A scarf is a popular accessory that serves both a practical and decorative function: it protects the neck from the cold and complements the image, making it more restrained and elegant. It is generally accepted that a scarf is primarily a male accessory. Today, such a scarf is made from different fabrics and is complemented by various decorative elements.
What is it
Not everyone knows what a scarf is, although this product is widely popular. Many men who try to look fashionable wear this scarf under their outerwear in the cold season. There are also stylish models made of lightweight fabrics that can be worn in warm weather and even in summer. A scarf is a narrow scarf made of thin wool, synthetics or silk. The color palette of the product includes a variety of rich shades.
Such items appeared in France in the 18th century. At first, they performed an exclusively practical function – they protected from wind and cold. That is why they were called “scarves”, which in French means “to hide the nose”. Later, young people began to make their own scarves from multi-colored scraps of fabric and tie them around their necks to distinguish themselves from the crowd. As a result, this dandy accessory became an important element of men's clothing. Only at the beginning of the 20th century did the scarf become popular as an attribute of women's wardrobe.
An elegant scarf emphasizes individuality and also indicates a person’s belonging to a certain style or society. For example, in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, scarves of different colors were worn by members of bandit groups, and during the reign of Peter I, a neck scarf was an integral part of an officer’s uniform.
Nowadays, a scarf is more of a man's accessory than a woman's. It adds elegance and aristocracy to the image.
A modern scarf is a small scarf made of wool, silk, viscose, polyester or acrylic. Products are also sewn from mixed fabrics. The main condition when choosing textiles is that the material should be smooth and dense. Since a single layer of fabric is quite thin, the accessory is most often made double, and already sewn along the long side.
Fabrics with different prints are often used to make scarves. Among the numerous variations of the pattern, one can single out a check, strip, small polka dots. Casual style models have virtually no restrictions within the framework of etiquette: they can be very bright, with non-standard prints and unique designs.
Scarves are often decorated with various decorative elements:
- with a bright border;
- tassels;
- embroidery;
- stripes.
The color of the scarf can indicate belonging to a certain community, style or direction in music. For example, scarves with the image of the symbols of their favorite teams are worn by football fans.
How is it different from a scarf?
Modern men who try to follow fashion trends are sure to have several thin scarves in their wardrobe. Those that are not used to protect against the cold, but for decorative purposes, are scarves. There are several features that help distinguish this accessory from a regular scarf:
- It is sewn, not knitted.
- Can be made of silk, polyester, viscose.
- Has a pattern on both sides.
- Performs decorative functions.
- Its small width and length of up to 1.5 m do not allow it to be wrapped around the neck several times like a regular scarf.
- Most often worn under open-collared clothing.
- Scarves are often decorated with rhinestones or fur, while this option is unacceptable for mufflers.
Fashion trends and rules of wearing
The scarf is usually used in a classic style in combination with coats and suits. In the first case, the collar should be open. The scarf is worn under outerwear and is not tied: it is thrown around the neck, the ends are crossed in front so that it only slightly peeks out from under the coat collar.
Modern fashion demonstrates more free options for wearing this accessory. It can be worn over a coat, jacket, sweater. A similar combination is also allowed with a T-shirt, a light jumper or a shirt. In this case, you need to choose the right shade and way to tie this product. The colors of such scarves are very diverse: from strict black, brown-beige or white tones to bright, multi-colored. As practice shows, men prefer scarves of a dark shade: blue, burgundy, gray. Quite popular are double-sided models, which have a pattern on one side, and are presented with a single-color fabric on the other.
Neutral options go with any outfit, while bright colors are best paired with solid-color items in a calm shade.
There are several popular ways to tie a scarf:
- The French knot is the simplest and most common option. The item needs to be folded in half, thrown over the neck and the ends threaded through the loop. A scarf worn this way is ideal for any style of clothing.
- Many men like to tie a scarf like a tie. This method is best used in a classic or business style.
- A flip is a way to wear a scarf of any length. You need to throw the scarf around your neck so that the ends hang freely.
- The Ascot knot is also a fairly simple knot to tie. It is a regular single knot. The ends can be simply thrown over the neck or wrapped around it.
- The shawl style is more suitable for silk or thin polyester scarves. The scarf is tied with a single knot, and then the top end is straightened, covering the knot with it. This option is used in evening or romantic style.
A scarf-muffler can be a great addition to almost any modern look. The right choice of material and color, as well as the ability to tie such a scarf in different ways will help create a truly bright image and stand out from the crowd.
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