Did Scarves Exist in Medieval Times?

Did scarves exist in medieval times? When they were invented? Let's explore the historical evidence. The first thing to know is the purpose of these garments. They were not just worn to protect the neck and face, but also to protect the wearer from the elements. The medieval period saw a variety of different uses for scarves, including protection against cold weather and protection from wind and rain.

Shawls

The history of scarves traces back to ancient Egypt, where Queen Nefertiti wore the first scarf, a woven wrapped scarf under her jewelled headpiece. Although scarves are generally associated with the female wardrobe, they were also used by men for centuries. In Ancient Rome, for example, men would wear scarves as sweat cloths. Their use as clothing evolved from their use as a practical accessory to becoming the symbol of high fashion.

Although scarves have been worn for centuries, they have been thought to have been very unusual in medieval times. The first recorded examples of scarves date from the late seventh and eighth centuries. In the eleventh century, a Muslim scholar, Muhammad ibn Ahmad Ibn Jubayr, visited Sicily and wrote that Christian women wore mosque toilettes in church. In addition, he reported that the clergy did not worry about cross-cultural borrowings and that the women's head coverings were homogenous.

Scarves were made from different materials in medieval times. A piece of lace or silk was used as a shoulder-scarf. The mantilla is a modern version of this garment. It was popularized in the nineteenth century. It was also used to decorate a headpiece.

In medieval times, the wealthy women wore elaborate headdresses and long veils, often in combination with fine scarves. The Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine is said to have set the trend. She is said to have started the 'head-rail' fashion. This involves folding a large square of fine cloth back and pinning it to a lady's head. The rest of the fabric draped down her back, sometimes reaching the floor.

In the early medieval times, clothing was the main identifier of social class. A monk wearing a cassock was easily identifiable, as were servants and peasants. Their clothing was fastened with brooches varying in size and shape. Even married women wore headdresses to cover their hair. Clothing was expensive and limited in choice.

Medieval men wore clothing that was close-fitting and modish. The tunic was made of four pieces, which were sewed together at the sides and centre. The tunic was hip-length, and the sleeves were elbow-length and were long.