Does the US military use shemagh?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on February 26, 2026
There’s no such thing as a “U.S. military shemagh,” per se, although several online shopping sites frequented by servicemen offer them for sale. A preponderance of American troops, especially Special Forces units, use shemaghs when deployed to desert areas, but the shemagh is not currently standard issue.
What are real Shemaghs made of?
The Shemagh (pronounced “shamay” or “schmog“) is a soft piece of woven cotton cloth, kind of like a giant heavyweight bandana. You can also think of it as a smaller (yet thicker) sarong.
What color shemagh should I get?
Choosing the right shemagh – what color is best?
| Outfit | Color Shemagh |
|---|---|
| Casual khakis and a linen shirt | Olive green, neutrals like beige, ecru, grey, white, or black |
| Light-colored pants and a pastel shirt (blue or pink) | Pastels, neutrals like beige or ecru, blue, black |
Why do American soldiers wear shemagh?
They are a scarf-type wrap commonly found in arid regions to provide protection from direct sun exposure, as well to protect the mouth and eyes from blown dust and sand.
How do I pick a shemagh?
You need to choose a scarf that is flattering to your skin tone. The scarf will be worn close to your face so be sure to look at it in the light. You do not want light to bounce off of it and make your skin look washed out or look too dark.
What is the meaning of keffiyeh?
The keffiyeh or kufiya (Arabic: كُوفِيَّة kūfīyah, meaning ) also known in Arabic as a ghutrah (غُترَة), shemagh (شُمَاغ šumāġ), ḥaṭṭah (حَطَّة), or mashadah (مَشَدَة), and in Farsi as a chafiyeh (چفیه), is a traditional Middle Eastern headdress, or what is sometimes called a habit.
What is a Palestinian keffiyeh made of?
Many Palestinian keffiyehs are a mix of cotton and wool, which facilitates quick drying and, when desired, keeping the wearer’s head warm. The keffiyeh is usually folded in half (into a triangle) and the fold worn across the forehead.
Is the keffiyeh becoming a fashion statement in UAE?
In UAE, males are inclining towards more western headgear while the women are developing preferences for dupatta —the traditional head cover of the Indian subcontinent. The appropriation of the keffiyeh as a fashion statement by non-Arab wearers separate from its political and historical meaning has been the subject of controversy in recent years.
What is the origin of Fatah’s keffiyeh?
Traditional black and white keffiyehs became associated with Fatah. Later, red and white keffiyehs were adopted by Palestinian Marxists, such as the PFLP. This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
