If you've seen the word tichel and wondered what it means, or you're getting ready to start covering your hair and want to understand your options, this guide is for you. Here's what a tichel is, the main ways to wear one, and how to pick the right one for your days.
What is a tichel?
A tichel is a headscarf that many married Jewish women wear to cover their hair. The word itself is Yiddish for scarf or kerchief. You'll also hear it called a headscarf, a head covering, or simply a scarf.
A tichel can be a simple square of fabric you fold and tie yourself, or a style that comes already shaped and tied so it goes on in seconds. Some women wear one every day. Others wear a tichel for errands and carpool, and switch to something dressier for Shabbos, Yom Tov or a simcha.
However you wear it, a tichel should feel like you: comfortable, put together, and easy to live in. You'll find all our styles in one place in our tichels collection.
The 3 main ways to wear a tichel
At Bandana Bliss, every headscarf comes in up to three styles. They share the same prints, so the choice is really about how much time you have and where you're going.
1. Pre-tied: the easiest everyday tichel
A pre-tied tichel comes already shaped and tied, so there's nothing to fold or wrap. You put it on, adjust the fit, and you're out the door. Ours have a hidden velvet grip that helps the tichel stay where you put it, and an adjustable strap so you can make it snugger or looser until it feels right.
This is the one for busy mornings: getting kids out, heading to work, running from one thing to the next. Browse our pre-tied tichels, or read What Is a Pre-Tied Headscarf? for a closer look at how it works.
2. Open back pre-tied: a dressier look
An open back pre-tied tichel has the same velvet grip and adjustable strap, plus an extended back piece. That longer back gives you a dressier look, perfect for holidays and special occasions: Shabbos and Yom Tov, a wedding or bar mitzvah, or menorah lighting this Chanukah.
If you want one tichel that feels a little more special, start with our open back pre-tied tichels.
3. Square: tie it your way
A square headscarf is a flat square of fabric that you fold and tie yourself. It takes a few more minutes, but it gives you the most freedom. You can wear it as a regular headscarf, tie it pirate style for a relaxed look, or even wear it as a belt to bring the print into your outfit.
See our square headscarves, or read What Is a Square Headscarf? for three easy ways to wear one.
How to choose your tichel
Not sure where to start? Ask yourself three questions.
How much time do you have in the morning? If the answer is "not much," go pre-tied. It gives you the tied look without the tying.
Where will you wear it most? For everyday, pre-tied or square. For Shabbos, Yom Tov and simchas, open back gives you that extra touch.
Do you like to play with your look? If you enjoy trying new ways to tie a scarf, a square will keep things interesting. Many women keep one of each: a pre-tied for weekdays and a square or open back for when there's a little more time.
A few tips for your first tichel
- Pick a print you'll reach for. Choose a color you already wear a lot, and your tichel will go with half your closet. Deeper prints like Ocean Veil, charcoal with pink and white ferns, work with almost anything.
- Think comfort first. You may wear your tichel for hours. A secure fit that doesn't pinch makes a big difference by the end of the day.
- Let it finish the outfit. A simple sweater and skirt look complete with the right headscarf. There's no need to plan a whole outfit around it.
- Start simple. If you're new to covering your hair, a pre-tied tichel is the easiest place to begin. You can always add a square later.
Find the tichel that fits your life
Covering your hair is part of your day, and getting ready for it should feel easy. Beautiful shouldn't be complicated. Take a look through our tichels and find the one you'll want to put on tomorrow morning.