Journal · 6 min read
How to Wear a Krama: 8 Modern Ways to Style Cambodia's Iconic Scarf
By Hélène · May 25, 2026
The krama has been worn for centuries in every way imaginable, as a head covering, a sarong, a towel, a baby carrier, a bundle. That versatility is exactly what makes it such a rewarding piece to own today. Once you have one, there's almost no wrong way to wear it.
Here are eight simple, modern ways to style a krama, whether you're dressing for a day among the temples or an ordinary morning at home.
First, what is a krama?
The krama is Cambodia's traditional cotton check scarf, light, breathable, and recognised by UNESCO as part of the country's intangible cultural heritage. If you'd like the full history before styling yours, read our krama page. Otherwise, let's get to the eight ways.
8 ways to wear it
1. As a neck scarf
The easiest of all: fold it lengthwise into a band, loop it once around your neck and let the ends fall. Instant structure over a plain top.
2. As a headband
Fold to a narrow strip and tie at the nape or on top for a retro knot. If you'd rather have the look ready-made, the krama headband does it in one piece.
3. As a sarong
Wrapped around the hips and knotted at the waist, the krama becomes a light cover-up (the traditional sampot gesture) and is perfect over swimwear.
4. As a shawl or wrap
Open it fully and drape it over the shoulders. Cotton makes it cool enough for a warm evening and warm enough for an over-air-conditioned café.
5. Tied to a bag
Knot a smaller krama square around the handle of a tote for a pop of check. A small krama square with crochet trim is made for exactly this.
6. As a belt
Thread a folded krama through belt loops or tie it at the waist over a dress or linen trousers to pull an outfit together.
7. For sun and dust protection
The oldest use of all. Over the head and shoulders at Angkor, or across the face on a dusty tuk-tuk ride, the krama does the practical work it was made for.
8. As a light travel blanket
Folded in a bag, a full-size krama doubles as a throw for a cold bus or a picnic: one of the reasons it's such a good travel companion.
Choosing your krama
Two things matter: the check size and the colour. Smaller checks read as more refined and neutral; larger checks are bolder. Traditionally each Cambodian province had its own dominant colour, so pick a shade that speaks to you. Our Peace Krama comes in six colours to make that easy.
A krama made to be worn every day, handmade in Cambodia, in six colours.
Discover the Peace Krama →Caring for your krama
Cotton krama is easy to live with: hand wash or a gentle cold machine cycle, avoid harsh bleach, and line dry. It softens beautifully with age; a good krama only gets better the more you wear it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you tie a krama scarf?
Fold it lengthwise into a band, then loop it around your neck, head or waist depending on the look. For a neck scarf, loop once and let the ends fall; for a headband, fold narrow and knot at the nape; for a sarong, wrap the hips and knot at the waist.
What is a krama used for?
Traditionally the krama is used as a scarf, head covering, sarong, belt, towel, baby carrier and sun protection. Today it's most often worn as a neck scarf, headband, shawl, or bag accent. Its versatility is the whole point.
Is a krama unisex?
Yes. The krama has always been worn by men, women and children alike across Cambodia, which is part of what makes it such a universal, everyday piece.
How do you wash a krama?
Hand wash or use a gentle cold machine cycle, avoid harsh bleach, and line dry. Cotton krama softens with each wash and only gets better with age.
