All you ever wanted to know about scarves...

Scarves know no boundaries. These versatile clothing accessories are used by people of both sexes in almost all countries of the world. The scarf appears to have originated in the ‘sudarium’, a handkerchief-like cloth that was popular among the ancient Romans and whose use also mimicked that of the modern kerchief. Down the years, as the sudarium graduated from mere functionality to become a style accessory, the concept of the modern scarf was born. The usage of scarves rapidly spread across continents to China during Emperor Cheng’s reign. By the seventeenth century, cravat-like scarves were used by Croatian soldiers, something that caught the fancy of French royalty. Becoming prevalent all over Europe, by the nineteenth century Sweden was regarded as the biggest scarf manufacturer in the world.

Considering the long history of this clothing accessory, vintage scarves are much in demand by collectors and appreciators of antique art. Incorporating traditional weaving techniques and long forgotten designs, these scarves have a unique charm of their own. Vintage scarves are either actual authentic scarves that have been created ages ago, or are contemporary scarves that have intentionally been given a period look as far as the material and design is concerned.

Most scarves are either made from silk, wool, or cotton. Silk scarves are reputed to exude the maximum aesthetic appeal due to the characteristic sheen of the material. Also, silk retains its good looks for a longer period of time. Woolen scarves find usage in winter or in excessively cold regions. When wrapped around the neck, these scarves serve as mufflers. Cotton scarves are seen to be the most comfortable and also the most easily washable. When scarves are manufactured, the material is chosen and then the desired shape is cut out. Common scarf shapes include square, rectangular, and triangular. The edges are either hand-rolled or machine hemmed.

The way the Belisi Fashions scarf is worn depends on the shape of the scarf, its size, and the tastes of the user. A common mode of wearing a scarf is the head scarf. This scarf, usually a triangular one is wrapped around the head with the two ends being crossed below the chin and then tied into a loose knot. While small scarves are sufficient for use as head scarves, medium and large scarves can be worn as stoles and shawls being draped over the shoulders. Some long silk scarves can also be used as hip scarves wrapped around the waist like a mini sarong. When wrapped around the neck like a neckerchief, small scarves can double up as a bandana.  

A Belisi scarf can have multiple personalities depending on the way it is worn. Some of the trendy styles of wearing a scarf include the necktie, jabot, shawl, stole, ascot, bib, cowl, and the muffler styles. A scarf can even be worn as a cravat tied around the neck like a tie.

Nowadays, a number of famous designers and fashion houses, such as Dolce & Gabanna, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Versace, and Marc Jacobs, have tapped into the business and creative opportunity of creating the ever-popular scarves for style aficionados across the globe. Designer scarves sport innovative designs and are made to add a touch of dash to even the simplest outfits. These designer scarves can be bought at reputed outlets in many countries as well as at online e-commerce sites.