Scarves are not only a way to keep warm, they are also a great way to dress up an outfit. A basic dress or top can look fresh and updated with a scarf wrapped around the neck. Both genders can successfully and stylishly wear scarves. However, because there are so many options out there, it can be relatively easy to accumulate a drawer full of them without ever using one. Buyers interested in scarves should understand the basic types available and how to choose the best scarf for their needs.
Overview of Scarves
A scarf is a long or short piece of cloth that is tied or wrapped around one’s neck, head, shoulders, or waist. It can be worn for warmth, such as a pashmina, fashion, such as an infinity scarf, or even religious or cultural reasons, such as a hijab. Typical ones are used to keep warm during cold months as well as to keep one’s hair clean in dry and dusty climates. Movie stars, heads of state, religious leaders, and many more have worn this versatile
style piece.
History of the Scarf
The first recorded scarf in history belonged to Queen Nefertiti of Egypt, who paired it with a conical headdress back in 1350 B.C. In China, evidence of fringed scarves is seen on sculptures dated to 1000 B.C. In Rome, at around 10 A.D., it was customary for people to wear a sudarium or a linen kerchief, which acted as a sweat cloth around the neck or waist. Scarves have been an important part of history for thousands of years, and they are still widely used across the world for practical, decorative, and cultural reasons.
Types of Scarves
Scarves are available in all shapes and sizes. Many times, scarves are purchased based on a practical or utilitarian purpose or simply because the person like the color or design. For those who wish to know more about scarves, listed below are some of the various modern types in terms of design, material, fashion, and brand.
Scarf Designs
There is no shortage of ways one can tie or use a scarf. It is important to note, however, that not all can create the same effect or style. There are three basic shapes: square, rectangle, and triangle. What’s more, there are many variations on them. The table below lists some of the common types.
Type |
Description |
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Bandana
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A bandana scarf is either in the shape of a triangle or a square and folded into a triangle. Often made of cotton, they are many times worn by cowboys and associated with western wear. Bandana scarves can be worn on the head and neck. They may also come in silk. |
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Infinity Scarves
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Infinity scarves are a type of neck scarf that forms a single circle with no beginning and no end. Otherwise known as the loop, Moebius, or the Snood scarf, this is a popular scarf for those who do not want to go to the trouble of tying one, as it simply wraps around the neck. An infinity scarf can come in cashmere, acrylic, cotton, and a variety of fabrics. |
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Head Scarves
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Head scarves cover most of the woman’s hair and head. They can be worn for warmth, to keep hair clean, fashion, or religious observance. A head scarf may be made of light fabric for warm weather and chunky, knit fabric for the cold. Head scarves may be wrapped like a headband or tied around the ponytail. |
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Neck Scarves
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Neck scarves are probably the most versatile type of scarf. These are worn around the neck all year round in all types of weather. Bandana, infinity, square, and skinny scarves all fall under neck scarves. |
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Skinny Scarves
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Skinny scarves are thin and normally worn during the warmer months in the cool night air. The fabrics normally used include silk, lace, and lightweight jersey. |
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Hip Scarves
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Hip scarves are used for belly dancing and normally decorated with beads, coins, and other trinkets. A hip scarf can be shaped like a rectangle or a triangle. Aside from being draped on the hips, it can also be attached to the wrists or worn over the face. |
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Shemagh Scarves
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Shemagh scarves, otherwise known as keffiyeh scarves, are a square cotton type traditionally worn by Arabs. Worn around the neck or the head to protect from the sun and dust, this scarf is known for its white checkered weave combined with a dark color. |
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Sarong Scarves
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A sarong is a long, wide scarf commonly made of cotton that can be worn as a garment. Usually wrapped around the waist or entire body and tucked in, it is often used as a cover-up for the beach. |
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Stoles
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Typically made of fur or faux fur, a stole rests on the shoulders and is generally worn for special events and occasions. |
Scarves can be worn all year round, from the streets to the beach, and with different kinds of outfits. Lightweight head, neck, and skinny scarves can be worn in warmer weather, while these same designs in heavier fabrics are more appropriate for the winter months. That is why it is important to consider the fabric.
Conclusion
Scarves can make or break an outfit. If one is in the market for a new scarf, consider adding more to a current repertoire by choosing a different design, such as a head scarf or a skinny scarf. Scarves also come in many fabric types, and when choosing one, take into consideration the season. If one lives in a scorching hot climate, it does not make sense to purchase a wool scarf and expect to wear it all the time. While scarves in plain or solid colors are easy to integrate into any wardrobe, one may also want to experiment with various scarf patterns. When shopping for a new scarf, buyers can go online to find exactly what they desire at an affordable price.
