SILK SCARVES AND THE LUXURY CONNECTION
Ancient Egyptians wore scarves to show their social status. A scarf could mean many things, but above all, it was used as a status symbol to make a big fashion statement.
Even in the fashion world today, scarves can signal one's high social and economic status and culture. There are some scarf styles with meaning from around the world; some carry a deeply spiritual symbol of connection and some of empowerment. Even the BBC recently identified scarves as a "new power symbol" for women.
Since scarves have been around for centuries now, over the years, this simple form of adornment has become the most versatile clothing accessory. They are manufactured using a range of diverse materials like silk, polyester, chiffon, net, plaid, velvet, cashmere, cotton, etc. Scarves are worn for warmth, sun protection, fashion, or based on one's affiliations or beliefs.
Among the variety of scarves in the market, the beauty and elegance of silk scarves top them all. Silk has been intriguing designers all over the world for centuries now, especially when it comes to scarves. Silk scarves have been considered as one of the most enduring and versatile accessories in the history of fashion. Since the start, silk scarves have been a luxury. They are fashionable, sophisticated and unique in their own way.
Significance of silk scarves
Unlike woollen scarves, silk scarves cannot keep you very warm, but they have been used as a way to add colour, vibrancy, sophistication, and class to the wearer's outfit. Most of the time, they are worn as a way of showing one's class and status.
However, like most of the things on the market, silk scarves come in a variety of qualities and levels. With time, they have become accessible to most of the people around the world. This has diversified the design and colour ranges available in silk scarves. No matter how things change, silk scarves and their elegance don't go out of fashion.
How are silk scarves used?
There are many ways to pair a silk scarf with your outfit. From formal dinners to casual beach parties, silk scarves find a way to make your outfit interesting and less boring. For example, while going out for a casual fun day at the beach, a silk scarf is worn around the neck or draped around the shoulders, it can double up as a sarong. Some women also like wearing silk scarves as a belt around their waist, to create an empire line on a dress to accentuate the waist. It can even be worn as a hair accessory or to decorate a purse or hat. In fact, there is no end to the dazzling looks that you can create with high-quality women's silk scarves.
Silk scarves, without a doubt, have stolen many hearts around the world. What most people don't understand is that silk scarves come in different grades. The grade level depends on the quality of the silk and manufacturing process. The excellent quality of the material offers a significant advantage in any clothing. Since silk is an all-natural material, produced by cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm, it is wholly made up of protein fibre mainly fibroin. Unlike other materials that are itchy or irritating, silk scarves are naturally hypoallergenic.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Silk Scarf
Silk scarves have been used by women around the world for centuries. Not only do the fantastic properties of the fabric make them practical in all weathers, but their incredible versatility and numerous ways of styling options provide excellent value for money. So how do you go about choosing a silk scarf? Here are a few simple tips:
Quality fabric
If you think the price of a particular scarf is too good to be true, it probably is. Even though silk scarves will not rip you off a fortune, they do reside in the expensive category. However, there is a small test that you can perform to ensure the authenticity of the fabric. Rub the scarf between your hands; if it begins to feel warm, it is genuine silk. Apart from this, the heaviness and thickness also affect the quality of the fabric. The quality of the silk, which is used to make the silk scarf will impact the way that the fabric falls and drapes.
There are three main types of silk: Mulberry, Endi and Tassar. The best among three is mulberry. It is heavier than the other two types and has a better fall and flow.
Colour, Length, and Design
Before jumping into buying a silk scarf, consider when and how do you plan on wearing it. If you want something versatile, go for blues, browns, blacks, and beiges. These colours usually look good with all kinds of dresses and attires. However, if you are looking for something to wear in the summers, going for baby pinks, turquoise, peach, lime yellow, etc. colours will help you pump up your aesthetics.
As far as the length is concerned, mostly silk scarves are woven in a square shape which makes them ideal to be worn as a sarong, bandana or a neckerchief. However, if you want something more versatile going for a longer rectangular shape would make more sense. Those can be worn as shawls as well.
Apart from this, silk scarves come in a variety of designs as well. You can get hand-painted scarves, but they are not very recognized around the world. Some brands even let you customize your scarves with your initials. Those, of course, cost way more than the ordinary scarves.
Quality craftsmanship
The quality of scarves depends on the way it is manufactured. The craftsmanship of silk scarves can be divided into two things
Quality of printing
Finishing of the scarf
The quality of printing can be seen in how vibrant the colours are, how detailed the patterns are, and whether the colours lose their brightness with time. Silk scarves are printed via screen printing or digital printing. Whether both have their ebbs and flows, the screen printing methods are more widespread and more accepted. Mainly due to the precision and accuracy it gives.
Moving on the finishing of the scarves, this means, the way the scarf is finished off. Whether the edges are hemmed, sewn or hand-rolled. Most people prefer hand-rolled ends since they give a neat and tidy look.
Safe for everyone
Silk scarves are naturally hypoallergenic. This means users who are allergic to different clothing materials will be able to use silk scarves without any consequences. This is mainly because silk is made of protein fibres and does not contain any harsh chemical treatments. The printing ink used is not hazardous either.
Apart from this, if you are environmentally conscious but still love silk scarves, you can go for fair trade recycled silk scarves sold and manufactured by many brands. Some brands even eco-print their scarves to keep the environment safe and toxin-free.
Final Thoughts
Wearing a silk scarf is a statement of elegance and sophistication. They are not only a fashionable choice but also a symbol of luxury and status. It is an accessory that not only keeps you in style but gives you comfort and protection. Hey ladies, now that you have read how prestigious a silk scarf as an accessory is, you can have your first silk scarf collection here.