Genesis of scarves...

The simple but stylish scarf that is so commonly in use today has a truly checkered history going back a couple of millennia. Historians claim that the scarf could trace its origins to the ‘sudarium’ used by the ancient Romans, a small piece of cloth that served the strictly functional purpose of helping them to wipe the sweat of their faces and necks. This sudarium was either draped around the neck or tied to the belt at the waist. Christian tradition says that the cloth used by Veronica to wipe the face of Jesus Christ on the way to his crucifixion at Mount Calvary was a sudarium. That’s when the sudarium received the miraculous impression of Christ’s face. The ever inventive Romans later began to realize that the sudarium would make a good style accessory, giving rise to the concept of the scarf.

Scarves began to be popular in China too during the rein of Emperor Cheng. The design of the scarf differed depending upon the rank of the warrior wearing the scarf (in the army). Down the years, the use of scarves spread to other parts of the world. In the seventeenth century, Croatian soldiers began using scarves, with the soldiers using cotton scarves and the officers, silk scarves. Actually, legend has it that the modern day cravat originated from the scarves worn by the Croatian militia that were noticed by French royalty. Besides making a neutral fashion statement, scarves of those days were also used to indicate to the world the user’s political leanings. In the eighteenth century, scarves became trendy in the Scandinavian countries with neckerchiefs being worn by members of both sexes. By the turn of the next century, Sweden was regarded as one of the most prolific manufacturers of scarves in the world. These early scarves incorporated dual pleats and subtle fringes. By the mid 1800s, single or double-knotted fringes became de rigueur. Scarves now functioned as both shawls and headgear and were used by almost everyone.

Scarves are nowadays used by both men and women and can be worn with a variety of outfits and are also suitable for both formal and informal occasions. Silk scarves are the most popular in the present day. Scarves have the potential to render style to one of the most staid outfits. Additionally, from the time of their invention, scarves have been one of the most versatile of all clothing accessories. In desert regions and other dusty areas, scarves serve to protect the nose of the wearer from the entry of sand and mud. In cold areas, woolen scarves tend to provide warmth when worn around the neck. Scarves are also wrapped around the head to protect the hair. Sometimes scarves are even wrapped around the hips like a mini sarong.

Scarf manufacturing is a big business today and companies such as Belisi Fashions market silk head scarves, designer silk scarves, silk hair scarves, long silk scarves, Arabian scarves, paisley scarves, hip scarves, men’s pocket scarves, and luxury silk scarves among many other attractive and soft scarves.