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Scarves have always been centered around the idea of fashion, and it isn’t all too difficult to see why. With the color, texture, and prints that are available on the market, scarves can spice up just about any look. However, there have been multiple other ways where scarves have been used. Funnily enough, the scarf’s origin was rather far from fashion.
If you’re interested in learning more about how scarves are utilized beyond fashion, here are five interesting uses to take note of:
1) Military Use
The original purpose of scarves was related to military duty. Women, children, and other men would knit the scarves to keep servicemen and women warm during the war, especially in places where there may have been colder climates.
The scarves were used by those on the ground and in the trenches, as well as those manning flights. The scarf would provide softness and warmth to the war pilots while they were flying. Silk fabric that’s used for scarves has also played an important role in gunpowder transportation.
2) Post-War Art
Art had gotten quite a bit of the spotlight for a long period after the Second World War, and it was sold in all sorts of forms. Patterned scarves had their shining moment at the time, with multiple known artists producing bold and vibrant colors.
Famed personalities such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso were just two from a pool of well-known artists that were involved with Ascher Artists Squares. Fine art became closer and more accessible to people.
3) Propaganda
Aside from art, scarves had also played a role in spreading propaganda during and after the war. Several pieces had been sold and produced to display different wartime messages and symbols of patriotism that the common people would don on.
Jacqmar of London was the pioneer in making the scarf with this specific purpose in mind. Although a little less glamorous than a fashion runway, civilians would go down the streets to boast that they were showing pride for their country.
4) Status Signal
It’s still quite popular to use scarves in order to symbolize one’s riches and wealth status, but it was on a different level back then. Many high fashion houses and couturiers would send their pieces to known personalities as an exclusive to their wardrobe and way of promotion.
Now, so many of those scarves capture so many headlines and attention, especially when fought over in auctions attended by the rich. The aforementioned Ascher Artists Squares did quite a number when sold in the past.
5) Religion
Lastly, scarves can be used for religious purposes. Muslim women would utilize the fabric as a head covering from a very young age. The hijab is used as a symbol of maintaining purity and modesty.
There are also several other variations of this headpiece in other religions such as Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism, and the like. Most women are advised to wear scarves for similar reasons relating to privacy and traditions.
Conclusion
Scarves have been utilized in a variety of ways in history, and recognizing that can help us in gaining a newfound appreciation for them. Whether it’s for upping your fashion game or any other use, a scarf is a definite must-have in your wardrobe.
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