or drape styles. Wear it with a Thobe, suit, or casual attire. The matching is usually done by coordinating colors and patterns with the outfit and respecting cultural norms.
• Wearing the Iqal: The Iqal is a black cord worn to hold the Ghutrah or Keffiyeh in place. It is usually worn with a white Ghutrah and is commonly worn by men in Arab countries. To wear it, one should place the Ghutrah or Keffiyeh on the head and let the ends hang over the shoulders. Then, hold the two ends together and tie them in a simple knot at the back of the head. Adjust the Iqal for comfort and ensure it is secure. It can be worn with traditional or modern attire. To match the Iqal, one should consider the color and style of the Ghutrah or Keffiyeh. The Iqal is usually black, so it matches most Ghutrah and Keffiyeh colors.
• Wearing the Ta'weel: The Ta'weel is a traditional cap worn under the Ghutrah or Keffiyeh. It is usually worn with a Thobe and is more common in the Gulf region. To wear it, place the Ta'weel on the head, ensuring it fits snugly. Then, put on the Ghutrah or Keffiyeh and adjust it for comfort. Wear it with traditional attire like a Thobe. The Ta'weel usually comes in white or light colors, so one should match it with the Ghutrah or Keffiyeh. It is typically worn with a white Ghutrah or Keffiyeh.
• Wearing the Emirati or Omani Cap: The Emirati or Omani cap is usually worn with a traditional embroidered cap called a kumma. It is worn with a dishdasha or kandura, which are traditional long robes. To wear it, place the cap on the head, ensuring it sits comfortably. Then, put on the dishdasha or kandura. The kumma often has distinctive patterns and colors, so one should match it with the cap and outfit. The kumma's design usually complements the dishdasha or kandura.

Q&A

Q1: What are the common colors of Arabic hats?

A1: Arabic caps come in various colors. The most common ones are white, black, red, and blue. The choice of color often depends on personal taste, cultural significance, or the occasion for which the hat is worn. For example, a white cap is usually worn in hot climates, while darker colors may be preferred in cooler weather.

Q2: What are the different kinds of Arabic hats?

A2: There are several types of Arabic hats, each with unique characteristics. The most well-known are the kufi, ghutrah or shemagh, and the tarboush or fez. Other types include the taqiyah, turban, and felt hat. Each hat has cultural significance and is worn in different Arab countries and regions.

Q3: Why do Arabs wear hats?

A3: Arabs wear hats for cultural, religious, and practical reasons. The hats are part of traditional clothing and often signify social status or regional identity. They offer protection from the sun and serve as a symbol of faith and modesty in some cases. For example, the kufi is worn by Muslim men as a sign of respect during prayers.

Q4: What materials are Arabic hats made of?

A4: Arabic hats are made from various materials, including cotton, wool, felt, and silk. The material chosen often depends on the climate and the type of hat. For instance, cotton and wool are common for the kufi, while the tarboush is typically made of felt and may be adorned with silk fabric.