Tips on Choosing, Buying, and Wearing A Silk Scarf
Before you run out and spend all your money on silk scarves because they look cool AND feel amazing against your skin, there are a few things you need to consider. Once you know how to pick the right scarf, you’ll be able to make smart purchases and not end up with a closet full of expensive scarves you’ll never wear.
Don’t get fooled
Before you consider the finer details of your dream scarf, you need to know how to spot the real deal. Unfortunately, there are some vendors out there who are less than honest. These folks will tell you that you’re getting silk, when in fact, you are getting synthetic fibres.
First things first, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Silk is not exorbitant, but it isn’t cheap. You can easily test the silk, before you buy it, but rubbing it between your fingers. If it begins to feel warm, it’s real silk. If doesn’t heat up, it’s a synthetic fibre. Another quick and easy way to test a silk scarf is to take a ring off your finger and try to pass the scarf through it. Because silk is smooth and flexible, it will pass through the ring whereas a synthetic fibre will gather, bunch and become stuck.
It’s all about the colour
Think about colour. When are you buying the scarf and when are you planning to wear it? Reds, browns, blacks, charcoals and navy blue tend to work best in the fall and winter months while pinks, yellows, purples, and pale blue or green tend to work best in the spring or summer. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your colour choices. A pop of bright colour may be exactly what you need to transform your outfit from boring to fabulous. The same applies to patterns, take a risk. Pair a bold design with a monochromatic outfit for dramatic impact.
Consider the length
Many silk scarves are square shaped which makes them the ideal for wearing as a bandana or neckerchief. A longer, more narrow scarf can make a perfect belt, while wider and longer scarves are great as shawls or wraps. Keep these uses in mind when looking at length. For example, if you aren’t likely to wear a neckerchief and prefer to keep your shoulders covered, stick with a longer scarf.
Get creative
There are lots of different ways to wear and tie your silk scarf. You can tie it in a bow like a bow tie, knot it off to the side for a nice little retro flare, or you can wrap it around your wrist for something a little different. If you need or want to keep your hair off your face, tying a silk scarf around your head is an excellent way to do this with a little bit of sophistication. Wrapping a silk scarf around your ponytail is a clever way to set yourself apart from everyone else. When it comes to wearing a silk scarf, you are only limited by your imagination.
Show your silk some TLC
The fastest way to ruin your silk is to throw it in the washing machine. The delicate fibres will not hold, and the dyes may bleed. Check the label on the scarf for specific care instructions. If it doesn’t say “Dry Clean Only,” handwash it using a few drops of a non-alkaline soap in lukewarm water. Remember to test the soap on an inconspicuous part of the scarf before you begin to ensure that the colours won’t run.