Scarves have been an indispensable accessory for men for centuries. These have a reputation for being worn by the most successful leaders in the world. Moreover, for commoners also, a scarf has always been a thoughtful piece of accessory which has protected them from cold, as well as added an extra layer of chic to their overall looks.

With such a versatile accessory within us, we will learn about its history, uses, fabrics and qualities today. 

History of the Scarf

In the history of accessorising, scarves have always been used as a source of warmth, and for formal dressing or casual fashion, depending on the type of scarf being worn. Many believe the scarves were first worn by Chinese soldiers, but some counterargue that they date back to ancient Rome. They claim that scarves were originally worn in Rome, and these were used as sweat clothes back then.

Scarves were not only tied around the neck but also around the waist or the head. During formal events, scarves were almost always used by royals as well as common people. But the materials and graces of the cloth used in these wrap accessories could easily separate the ‘affluent’ from the ‘not so wealthy’ population. The scarf was, however, worn by all sections of society, but the use remained different for all. While the royals, rich and affluent, wore classy silk scarves to show off their dapper personalities, the poorer section would use scarves mainly for warmth or even for cleanliness. 

Around the 3rd century BC, the Roman scarf travelled to China, and its soldiers (from the Qin Shi Huang dynasty) paired it with their military garb. These wraps were now used to determine soldiers’ ranks in the military on the basis of how it was styled. By the end of the 19th century, scarves became more casual than formal. Now these accessories were worn as an every layer by men and women of all sections of the security on a daily basis. And it is since then that scarves have been known as a global fashion accessory, or as a means of keeping one warm and comfortable. 

Scarves and Celebrities

Scarves were popularised by Hollywood when celebrities wore them in movies and premieres. This was done on a regular basis, and stars wore scarves around their necks paired with formal and casual apparel. Brands became conscious of this trend, and while some added these to their already existing fashion lines, others dedicated themselves to the manufacturing of scarves exclusively. Hermes was a brand that introduced the graphic silk scarf in 1837. Later, Queen Victoria was seen on her throne once wearing a beautiful silk scarf.

Today, men wear scarves both as accessories and protection layers in winter. While scarves used in summers are made from breathable fabrics like cotton, winters demand thicker and warmer materials like wool or Cashmere. The versatility of these wraps made them one of the most cherished accessories, as there were scarves for formal occasions, casual days, office use and holidays. Men now own multiple pieces for multiple occasions, and gone are the days when one would own just one or two. 

Types of Scarves

On the basis of colours, material used, shapes, patterns, scarves are divided into a number of types. Broadly, there are seven basic types of scarves for men that they can wear on different occasions. 

Everyday Casuals

Casual scarves are only purchased and worn for basic needs, like protection against the cold in winter. These are made of sheep wool, goat hair, Alpaca hair, and often men wear these around their necks as that is the only part of their body that is left bare in winters. Casual scarves are thick, warm, smooth and snug. 

Sport Special Scarves

Sport scarves are often worn by sportsmen for winter sports. These are made by a few brands (Adidas, Reebok), which are ideal for winter gaming. These are made from a blend of many fabrics which help to provide high resistance to snow, winds or colder temperatures. A large number of sports scarves are round in shape, and hence do not need to be wrapped again. Round shapes in a scarf prevent them from getting tangled around, and hence prevent injuries to sportsmen. Skating professionals. Skiing professionals and snowboarders are especially the ones who use these scarves. These are comfortable when used to cover the nose, mouth or ears, and do not cause itching. Parents of the children who love winter games, too invest in this category to make the kids ready for professional sport. 

Formal Luxury Pieces

Formal scarves are long and rectangular, and feature formal prints, patterns or are kept plain. Hence, checks, stripes, paisley motifs, and geometric prints can be worn for business meetings, everyday office work and formal trips. The scares are made from a number of materials ideal for the respective weather conditions. For warmer climates, cotton, satin, or silk scarves can be perfect. For cooler climates, Cashmere, wool, or poly-blend materials are popular. Based on the variations in climatic conditions, scarves are made from a combination of many materials to provide protection from many seasons. For example, Cashmere is sometimes paired with silk to craft a wrap, ideal for winters, spring and autumn. These are then called silk Cashmere scarves. 

Dress Perfect

Dress scarves are basically evening perfect wraps, ideal to be worn with men's suits or overcoats. These are luxurious and often made from Cashmere, alpaca or even high-quality wool. Dress scarves can feature decent prints, sophisticated patterns, or can be handcrafted as reversible pieces. 

Formal Evening Wraps

These luxury articles are often worn with tuxedos. Formal scarves are rectangular, opulent items and are usually made in silk or satin. The colour range often varies in neutrals and earthy tones only, of black, white, grey and a combination of these. These scarves are generally not tied but just draped over the back of the neck or thrown over the shoulder. 

Fashion Scarves/ Summer Perfect

Even though one does not need these in summer, summer scarves are one of the most popular accessories in the world today. They have the sole purpose of making one look trendy and stylish. These are fashion accessories often made of silk, linen or satin. These generally have no purpose other than adding more colour or style to basic apparel. Summer scarves are worn with both formal and casual outfits.

