Scarves.net Your All-in-One Scarf Resource

Scarves didn’t always function as a fashion statement or means for warmth. The accessory has a long and meaningful past, during which it served as a social symbol, military garb and political icon. Read on for a brief history of the scarf. For a more detailed account, visit this timeline documenting the history of scarves.

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egyptian culture, scarves were viewed as a social status symbol. Queen Nefertiti is one of the first known scarf wearers. She donned a scarf-like piece of cloth beneath her iconic headdress.

Ancient China

Scarves were found on sculptures of Chinese warriors dating back to 1000 B.C. Also, at approximately 230 B.C., Chinese Emperor Cheng prescribed that his warriors don cloth scarves as a symbol of their rank.

Ancient Rome

In the Roman Empire, sudariums, or linen cloths, were utilized to wipe sweat from one’s face and neck after exercise or other hard physical labor. Appropriately, “sudarium” is Latin for “sweat cloth.” The item became a common fashion accessory for men worn around the neck, over the shoulder, or tied about the waist as a belt.

17th Century Croatia

Croatian soldiers wore scarves to  symbolize their military ranking, similar to the ancient Chinese. Lower-ranked soldiers wore cotton scarves, while officers wore scarves made of expensive silk.

18th Century France

In this century, Frenchmen referred to their scarves as “cravats,” from the Croatian word “kravata.” The cravat’s hue symbolized an individual’s political party.

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Scarves come in many shapes, sizes and, importantly, fabrics. A scarf’s fabrication determines its texture, appearance and weather-appropriateness, and should thus be a key factor in shopping.

Peruse the fabric descriptions below to determine the best type of scarf for you and your lifestyle.

Alpaca

Alpaca scarves are made from wool of the Alpaca, a domesticated species of South American camelid. Alpaca fleece is a lustrous and silky natural fiber similar to sheep’s wool, but warmer and softer.

Cashmere

This soft, luxurious fabric is made from the wool of the Cashmere goat. It is light in weight and, when handled with care, becomes softer with time

Cotton

Classic and easy, cotton is staple for its ability to be laundered and its durability.

Jersey

This stretchy, soft cotton is breathable and light-weight.  Jersey is an ideal pallet for beading, studding, sequins and other embellishment.

Linen

Promoted for its coolness, linen is often considered the most breathable fabric of the bunch. It is made from the fibers of the flax plant.

Pashmina

Pashmina refers to a type of shawl or scarf made from the cashmere wool of the Pashmina Goat.

Satin

Satin is a glossy, soft fabric most often made from silk or polyester. Satin comes in several forms or weaves, which may vary in shine, thickness, flexibility and weight.

Silk

Silk is a natural protein fiber obtained from the larvae cocoons of the mulberry silkworm. It can be shiny or matte in luster, and is especially delicate.

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Moths damage protein fibers left untouched for a lengthily period of time. The most significant harm can be seen on items stored containing food and body odors like sweaters and other wool garments, scarves in particular. Typically damage occurs when an item is worn and put away for the season without being laundered.

If moths do reach a scarf, place it into a freezer for approximately 48 hours.  Next, leave the scarf in a warm environment for approximately 12 hours, such as a locked car under direct sunlight. Last, store it back in the freezer for an additional 12 hours. This fluctuation between hot and cold functions to kill moths, larvae or eggs.

If your scarf is going to be stored for a significant amount of time and you’ve dealt with moth damage in past, store it in a sealed Ziploc bag to protect it from moths until the next season of wear.

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