Scarves may be just a simple piece of accessory but its effect is to bring out the style and enhance the look of the one wearing it. It comes in various shapes, lengths and designs for different effects. Scarves were not used for fashion back then. But nowadays, they have a lot more uses than when they were first worn.

The ancient Romans were the ones who first wore scarves. They were mainly tied around the neck and used to wipe the sweat off their necks and faces. It became a fashion accessory when worn by women. The ancient Chinese also used scarves as part of women's fashion as supported by archeological evidence.

Today it is commonly used during the cold winter season to keep people warm. It is simply tied or wrapped around the neck and worn together with thick winter clothing. But scarves are also popular in places where the climate is hot, since it also originated there. As previously stated, the ancient Romans used it to wipe their sweat. It can also be used to protect the individual from elements that can cause harm or inconvenience like dust or sand during a desert sandstorm. Some cultures and religions also encourage and even require women to wear scarves as headwear. This is a sign of propriety in their culture.

The modern use of scarves multiplies as a fashion accessory. Even during warmer seasons, many women still wear them. Like a man's necktie, scarves can be used to accentuate a rather plain dress or blouse. One style to wear the scarf is to simply tie it around the neck as usual. Another is to tie it in a business-style fashion where the remaining ends and parts are tucked into it to give a neater, more professional look.

Scarves are also commonly worn over the head. This is sometimes to protect the hair like when they are traveling or simply to hide the hair during those bad hair days. This trend is also becoming popular with cancer patients who have lost their hair while undergoing therapy. Scarves are also worn as headbands or hair bands instead of covering the hair area.

The waist is another body part where scarves can be used. It can function as a traditional or a side-knotted belt. Just like the traditional belt, a scarf can be folded lengthwise and inserted into the loops of the jeans and then tied in front. For a more glamorous look, some women wear the scarf like a sash where it is worn over a dress and then a knot is made on the side where the remaining parts also hang freely.

To enhance the look of your other accessories such as handbags or purses, you can tie scarves on them. But you should make sure that the size, design and color matches that of your handbag otherwise it might not look very pleasing. This should not be a problem as there are many styles to choose from.

The scarf has gone a long way from being only a hygiene accessory to being a versatile fashion accessory that has become more and more popular to women.