How to Tie a Shemagh Part 1 of 6
The shemagh, pronounced "schmog", is a traditional
Middle Eastern scarf or wrap commonly used to
shield the head and face from harsh weather
conditions. The wrap has also become popular with
British and U.S. military members, particularly those
stationed in the Middle East, and is also worn by
many outdoorsmen and survivalists. There are even
a couple of ways to wear the shemagh in a trendy
fashion. Here are a few tying methods to try if you're
new to this particular garment.

Method One of Five:
Traditional Head and Face Wrap Combination[1]
1
Fold the shemagh into a triangle. With the
shemagh completely open, match one corner with
the corner diagonally opposite from it, folding the
square in half and into a triangle.
This particular tying method is a good option if
you want to use the shemagh to protect your
head and face from cold winds or hot sun.
2
Drape the shemagh over your forehead. Pull the
folded edge of the shemagh over your forehead,
positioning it somewhere between your hairline and
your eyebrows.
The excess material should drape over the top of
your head and down the back, not in front of
your face.
If you have tied a bandana in the past, then a
good way to think of this initial position would be
to act as though you are preparing to tie a really
large bandana.
The two ends of the shemagh should be about
equal for this style, so position the folded edge
with the middle resting on your head.
3
Wrap the right side under your chin. Pull the
right side around to the left so that it wraps
completely under your chin. Pull the end over your
shoulder and toward the back of your head.
Hold this end in place with your left hand while
working with the left side to prevent it from
loosening. A shemagh needs to be fairly tight in
order to be effective.
4
Wrap the left side over your face. Grab the
leading or folded edge of the left side with your
right hand and pull it all the way across your face,
toward your right side. Unlike the right side of the
shemagh, this left side should drape across your
nose and mouth, not under your chin.
Pull the right end over your shoulder and toward
the back of your head, as well.
5
Tie the two ends at the back of your head. Use a
tight overhand or double knot to secure the
shemagh in place. This knot should be at the back of
your head, roughly around the back center, and it
must be tight enough to keep the shemagh on your
face.
Do not tie the knot so tightly that you make it
difficult to breathe or turn your head, but make
sure that the material is taut against all parts of
your neck, face, and head.
6
Adjust as needed. Adjust the shemagh as needed
so that the material covers the top of your head and
lower half of your face without covering your eyes.
After this step, the shemagh is complete.
One major advantage of this wrapping style is its
versatility. You can pull the bottom off your face
to create a simple headwrap, or you can pull
both the bottom and top portions down so that
they sit around your neck, creating a scarf.