When I first spotted this Fashionisto, I couldn’t help but wonder how he was surviving the constant heat that has been plaguing upstate New York for the past few weeks. Despite my curiosity, what really sparked my interest in this Fashionisto’s look was his headwear, which he later explained is actually called a shemagh.
Though this style seems new to most Americans, you’ve likely unknowingly passed shemagh-inspired items in many of your favorite stores. Shemaghs, also known as kaffiyehs, are commonly grouped together with other popular scarves in stores. They have also played a role in influencing runway fashion such as Givenchy’s spring 2010 ready-to-wear show. Kanye West has also been spotted wearing a shemagh on several occasions.
One of my favorite things about shemaghs is that there are multiple ways to wear them. This Fashionisto chose to wear his on his head as part of his traditional cultural uniform. Though it seems like wearing a shemagh would make the heat worse, many people sport them as protection from the sun and sand.
Shemaghs are also commonly worn as scarves, especially in the United States. There are a variety of patterns to choose from, and it’s not difficult to find them in stores. Think it’s too hot for scarves this time of the year? Most shemaghs are actually super lightweight, which makes them great for the warmer weather.
How To:Â There are so many ways to wear a shemagh, but a great way to start is by wearing it as a scarf for the summertime. If it gets cold, you may even want to open it up and use it as a shawl!
