Choosing a cap to wear under the ghutra or shemagh

In Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, the white cap under the ghutra or shemagh does a real job: it gives the headscarf a base to sit on, helps stop it slipping, and keeps the crown shape neat under the agal. Choosing the right cap is mostly about fit, comfort and how it looks through and around the scarf.

What to look for

• Colour – white is the standard. It does not show through a white ghutra and looks clean at the edge of a red-and-white shemagh.
• Fit – snug but not tight. A loose cap lets the scarf slide; a tight one is uncomfortable for long wear. We make head circumferences of 54–58 cm (21.3–22.8 in); available sizes vary by design.
• Height – a lower cap sits flatter under the scarf; a slightly higher one gives more crown shape. Check the height on each product page.
• Breathability – openwork caps and cotton caps let more air through, which matters in hot weather and for long days.
• Surface – under a thin white ghutra, heavy raised embroidery can show as a pattern. Flatter embroidery or openwork gives a smoother look.
• Firmness – some wearers like a firmer cap that holds the headscarf’s shape; others prefer a soft cap for comfort.

Materials compared

Stocking tips for retailers

• Carry a size range rather than one size, and note sizes clearly on the shelf or listing.
• Mix openwork and embroidered designs: customers often want a lighter cap for hot months and a more decorative one for occasions.
• Packs of 3, 5 or 12 caps suit regular wearers and gifting.
• Many wearers switch between a white ghutra in hot months and a red-and-white shemagh in cooler months, so time your cap orders with your headscarf orders.
• Order samples first if you are trying a new style: samples from stock are available for a small fee, shipping extra.

We also produce headscarves (shemagh and ghutra) on our weaving, embroidery and sewing lines, so caps and headscarves can be combined in one inquiry.