What is the difference between a ghutra and a keffiyeh

If you are an novice looking to learn more about traditional Emirati clothes, then you should acquaint yourself with the ghutra and keffiyeh. These are the traditional styles of the United Arab Emirates.

What is a keffiyeh?

Nowadays, the Emirati keffiyeh is an emblem of the citizens of the Emirates as it is worn by men of all ages and all social classes. It is traditionally made mainly from cotton. The word "keffiyeh" comes from the name of the city of Koufa, located 170 km from Baghdad.

Because of its geographical location, the United Arab Emirates has a warm and dry climate. Therefore, the keffiyeh is not only an object of fashion, but above all, an outfit essential to guard against the strong heat and the sand winds of the hostile climate.

The difference between the keffiyeh and ghutra

The origins of the Emirati keffiyeh come from the culture of the Arab Bedouins. It is said that, at the time, this traditional headdress was an accessory that could differentiate between city dwellers and rural nomads.

In reality, the keffiyeh is originally a plain white fabric, called "ghutra" or "ghutra". Whatever its name, this ancestral scarf can be worn in two different ways, namely by fixing it with an iqal or by attaching it behind your head.

For more information on the keffiyeh and ghutra, you can visit our qustom-qamis.com website and contact one of our professional advisers specializing in traditional Emirati fashion.