All About Women’s Scarves

Known for its versatility the scarf has long been a favorite accessory amongst fashion-smart, fashion-sensible women throughout history and in virtually every part of the world.

Not only are there many, many uses for women’s scarves, there are also countless styles that will take her from a day of gardening in the backyard, to a quick stint at the grocery store and on to a formal, black-tie affair with her special someone.

Women’s scarves are available in just about every fabric from heavy knitted wools for those blustery cold winter days to the finest of luxurious silks that will flow fluidly as you saunter across the dance floor in your favorite black dress.

By simply turning the pages of any fashion magazine its plain to see that women’s scarves have their place in nearly every setting – both indoors and out.

The scarf, in all of its fashion-flexibility and stunning splendor, takes on many forms, textures and patterns. Beginning with the good old bandana tied in various knots, both along the neckline as well as atop the head – serving to either hold the hair back off the face or to hide it completely to protect it during those dirty housecleaning jobs – women’s scarves are everywhere.

With embellishments like fringes, tassels, sequins, embroidery, beads or other fabulous details, women’s scarves can be found diligently and beautifully covering heads, shoulders, faces, bikini bottoms, and sometimes, on those frisky nights, you may have even seen them tied to a bedpost or two!

Women’s scarves can also be seen on celebrities of all ages with tanks tops and jeans as well as Red Carpet dresses. The scarf has even made some extremely memorable, trend-setting appearances on icons and legends such as Audrey Hepburn, Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe, Jacquelyn (Jackie O) Onassis and Grace Kelly.

Whether the scarf is long, short, crocheted, knitted, suede, silk, cashmere or chiffon, it always serves its woman well by being exactly what she needs to complete an outfit, hide a bad hair day or protect her from the outside elements.

The scarf has the ability to enhance a woman’s wardrobe in more ways than any other fashion accessory on the market. And for that, without doubt, women’s scarves are a prime example of functional beauty at its best.

Because of their versatility and unlimited array of styles, fabrics, colors and prints, womens scarves can also be worn during every season and for just about every event (or no event) you can think of! Their a “no-brainer” accessory and can be worn around the neck, the head, the waist and even around the handle of a neutral purse to create a completely different looking bag for each and every outfit.

Wear your scarves for women as a belt over a form fitting, stretchy, jersey knit dress. Wrap it around your hip and tie a bow or a knot at the side and let the scarf tails hang down. Wear it around the waist of an A-line dress to show your curves and to add a pop of color. Tie one through your belt loops on your favorite jeans or jean Capris and while you’re at it, tie a blue and white print one around the waist of your white Capris and slip into a cute little sneaker for a great summer look.

Scarves for women can be tied around the neck in various knots or can be draped around the front of the neck with the scarf tails hanging down the back. This is a terrific look with a backless gown or cocktail dress. Wear a wide womens scarf around your shoulders as a shawl on cooler evenings or keep one in your purse for wearing when the air conditioning is turned down to low at the restaurant.

From chiffon to silk to cashmere to wool, scarves for women can be used to keep warm or to keep fashionable and chic. They make excellent gifts and every woman that receives one will surely find more than one use for it and more than one outfit to wear it with and each time she does, she’ll think of you! When it comes to shopping for womens scarves, prices can range anywhere from $12 on up to the low $100’s for designer brands and luxurious fabrics. There are also companies that offer custom made womens scarves that are hand created to your specifications. What could be a better gift or purchase for yourself than a beautiful hand made scarf that was created just for you or someone special to you? Get trendy, get sophisticated, get flirty – get scarves for women!

Some characteristics of cashmere scarves are the ply and gauge. Ply represents the number of strands twisted together and gauge is how tightly those strands are twisted. The higher the ply count, the thicker the scarf will feel. Also, a really great cashmere scarf will have a spring in the fabric; this spring is called a “loft.” To test if your potential scarf has loft, give it a little tug. If it springs back, it has loft and if not, chances are it won’t hold its shape for very long.

Lastly, cashmere scarves are available in many colors however, when buying a darker color, its possible that the manufacturer might used a lower grade wool because the higher grade cashmere is harder to dye and its less work to dye the lower grade wool. Lighter colors and darker colors may feel different, so check before you buy.

All women’s cashmere scarves feel soft, look fabulous and give a woman the warmth she needs however, there is no comparison to fine quality cashmere. So take a minute to make sure you’re getting the very best for yourself or for the women on your holiday list.

If you’re considering giving a scarf (or scarves) for gifts this holiday, or if you’re about to buy yourself a few, then here are some really good suggestions on the color choices every woman needs to help complete her smart, sexy, put-together wardrobe.

