China is the leading manufacturer of fashion scarves used today with India, Hong Kong and Indonesia following closely. Silk, fleece, pashmina and cashmere are among the most common materials used to make fashion scarves.

The first use of the scarf can be found as far back as ancient Rome. A linen kerchief was used by the Romans to wipe their face and neck. This item was known as a sudarium (Latin for “sweat cloth”). The ancient Romans, even back then with a flare for fashion, developed the scarf into a fashion accessory. It was often knotted into a belt or worn around the neck. Over time this style was readily adapted into women’s fashion and the scarf has hung around ever since.

The various materials used to make scarves allow their application to many different uses. In the 17^th Century cloth scarves were worn by warriors to mark the rank of each soldier and the officers wore silk. The French embraced the colorful adornments and began calling them cravats, from the Croatian word kravata. It became popular to demonstrate ones political support by the colour of a man’s scarf.

From the cravat we have progressed to the wooly scarves available today in any number of colours and designs. Wool scarves were found to be one of the warmest and most comfortable as wool is a natural fiber which allows the skin to breath as well as keeping the cold out. Many new fibers are used today increasing the possible applications of scarves in men’s, women’s and children’s fashion.

Wrap it up – How to

In recent years the scarf has made a big comeback, becoming a must have fashion item. Head scarves and wraps grow ever popular with celebrities leading the way to introducing new ways to accessorize. Scarves have total flexibility in how they are worn – around the neck or head, as a belt, tied at the wrist, over a skirt, or around the strap of a handbag. The possibilities are endless.

Buff is In – Head Scarves

What is Buff you say? In the head scarf world it is the ultimate, all-in-one head piece. The buff is a tube shaped, seamless piece of microfiber developed with complete comfort and durability in mind. This unique fiber is breathable, wickable, wind resistant, thermal and will not fray or unravel. Its endless list of uses include a head covering for warmth or protection from the sun, a hair accessory(scrunchie), an arm/ leg or head band, neck scarf, helmet liner, face shield(balaclava), even a tube top. To see a great video on how to use a buff scarf click here.

Like most fashion scarves it is available in any number of colours and patterns. Its unique material makes this head scarf ideal for use in warm or cold weather. Famous for its multi-use the buff is gaining celebrity status since used on shows like Survivor.

With the ability to cover many fashion applications, it appears that the fashion scarf is here to stay.

More on Fashion Scarves

So what does the fashion scarf in the 21^st century look like? It’s sure not the image of the head cover used to protect ladies hair-dos from the wind or weather. No longer worn to simply provide color to an outfit or protection from the elements, the fashion scarf has secured a huge future in the fashion world.

The strength of the scarf’s future lies in its adaptability to suit many uses. Scarves have many shapes and sizes and many are designed for specific purposes. They come small like a bandana at 14-16” on a side or large like a shawl which can be 48” on a side. Scarves can be square, triangular or rectangular with fringed, fused or hemmed edges. As far as the colors and patterns there are endless possibilities available as with most textiles.

How to wear

A scarf can be worn a number of different ways including shawls, head coverings, belts, accent pieces around the neck or head, over a skirt or pants or draped around your shoulders. Their versatility allows scarves to be used as a garment as well. Wear a large scarf like a sarong as a top, dress or skirt.

Tie it, wrap it, knot it, fold it, twist it, tuck it or pin it. Use it as a hat to cover a bad hair day and shelter from the sun or cold. Just try it and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the numerous ways you can use a scarf to improve an outfit.

How to Tie (Tying a Scarf)

Ascot: Fold a square silk scarf on the bias. Place around your neck then flip the ends over each other. You can either leave the ends out or tuck them into a V-neck shirt or sweater. This style can give you a regal look especially if worn with a blazer.

Hacking Knot: Using an oblong scarf, fold it lengthwise in half. Drape it around your neck, and then pull the ends through the loop and tighten. This can be used on colder days, use with a sweater or coat. This style can give an elongating and slimming look.

Neckerchief: Fold a small square silk scarf on the bias, and then wrap it around your neck. Tie the ends in a knot. You can wear this style with a V-neck sweater, a blouse with collar with two upper buttons opened, or a round neck blouse giving them a sportier look.

Square Knot: Use a square scarf, and then fold into a triangle. Flip one end over the other. Take the upper end of the scarf around and behind the other. Pull through and tighten into a knot. This can be worn front, back, or side.

