The Look: A Palestine Watermelon Tee on Smith Street
Style Story · The Look. An October morning on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. He walks past the brownstones and corner cafés in a kelly-green tee, glasses on, grinning at something down the block. On his chest, one slice of watermelon is cut into the outline of the map of Palestine, red with black seeds and a striped green rind.
What the watermelon stands for
Red, green, white and black: a cut watermelon carries the four colors of the Palestinian flag. That is why the fruit has been used for decades as a stand-in for the flag. Many stories are told about people carrying watermelon slices when the flag itself was restricted, some of them hard to verify, but the symbol has stuck. Today it shows up everywhere, from murals to emoji.
Why he wears it
A green tee with a watermelon on it is friendly and easy to wear, and it still says something clear: solidarity with Palestinians, their identity and their history. It is a conversation starter, not a conversation stopper.
How to style it
Green on green works because the rind blends into the shirt and the red flesh jumps out. Pair it with dark jeans or chinos and white sneakers. When the temperature drops, add a denim jacket or a zip-up in navy or gray.
Where it works
Weekend errands, farmers markets, campus and coffee runs. It fits right into everyday life.
A symbol that travels
In New York you will see the watermelon on murals, stickers, protest signs and tote bags from Bay Ridge to the Bronx. It works because it is so everyday: a fruit sold at every bodega in summer. That makes it easy to wear anywhere, and easy for kids to understand when they ask what it means.
Our Palestine Watermelon design shows a tall watermelon slice in the outline of the map of Palestine, with red flesh, black seeds and a green striped rind, no text.
FAQ
+Why is the watermelon linked to Palestine?
A cut watermelon shows the colors of the Palestinian flag, so it has long been used as a symbol of Palestine and of solidarity.
+What colors work with the watermelon print?
Green, white and gray tees all work; the red slice stands out on each.
+How do I wear a tee in the fall?
Layer a denim jacket, overshirt or zip-up on top and keep the front open.
+Can kids wear the watermelon symbol?
Yes. It is friendly and simple, and a good way to start talking about Palestine with younger people.
Shop the designs in this article
Keep exploring: Shop all Palestine Watermelon designs · Read next: What Does the Watermelon Mean for Palestine? The Symbol Explained (+ How to Wear It)