Get 3 or 4!
Silk scarves for women are an absolute necessity. For the fashion-smart woman, solid color scarves in classic colors such as blue, yellow, green and orange. These colors will compliment most outfits by offering a splash of color – either bold or subdued. Tied around the neck, a silk scarf frames the face and bring the eye up. When purchasing solid scarves, think of your existing wardrobe and also your hair and eye color because the right scarf can really show off a woman’s eyes and make them seem brighter than ever before.
Prints and Patterns
For basic black, gray, brown, blue or white, the print women’s silk scarf is the absolute best accessory! Prints and patterns on silk scarves will add pops of color and turn the basic boring into the AMAZING! For another great look, tie a printed scarf around the handle of a solid black or white or brown purse and TA-DA!!! FABULOUS!!!
One Scarf – Two Scarf – White Scarf – Black Scarf

Every woman needs one black scarf and one white scarf…AND one black and white scarf! Either animal print like a zebra or checkered, polka-dot, or some abstract pattern of black and white. The white scarf will look terrific tied around the hair, the neck, the shoulders or in a bow around a tote bag. The black scarf will look great with any color and the black and white scarf will turn a little black dress into a knockout! Any of these color combinations make for a great infinity scarf too!

Silk Scarves…

For the woman who has everything.

Or for the woman who loves to look like she has everything.

The crisp, cold weather months are upon us and with them, come the fabulous opportunity to wear our women’s winter scarves.

Women’s winter scarves are the essential accessory for the fall and winter seasons because they offer both warmth and protection from the chilly weather as well as classic style.

Choosing the right women’s winter scarves is easy because there are tons of great options and designs that are sure to fit in perfectly with any winter weather wardrobe.

Some of the many fabric choices for women’s winter scarves include cozy wools, luxurious cashmeres, cashmere-wool blends, soft furs, satin-edged and satin-lined velvets, toasty wool knits, fabulous knitted chenille, woven cottons and smooth velour.

Women’s winter scarves can be casual, evening chic or formal depending on the material and what types of outfits they’re paired with. When wearing basic black, the choices are endless and to really jazz it up for evening wear, match your little black dresses with scarves that are detailed with metallic stitching or other sparkly embellishments.

For a special touch to a long black wool coat, top it off with a patterned long women’s winter scarf that’s knotted at the neck and tucked inside the coat or don’t knot it and instead wear a turtle neck and slip the scarf around the neck under the coat’s lapel, allowing the scarf to hang down on either side. And to make that beautiful black coat look and feel like a brand new one everyday, change your scarf every morning! Think of all of the possibilities! Blue cashmere one day, brown and tan knitted wool the next and you’ll never feel like you’re wearing the same coat twice.

Women’s winter scarves are a winter wardrobe accessory must-have and make the perfect gift for any special girl on your holiday list.  Also, with proper care, women’s winter scarves will last for many seasons which means she’ll think of you every time she slips it on, for years to come.  Start your women’s winter scarves shopping now so that you’ll have a wide variety of options to top-off every stunning outfit in your winter wardrobe.

The History of Women’s Scarves

For thousands of years, the silk that is used in making women’s scarves and other silk products was only available in China and this lasted until the Silk Road was opened. Thus began the trade of silk to the Romans. In the beginning, only the Emperor’s family was permitted to the wearing of silk. Later it became an honor for any upper class woman to wear scarves and other garments made of silk.

The silk for women’s scarves was painted by artists in designs such as flowers, religious figures, and royal pictures. The art of making silk from the cocoons of silkworms grew throughout the world. The Industrial Revolution in Europe started the biggest outbreak and soon the process advanced technologically and producing silk garments became simple and inexpensive.

This made the silk to create women’s scarves and other garments available to the masses.

In the 1800s, silkworm diseases killed off much of the silkworm population and so too, most of the silkworm farms in Europe. This caused a tremendous decline in the silk industry and the main silk supplies were replaced by import from Japan. The onset of World War II put an end that that avenue and eventually, scientists figured out a way to create synthetic silks such as nylon.

These days, China and India are the leading manufacturers of the silk for women’s scarves and many other silk products. Sometimes, women’s scarves of silk are manufactured in China or India but, most often, only the textiles to create the scarves are produced in those countries and then are exported around the world. Those textiles are then purchased by artists where they are designed and painted and in turn, used to produce women’s scarves and other silk items.

Caring for Women’s Scarves

An alternative storage method (providing you have the space in your closet) is to hang each scarf over the bottom of a (non-wire) hanger so that the scarves are flat, not scrunched.

If there are beads or other delicate embellishments on your women’s scarves, be sure to read manufacturers suggestions or bring them to a dry cleaning professional for cleaning recommendations.