Reversible Scarves

Reversible scarves are also called tubular scarves by the English. These are one of the most unusual and luxurious articles for winter wear by men. Two different patterns are woven together to craft these scarves, and they are considered the most elegant accessories for winter apparel. 

Fabrics for Scarves

Scarves can be made from any material, based on the climate in which they will be used. To handcraft these accessories for men, the following materials are mostly used

Polyester Scarves

The least popular in this realm are polyester scarves. For making them, natural polyester is not found much in use, and synthetic one is predominantly seen. Even though polyester is considered an inferior material when it comes to cloth manufacturing, the scarves offer some unique qualities, which are not often seen in natural fabrics. For example, polyester scarves are more resistant to water, snow and winds when compared to their counterparts. In addition to this, these are the least prone to wrinkles and are much more durable than other fabrics. These offer high colour retention and are hence used in extreme conditions. For all these qualities, polyester scarves behave well when used by children or athletes.

A scarf made of polyester is easy to spot owing to its unique properties. Polyester is often blended with silk fibres to craft wraps, which are called ‘China Silk’ scarves.

Jersey

Jersey is a weft knit, stretchy fabric that was originally made from wool. Today it is made from cotton or synthetic fibres. Hence, it is able to feature embellishments, besides prints and textures. It also holds sequins and beads powerfully, owing to its being a sturdy, stretchy fabric. Jersey fabric is more commonly used in women's apparel than in men’s scarves. However, men can be seen wearing Jersey scarves, especially those living in warm climates. 

Cashmere

Cashmere scarves are handcrafted from the fine wool of the Himalayan Capra Hircus goat. It is a luxurious animal hair which is exquisitely handwoven by super-skilled artisans. The Cashmere-producing goat produces a meagre 150 to 200 grams of hair per year, which isn't enough for a single piece. Hence, the hair of 2-3 goats is required to craft one scarf. Unlike its counterparts, Cashmere gets even softer with time and is hence considered the best fabric for making luxury apparel and accessories. It is lightweight, yet manages to keep one exceptionally warm in colder places. Owing to its limited production and high quality, Cashmere is expensive. For this reason, pure Cashmere scarves are hard to find, and manufacturers usually mix silk or nylon with Cashmere. 

Cashmere fibre is just 12 to 16 microns in diameter. This makes the fabric, crafted from this wool, softer, smoother, and lightweight, besides being comfortably warm. 

Alpaca

It is a camelid mammal from South America whose wool is similar to sheep wool but more luxurious and warm. It has a silky shine which makes it appear super luxurious, and also a finesse of just 12 to 22 micron diameter. This makes it thicker than Cashmere, but still finer than many of the wool types out there. This makes alpaca one of the most sought-after fibres, and the products made from it are loved and venerated.

It is believed that wool comes in 24 natural colours, white being the most popular one. White fibre is, in fact, the most superior of all, and is mostly used in expensive clothing. 

Silk

Silk is a natural fibre that is acquired from the larvae cocoons of the mulberry silk worms. Wraps made from silk are exceptionally luxurious to look at and feel. One of the most regal and graceful fibres, silk produces opulent scarves and other accessories. Silk is versatile and is hence used to craft both formal and casual scarves. Men just tie them differently. Silk scarves feature all the colours in the world in their most dramatic fashion.

Silk admirers believe that silk can just be imitated but not faked. 

Cotton

Cotton scarves are mostly used in places where temperatures soar high. They neither have an aesthetic purpose nor can they be used to keep oneself warm. But they sure can be used to pep up plain apparel or a basic combination that needs a little bit of playfulness. 

Fleece

Fleece scarves are well known for their rare properties like cosy warmth and high resistance to water, cold and wind. Polar fleece comes from synthetic material, but the original fleece comes from sheep or goats before it is spun into yarn. Fleece scarves are high-fashion accessories, and are often seen worn by Hollywood stars. 

Wool

The most common of them all is a sheep wool scarf. Traditionally, being warm, durable and perhaps one of the most inexpensive materials in the world, wool has grades too. This grading is done on the basis of fibre fineness and the quality of wool available. Often used to make winter scarves, wool is the most common material found to feature any embellishment, colour and texture. It is more durable than Cashmere, and hence preferred by those who need a regular scarf. 

Linen

Line is derived from the flax plant, and is the lightest and coolest fabric to be worn for fashion clothing or accessories. Linen, apart from being used in light shirts, suits, and pants, is also used in handkerchiefs. Undoubtedly, linen is the perfect fabric to make fashion scarves to beat the heat outdoors. Linen is ideal to protect your skin against the harsh sun, (in addition to other precautions). It keeps the body free of mixture, as it is highly absorbent and instantly removes sweat from the skin.

(This ends Part 1 for us. In the next part of this blog, we discuss the qualities of a scarf and the ways to wear them)

Also read: Ghutra Pashmina : A Definite Luxury