Arab headscarves are primarily made of cotton, polyester, or blended yarns; they are categorized by craftsmanship into jacquard-woven styles (known as 'Shemagh') and plain white styles (known as 'Gutra'). Colors vary by region: Gulf nations favor red-and-white patterns, while other regions predominantly use darker colors.
There are two general ways to wear the headscarf: with or without a headband ('agal'). Specific tying styles vary by country-examples include the layered style in Saudi Arabia, the "cobra" style in Qatar, the symmetrical "balance scale" style in Kuwait, the "butterfly" style in Bahrain, and the wrapped style in Oman.
Social status is reflected through the headscarf's color, texture, and length, as well as the material of the headband. Commoners typically wear plain cotton headscarves that reach shoulder length, whereas nobles may wear silk headscarves that extend below the shoulders, paired with headbands interwoven with gold or silver threads; members of the royal family wear headscarves featuring a blend of red, yellow, and blue.
China is a major producer of Arab headscarves. Notably, Zhenze Town in Jiangsu Province-known as the "Hometown of Arab Headscarves in China"-is home to over 30 manufacturing enterprises, accounting for 70% of the country's export market share. In 2025, the "Yaxima" project for the intelligent manufacturing of high-end Arab headscarves and apparel commenced, with a projected annual output of 4 million headscarves.
Headbands are predominantly made of camel hair and are usually black. Historically, they could be adorned with family emblems to signify tribal or familial affiliation.