The following tips will explain the various methods required to clean and store women’s scarves of a variety of fabrics:

Cotton Women’s Scarves: Cotton scarves tend to be a bit more sturdy, as well as easier to care for than any other fabric scarf. Wash your cotton women’s scarves at a cool, low temperature, on the gentle cycle. Dry on low heat and remove before completely dry or simply lay flat to dry. This is important because cotton shrinks in high heat temperatures. Iron your cotton scarves but be sure to test in a small spot first to make sure your iron is not too hot!

Silk Women’s Scarves: Silk scarves necessitate a little extra care to keep them looking their best. Do not wash your silk scarves unless they’re visibly soiled. If you do need to wash them, either wash them very gently by hand in cool to tepid water with a fine-washables-detergent.

The safest way to clean a silk scarf is to take it to a dry cleaner.

Chenille Women’s Scarves: Chenille is an easy care fabric. For washing, use a cool temperature and gentle to normal setting. Chenille scarves may be placed in the dryer, but use a low temperature setting. Ironing chenille is fine. Iron on the wrong or opposite side or place a thin handkerchief in between the iron and the scarf.

Chiffon Women’s Scarves: Chiffon scarves can be made from a variety of materials such as crepe, polyester or silk. Its important that you check your scarf’s label. For silk and crepe chiffon scarves, dry cleaning is best unless the label state otherwise.

Poly chiffon can be machine washed but again, check the label on the scarf and follow care instructions.

Wool Women’s Scarves: Wool scarves, when properly cared for will last for many seasons. Hang wool scarves over padded hangers to allow the wear-wrinkles to loosen out so the scarf can return back to its pre-worn shape. If the wrinkles are resistant, turn the iron on high and set to the steam setting. Steam the scarf but don’t drag the iron across the wool, instead, lift the iron and place it on the areas that need pressing. If you wash your wool scarf, don’t fully dry it in the dryer. Let it dry a little and then remove it from the dryer and lay it flat to dry the rest of the way.

How To Wear Women’s Scarves 

Women’s scarves are a popular must-have for any season’s wardrobe. From the warm summer nights to the frosty cold days of winter, women’s scarves have become a permanent and necessary staple in every accessory drawer.

It’s no wonder why they’ve become so hugely popular with celebrities like Jessica Alba, Angelina Jolie and Hillary Duff as well as our fabulous First Lady Michelle Obama wearing stunning scarves to accent their attire. It’s also easy to see how they’ve become all the rage for the average woman everywhere.

So now that you know the who and why of wearing women’s scarves, you might be asking the all important question of, “How?”

“How do I wear a scarf?”

Well, of course, there’s always the classic, traditional, time-tested look of the knitted wool scarf gently wrapped around the neck for warmth (which will never go out of style) but when it comes to the many ways to wear women’s scarves, today’s options are limitless, and striking!

Here are ten trendy and sophisticated scarf-wearing styles that every fashion conscious woman should know and make ready use of:

• The Headband
• The Sophisticated Neckerchief
• The Trendy Scarf Belt
• The Surprising Purse Tie
• The Classic and Sexy Shawl
• The Draped Scarf
• The Fashionable Loop
• The Original Bandana
• The Classic Knot

No matter which style you choose to tie your beautiful scarf, remember this one important rule of fashion – keep it simple! When your outfit is very monotone, choose a bright or patterned scarf for a pop of color and if you’re wearing a busy, textured outfit, keep your scarf  simple, solid and sophisticated.

Women’s scarves are meant to enhance the outfit, not overpower it so choose patterns that are bold when your clothing is neutral and stick with simple when you’re wearing patterns.

This spring, designers are making scarves for women in long and lightweight designs. They’ll be tied around the waist of your jeans, your flowing blouses your favorite casual evening dresses and of course, your shoulders and your fabulously feminine neck.

A loosely draped coral silk scarf or an apple green chiffon one can take an evening cocktail dress to a whole new level of fashion and style. Vibrant, bright colors and patterned womens scarves will bring your basic warm weather outfits from plain old cute on up to feminine and sexy.

Drape one around your shoulders on a cool spring evening when wearing a strapless or spaghetti strapped dress or tie one in a bow on your white leather tote bag. Give your face, the framing and attention it deserves by tying a long scarf on as a headband and letting the ends flow down your back.

Bring a different ladies scarf for everyday of your cruise vacation. Even twist one around your back, across your chest and up around your neck – tie a bow – and voila! Instant, original, only yours, halter top!

When you’re shopping for womens spring scarves for yourself or as gifts for your friends and family, start online for both fashion tips and the best selection and most amazing deals.

Womens scarves are for spring, summer, fall and winter. Fashion marketing gurus remind us of this all the time! They take the plain and make it fabulous and they take the neutral and slap it with a beautiful trendy and chic pop of color. Get yours today and while you’re at, get a few for the special ladies in your life!