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.