H&M Apologizes For Scarf That Looked A Bit Like A Jewish Prayer Shawl

H&M has learned the lesson that merchandise resembling sacred religious items — intentionally or not — is perhaps not always the best idea.

Racked reported late last week that a scarf — simply called “striped scarf” (offered only in light beige) — available for $17.99 on the fast-fashion retailer’s website appeared markedly similar to the traditional Jewish prayer shawl known as a tallit, from the general color scheme (many, though not all, tallits feature black or blue stripes on white or cream cloth) to the detail that H&M refers to as “fringe at the short ends,” which the outlet notes resembles tzitzit, the knotted fringe found on tallits.

Social media played a large part in calling to H&M’s attention the similarities between the retailer’s item and the Jewish prayer shawl, pointing out that it was insensitive towards Judaism. The Racked story shares a couple of examples from Facebook:

“The Temple Emanuel Collection, exclusively at H&M”

As well as Twitter:

“That is awesome. Is there a tekhelet option?” (Tekhelet is the blue dye that is used in some tzitzit strings.)

H&M appeared to have received the message (at least in part), as Women’s Wear Daily reports that the retailer removed the scarf in question from its stores in Israel and released a corresponding statement of apology:

“We are truly sorry if we have offended anyone with this piece. Everyone is welcome at H&M, and we never take a religious or political stand. Our intention was never to upset anyone. Stripes is one of the trends for this season, and we’ve been inspired by this.”

As both Racked and WWD point out, the “striped scarf” is still for sale on H&M’s U.S. website (where, at the time of this writing, it was out of stock).