Scarves; a woman’s accessory you say? Far from it! Scarves have been unisex for the past 2000 years. They are changeable; meaning they can be worn in various ways to give your outfits a different look.
Of all the fabrics used these days alpaca, angora, cotton and silk are amongst the favored for scarf making. All scarves come in different shapes and lengths to accommodate your needs.
There are many ways of wearing scarves, so be original and create your own style. Silk is a green eco-friendly fabric which will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Silk is no longer as expensive as it once was; therefore you can wear your silk scarf without that hefty price tag.
Searching online, I have come across some wonderful alpaca/angora/cotton and silk scarves for men and women which are 100% natural and dyed with non-toxic dyes. Of course, alpaca fibers are not dyed as the colors are naturally bred.
Scarves for Women
This hand-loomed cream peace silk scarf for women is made by female artisans. This eco-friendly scarf is made by indigenous skilled workers who handcraft all their scarves. Devoted to ‘Fair Trade’, “108 Mala” helps to support and work with artisan communities and organizations to pave the way for a better future where they have access to water, shelter and education etc.
This olive cream peace silk scarf is available for purchase from 108 Mala on eBay. Worldwide shipping.
Another scarf I came across online is made from cashmere, pashmina handwoven scarf and it’s undyed. The cashmere wool comes from a region called Ladakh. It’s a region of Jammu and Kashmir; controlled by the Republic of India.
This cashmere wool scarf is available from The Silk Road at eBay. Worldwide shipping available.
All natural cotton scarf colored with natural dyes and is made by the San Jose Women’s Association in Guetamala. This gorgeous scarf can be purchased from Novica on eBay and is shipped Worldwide from the U.S.
Scarves for Men
Great for winter months, this 100% pure alpaca knitted scarf for men is natural in colour. Alpaca fibers are hypoallergenic meaning it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction as some people tend to with sheep’s wool.
The indigenous tribes from La Paz, Bolivia, in South America through fair trade make these lovely scarves. Can be purchased from Original Artisan on eBay. Ships Worldwide from the U.K.
These ribbed knit scarves are made from 100% American Alpaca Fiber. Available in the following natural alpaca fiber colors: white, brown, charcoal and grey. Sold by Wild West Alpaca Ranch on eBay. Worldwide shipping available.
History of Scarves
As early as 230BC through to 1700AD, men wore scarves. Chinese Emperor Cheng’s warriors wore cloth scarves to signify their rank. Emperor Nero wore a Sudarium (sweat cloth) around his neck and Croatian men wore Kravata’s which the French men thought were ‘cool’ and sported them too.
They called them ‘Cravats’ and wore different colors to show their political preferences. Cowboys wore bandanas/neckerchiefs in the 1800’s and ‘Flower Power’ in the 1970’s saw men wearing scarves around their necks and across their foreheads.
My mother told me that in the 1970’s men (21 yrs and older) were not allowed in Discotheques (nightclubs) wearing a shirt without a tie. If they wanted entry, they had to hire a Cravat to wear and at the end of the night (midnight) they returned it to get a part refund.
Boy scouts wear scarves as well as rappers. Hollywood men are rivaling with actresses on the fashion stakes where scarves are concerned. Men in certain cultures wear scarves in wedding or religious ceremonies.
Books of Interest on Amazon
- Scarf Tying Magic by Bobbie Jean Thompson
- The Wrapping Scarf Revolution by Patricia Lee
Another Product Review
Alpaca Fiber & Alpaca Yarn by The Fuchsia Fleece