Waist Wrap: Pull oblong scarf through belt loops.
Tie into a soft bow.

How to care for

As with anything of value you will want to take good care of it for future use and enjoyment. When you are not wearing your scarf you should fold it without creasing and keep it in a dry box or drawer out of the sunlight try even hanging it over a padded hanger in the closet. When ironing is necessary use only low temperature settings and dry clean only when necessary – silk, cashmere and wool scarves may not be cleaned easily at home so follow the guidelines on the scarf’s tag.

Another great idea is to buy or make herb sachets to place the drawer/box where you store your silk or wool scarves. The sachets will keep all your treasures smelling fresh and act as a moth repellant for wool and cashmere scarves. Following is an example recipe for making your own fragrant sachets.

Mix together:

2 ounces each of mint, dried rosemary and lavender;

1 ounce of dried thyme;

8 ounces of whole cloves

Sew sides of 3.5 inch square pouches of a tightly woven fabric. Fill with herb mixture, tie the open end with a ribbon and place in the drawer/box or hang in the closet.

The French understand fashion and are very quick to pick up on being hip or trendy. The fashion scarf aka façonner l’écharpe in their native tongue is a Parisien accessory utilized by both male and female alike. The runways often depict fashion models adorning either a écharpe de soie, silk scarf or a sweet pashmina.

Fendi - made in the fashion capital of the world, Italy, is very popular in Paris. Any scarf that is 100 % silk, (soie) chiffon or 100 % wool (laine) scarves appeal to the French. While in Paris, you can also check out Meli Melo which carry some very unique Fashion Scarves.

This Fendi sells for about $225.00 and is new for Fall / Winter 2008.

Brown Multi-Stripe Logo Wool Knit Long Scarf

Fendi’s classy wool scarf featuring the famous interlocking ‘F’ pattern in a rainbow-like graduation from beige to deep espresso brown.

What is a Window Scarf? No it is not something you can easily wrap around your neck but with some of the goofy fashion designs out there you never know it might become the next fashion hit!

A window scarf treatment can be a window valance, drapery panel or a scarf valance. A window scarf treatment can really set off your room and with the many styles available today you can cost effectively find the right fit for your home.

Scarf Aid is your one stop scarf center so our goal is to help you find information on all types of scarves including window scarf treatments.

FLORAL SCARF WINDOW TREATMENT US $15.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday May-12-2008 15:53:19 PDT Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

M.A. International sells a great line of Italian Fashion Scarves.
Scarves are often embellished with the famous Italian prints, that have the original designs and beautiful colors. Looking very chic and fashionable, these Italian print scarves are one of the most sought-after fashion accessories. These Italian fashion scarf are designed from high quality fabrics and are available in a host of designs and sizes.

Patterns
Italian prints encompass a huge range of patterns such as paisley, floral, animal, geometric or abstract prints.

Usage
The Italian scarves can be used as head scarves, tying scarves, hair scarves, beach scarves, coat scarves, turban scarves, and neck scarves.

Fendi is an Italian brand that provides some real gems promoting the latest styles we expect from fashion rich Italian designers.

Fashion Scarves Italy

Canali Dress Shirt-Size 16/41- Italian Fashion! -cd US $19.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday May-12-2008 16:39:37 PDT Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

Buff head-wear is now fashionable thanks to shows like Survivor. The following Buff video demonstrates the many ways you can wear or use a Buff…

Winter Scarves as expected are made for warmth. Typically made from silk, pashmina (wool), fleece and cashmere, they are warm and fashionable.

Fashion Scarves

NEW Winter Scarf Warming Micro Fleece Long Black US $3.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday May-12-2008 15:54:44 PDT Bid on this Item   | Watch this Item

Flying Fashions sells the latest in scarf trends.

Each color, design and style of our fashion scarves speaks volumes of the revitalizing and overwhelming universe of fashion and poise. We are one of the leading manufacturers, wholesale suppliers and exporters of a latest collection of fashion scarves such as turquoise scarf, ladies fashion scarves, ladies designer scarves & ladies neck scarf. Manufactured from warm & soft fabric, these ladies scarves are the fashion staple for every woman.

More Fashion Scarves

Polish Wooden Doll Lady with Scarf #2179978 US $30.00 Auction Ends: Monday May-12-2008 16:00:00 PDT   | Watch this Item