Thursday 8 September 2011

Scarves - Style Accessories - History and Benefits!

By Billy DeSylva


Fashion Scarves and Shawls! One of the most enduring fashion accessories that have never lost their appeal are scarves. Even through generations have worn them across a lot of centuries. Worn for functionally throughout the world to provide warmth and protection against the bitter cold, or worn for its religious and cultural significance... their use of one has also evolved into other purposes.

A Short Background:

, the use of the scarf is not a contemporary thing. These people probably got that notion from chic culture or from modern and high fashion circles where the use of the scarf has not lost its appeal. In the ancient days, specially during the time of the Greeks and the Romans...

the use of the shawl had been in wide practice. People during those days called the scarf-shawl as the sudarim which literally means a sweat cloth. People were putting on them to absorb perspiration whilst working or traveling during hot weather.

During the Middle Ages and all the way through the Renaissance period, they have been used by the nobility to exhibit their upper social strata and class. This was attributed to the opening of trade routes from the Far East and China... which brought along exotic items, fabrics and materials including the finest of silks. During those days, just the ultra rich and nobility could afford them. Silk exudes the highest natural shine and sheen that any natural fiber can provide. It was the option material for this garment afterward and it's still the most sought after material now.

Social Significance of Scarves:

Western culture has produced use of this accessory either as model accessory or as protective dress up according to the weather. In other cultures, it is used extensively due to its religious and cultural significance.

A classic example is the scarf or the hijab worn by lady in Muslim culture as a sign of modesty as described in their holy texts. The headgear is an element of their outer attire called the abaya,... but has evolved in some nations to different other colors and materials.

The Benefits of Using Scarves:

They are worn due to two main purposes: for functionality and practical use.

Functional use is basically concerning the weather or exposure to the elements whilst outside. They might be used to give extra warmth, specially during the winter season which will require extensive use all over the day. Even if it is not winter, going out on a cold and windy night would require the added warmth of a scarf wrapped around the neck.

Another benefit that can be derived from scarves is the protection for the hair or the head itself against the factors, dust or the wind. This is perfect particularly if you are riding on a convertible or crossing the river or a lake on a ferry boat.

Of course,, flair and fashion sense that it may add or enhance to a dull or drab dresses or dresses that you could have at the moment. The addition of simple neckerchiefs or ascots can make wonders to a dress, or you might be more adventurous and wear a bandana or head scarf which will drastically change the way you gaze in just a short instant.

Scarves can be worn using any trend you want and in combination with any wardrobe that you have, as long as the design matches or complements with one another. There are endless possibilities and you as a wearer may benefit from all that.




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