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.

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