BDP Arab Shemagh Scarf, houndstooth scarf, head scarf -12 colors!

Feb 11 (UPDATE):I'm not subtracting what I wrote below (because it's authentic and informative), but I AM updating this review. T&S (the sellers) wanted to know what i thought about the shemagh (presumably before they new I had just posted this Amazon review), and I told them the truth. I never asked for a replacement, but just told them what happened, and how I was attempting to correct it myself(by the way, now I have the thing tacked to my wall to stretch it back out....like an animal hide). Later that day, a guy named Ty replies apologizing for the inconvenience and informs that some just come out of the factory like that, but that they want to make it right. He's sending a replacement. THAT is CUSTOMER SERVICE. Needless to say, the seller just earned five stars from me. Though I found it impressive that he never mentioned Amazon reviews or a rating, the product will now be upgraded from 3 to 4 stars due to the pro-active correction of the problem(and the fact that it IS a price-friendly, good-looking shemagh).Feb 10: First off, I like the design, price, ESPECIALLY the warranty (which may come in handy, by the way things are going so far), and the fit. The fabric looks and feels hand-woven and authentic. But when you take it out of its packaging it smells like Syria (after the chemical attack). Put it on, and you can claim to have been at ground zero dressed just like that. I wanted to wear it first day, so I Febreezed the mess out of it, and I was looking good. But by the end of the day, I was as high a kite after just wearing it around my neck.So, I washed it last night on a gentle, cold-water cycle and dried it as knitted (low heat). Now I have a cloth so nappy it looks like a rug or shower sponge, and my 'grey' is slighty greenish.I'm going to iron it tonight (hoping that will do the trick), and I'll try updating this review afterward, but would not have washed it so urgently if the less of whatever chemical they used (for whatever reason) didn't smell so strongly.All else fails, I'm invoking warranty and having the next one dry-cleaned.

I had no expectations regarding this product, but since I was simply curious, and the item was relatively inexpensive, I just wanted to give it a try. Yes, the fabric has a gauze like quality and yes, it has an odor which is uncommon, but not offensive. It is not uncommon for "new" things to have a distinctive smell, like that famous "new car" smell. Afer all, this garment comes from a culture and a climate which is very different from ours. I can imagine that the thin weave may be especially well suited to cover with a colorful fabric, without being oppressive in heat, and yet, when doubled over, it can be warm if necessary. There are no tags which give the precise composition of the fabric, underlining its foreign origins.Another note on it's gauze-like weave. That makes it a perfect cover of the mouth and nose during sandstorms. In fact, if you look at the most common method for tying it, you see that is precisely the point of how they are worn around the neck, loosely, so the center of the triangular fold can be brought up over nose and mouth.Overall, for the price, I am quite pleased, and can see myself buying four or five more, in different colors, after I give this one a chance to "weather" for a bit to see how it holds up.

I bought two of these and have been wearing them for a little over a week. When they first arrived I thought I might have to throw them out due to the overwhelming oily smell. I mean, REALLY awful! I really didn't think washing them would be able to purge the odour, but I soaked them in a hot bath overnight with some Zero, and the next morning I tossed them into the washer with a load of darks. Wasn't sure if I should put these in the dryer so I hung them up and they dried quickly. Wouldn't you know, the smell is gone! Had to deduct one star for the noxious state they arrived in, but I love these now and plan to buy more.

I know this is just an $9 Arab scarff so I didn't expect much. I especially didn't expect the smell off this thing. I think a second reviewer mentioned it also. It just smells like an industrial solvent or something. My advice, stick it in the dryer on tumble with 5 dryer sheets. I did that and it still has a slight odor but it should dissipate.Other than the smell the quality of it is so-so. The fabric comes undone easily. I wear a jacket that has Velcro flaps over the zipper. The scarf gets caught on it and entire 3 foot threads come out.It is also not very comfortable material. Would be nice if was a thin cotton. But it's some type of synthetic.Other than the smell, quality and comfort. It looks nice.

I live in a high-elevation desert in Colorado. It regularly drops below zero in the winter and even though this thing is thin, it's surprisingly warm. It also keeps dust and dirt from the frequent high winds out of your face, keeps the super-powerful sun off of you and it has about 300 other uses that I won't bore you with. I love it and plan on getting more.

This is my first purchase of any Arab Scarves, but I like them. Light fabric, but rather functional. As other reviews say, they do have a bit of an unusual smell to them, but it's very tollerable and I'm sure they will wear off with time and use. Main complaint I have is about the Rose Red and Black color; it's more of a rich pink and black.

I was given this shemagh for my birthday, and after about a year of medium-duty use, I can happily say it's held up well. It isn't as "shiny" as some others, which I personally like. The little tassels stay on pretty well other than one or two that pulled off the first few days. Make sure you wash it in cold water though, as it would probably shrink otherwise.I wear this as a scarf and as a head wrap, and it does a good job of keeping your neck or head warm and protected and looking cool at the same time. It's versatile, durable and actually pretty fashionable. At least one of these shemaghs deserves a place in your Hallowed Hall of wardrobe fame.