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History of the Trend: Fashion Scarves

Last Updated on February 25, 2019 by Rachel - Butler University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Multicolored scarves at a market in California

Beautiful scarves at a market in California | Photo Credit

As the weather starts to turn and our wardrobe shifts, certain pieces take more prominent roles in our closet. Take, for example, the humble scarf.

The scarf is another classic investment piece, originally designed to keep you warm and cozy. So where’s the trend? Its position in fashion has been changing. In recent years, the scarf has become less of a necessity and more of an accessory.

Now considered appropriate regardless of season, today, the scarf is on a similar level with statement jewelry or a great bag. It’s a finishing piece that adds another layer (both literally and figuratively) to your outfit. Curious to see how the scarf evolved from something that was merely functional to something that’s simply fabulous? Keep reading!

History of Scarves and their Fashionable Evolution

Girl wearing a patterned scarf

This scarf easily spices up an otherwise plain outfit | Photo Credit

  • The scarf has its roots in Rome, where its purpose was to help people keep clean, not to make a fashion statement. This cleaning cloth was called a sudarium, meaning “sweat cloth.” A man would carry one with him while he worked in hot weather to combat perspiration, wearing it either around his neck or on his belt.
  • Another early use for scarves was military distinction. When I visited the Terra Cotta Warriors a few years ago, I learned that one way a warrior’s station could be determined was by his hairstyle and uniform accents, including scarves. This photo shows three ranks, two of which wear scarves and one of which does not.
  • Popular fashion houses manufactured scarves as fashion items in the 1800s. These were usually made from silk with ornate patterns, the most notable examples being those by Hermès.
  • As fashion scarf production increased due to consumer demand, they were made in cheaper fabrics such as rayon. Women who could not previously afford the luxe silk scarves could now indulge in the fashionable accessory as well.
  • Scarves moved up in popularity as a common accessory for both men and women as the 20th century wore on. As we’ve seen with past History of the Trend posts, scarf fabric, pattern, and style were indicative of current economic and social conditions. Scarves produced during WWII were muted in color to reflect moods and conserve resources, while scarves of the ’60s were brightly colored and floral-patterned. The coffee table book Scarves provides a colorful visual history of these evolutions.
  • Cultural icons also helped to define scarf fashion norms, including Rosie the Riveterand singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks.
  • This Scarf History Timeline, complete with sources, gives a comprehensive look at how the scarf has evolved over the years. Taking up knitting as a patriotic duty seems like a surefire way to master the skill!

Why We Still Love This Trend

Girl wearing a plaid shirt and knit scarf

A traditional knit scarf is both functional and fashionable | Photo Credit

How would you describe your favorite scarf? Fun? Classic? Unique? Versatile? I love all my scarves for different reasons and in different ways, but if I had to pick three words to describe scarves in general, I’d say that they are:

  • Adaptable. Have you seen our post, 5 Fashion Blogger-Inspired Ways to Tie a Scarf? That’s just the beginning. Be sure to check out 37 Ways to Tie a Scarf and How to Twist and Tie Your Favorite Headscarves  for even more inspiration to take your favorite scarf to the next level.
  • Understated. A minimalist’s best friend, a scarf is one way to pull together an outfit and make it that much more cohesive. Since a scarf is a perfect way to link otherwise different pieces, take the time to make it the focal point of your ensemble. This could mean wearing it in your hair, knotting it on your bag, or wearing it around your neck in a creative configuration: It’ll really make a difference!
  • Individual. Scarves are so easy to incorporate into your personal style. To find one to fit your unique tastes, scour a thrift store, search eBay, have a clothing swap with friends, or learn something new and make one yourself. Enjoy all the ways in which you can show off this great accessory!

Thoughts?

Do you have a favorite way to wear a scarf? Do you wear scarves in all seasons? Any unique stories on how you found the perfect one? Any other trends you’d love to see featured here? Leave a comment!

Tags : Accessories, Fashion History, Scarves

11 Comments
Originally published on October 7, 2011
Previous History of the Trend: Androgyny
Next History of the Trend: Masquerade Masks

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cortney says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    This is my favorite series on CF. 🙂 I hope it goes on forever!

    I try to switch up the ways I tie my scarf. I have a little vintage booklet from Nordstrom’s that’s called 40 Ways to Tie a Scarf. I have a couple favorites I tend to switch between from that. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kenzie says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    During the fall and winter I love adding scarves to my outfits for both their fun flair and extra warmth, especially when the weather can change so suddenly!

    Reply
  3. Fai says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    I love scarves! I live in a warmer climate so scarves really are just a fashion accessory for us here, as it never gets so cold that we need to wear them for warmth. It would be fun if your site did a feature on how to wear sequined/heavily embellished scarves – I picked up a bunch recently and love them, but haven’t found many sites that talk about how to style them.

    Reply
  4. Demmy says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    I’ve always luvd scarves. Who wulda known they were used in the military?

    Reply
  5. Rachel - Butler University says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    Thanks for your comment, Savi. I learned something new!

    Reply
  6. Maya says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    The most epic scarf tutorial EVER created, in my humble opinion 🙂 –> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU

    Reply
  7. Kaitlyn says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    I could not live without my scarves! They are the perfect accessory, and can be worn so many different ways.

    Reply
  8. katherine says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:07 am

    I don’t know where I’d be without your wonderful insights…you made my night (and your mom’s!) love kathy

    Reply
  9. Rhonda says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:14 pm

    I love colorfulpashmina scarves and they make excellent scarves for year round wear. Wonder if the colorful scarves shown are Pashmina silk?

    Reply
  10. Sister Spooky says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:32 am

    I am ADDICTED to scarves! I have hundreds of them, and I am always on the lookout for more. They’re a one size fits all accessory, what’s not to love? No one has ever had to gain weight, or lose weight to fit properly into a scarf. No one has had problems with their bust line being too large, or too small to fill out a scarf. Those that are tall and short can wear a scarf without any problem! They are perfectly adaptable for any wardrobe. Have a limited number of suits for work? No problem! Change up your look every work day by modifying your accessories. These are a few of the reasons I believe that a scarf should be everyone’s ‘go to’ accessory. 😉

    Reply
  11. Victoria Moore says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:33 am

    I have always loved scarves. I don’t really have a favorite way to wear them, but I do love tying one on my purse, or around my head like a doo rag with a pair of oversized shades. I also give scarves as gifts because I think there’s one for every personality and it shows thoughtfulness.

    Reply

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