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Summing up scarves
Ever wondered how you can take your 'turtleneck sweater paired with chinos' look up a notch? Or what is that one thing which is missing in your finely tailored navy-blue suit with a classy, pattered maroon tie? Perhaps it is a scarf that is exactly what you need to oomph it up.
Scarves and mufflers have created a lot of confusion over the years, with people struggling to differentiate between the two. Although the term muffler has become extinct in many parts of world and has been replaced with scarves, it is still very commonly used in Bangladesh. For our ease of understanding, I will be differentiating between the two terms on the basis of the materials they are made of.
The use of scarves dates to the time when the Romans would wear them around their waists, or tie them loosely around their necks to wipe off sweat, or clean their faces. For formal occasions, they would wear scarves around their necks and the fabric used would set apart their social status.
Fast forward to 2016, and scarves are back in fashion with a Bang! Scarves come in various styles, some are heavy and thick, made of wool, cashmere or a combination of both, while others made of silk or satin are meant as accessories for formal occasions.
Muffler
The ones which we wear in winter as a protective layer around our neck can be called a muffler. These are mainly made of wool or other heavy materials to trap heat and block off those nasty surges of cold wind. However, mufflers, a style statement since being around Dev Anand's neck, have been re-discovered by the fashion industry again recently. They come in different patterns such as checks and stripes and in different colours. Wear them such that you create a contrast between what you are wearing on top and the muffler to allow it to standout.
For example, assume a cool look with your burgundy, woollen muffler as you wear it with a simple white T-shirt and your favourite jet black leather jacket.
Bonus tip: Keep in mind that your muffler's fabric should be soft because it will be rubbing against your neck continuously and could cause rash on your skin otherwise.
Scarf
Scarves are usually made from silk, linen, cotton, or polyester. The ones made of cotton or polyester can be worn with casual, semi-formal or formal attires.
For instance, if you are going for a casual look and are wearing a light-blue shirt tucked into black chinos, you can enhance it by simply wearing a black cotton scarf so that it drapes over the back of your neck.
If you are wearing your classic black suit with a striped greyish-blue tie, add a red scarf in the same manner as you did with your casual look.
When it comes to silk scarves, they are mostly worn with tuxedoes or overcoats.
If you are wearing a tuxedo, wear a plain white or black rectangular silk scarf hanging from the back of your neck. Although overcoats are usually not worn in the subcontinent, you can take this tip while travelling.
Scarves are some of the most versatile pieces of clothing, which ensure both style and usefulness. These are not only limited to winter wear but can be worn in different seasons too, making them worth your money. In summer, one can easily wear linen scarves, for example, along with a linen jacket. Make sure that there is a contrast between the scarf and the outfit itself.
Having known everything there is to know about scarves, you must be wondering where you can find them. Although available in almost any store in Bangladesh, I would suggest Astorian or Artisan for good quality and stylish mufflers and scarves. So without further ado, go out there and grab these trending and stylish pieces now!
By Ali Sakhi Khan
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Ali
Wardrobe: Ali's Personal Collection