I think a gentleman needs to consider what he needs the scarf for, why he is purchasing it and what effect he would like the scarf to have. Though the initial point seems as plain as a pikestaff, there is more to consider in the purpose of a scarf than as an accessory to maintain bodily warmth. When will he wear it? With what will he wear it? At what time of day will he wear it? Only the individual gentleman concerned can answer these questions. However, we can certainly speculate on what the hypothetical gentleman would consider desirable.
The classic cashmere
The cashmere scarf has
become a commonplace and everyday item in the gentleman’s winter
wardrobe. The age of ‘exclusive’ cashmere is over; affordable luxury is
here, and cashmere of fantastic quality is available to all. For a
classic cashmere scarf, a gentleman should be looking for a subtle and
sober colour that will complement his winter wardrobe. Unlike ‘fashion’
scarves the gentleman may purchase, the classic cashmere should have
traditional proportions. Pictured above is a conventional example. Thebraided fringe is essential for the traditional scarf. ‘Chopped’ scarves, even in fine materials (unless they are striped college scarves) look unfinished.
The college professor
The quintessential college professor has no use for the dainty
consumerist luxury of cashmere. A more practical equation, in his mind,
is to maximise material length, thus increasing the possibility of
insulation from the wretched elements. Though ‘college professor’ is
rather a stereotypical name for the garment, the long scarf has
unerring connections with academia. I remember my days at university,
surrounded by naïve Marxist venerators, their necks encircled with
constrictor-like woollen conceptions, carrying off a revolutionary look
with astounding self-possession.
Ideally worn with more casual clothing; long coats, cardigans, loose jumpers and substantial or practical footwear, the college professor scarf should be knitted and the braided fringe should be messy and uncommitted.
The flying ace
Silk is a material not often favoured by modern gentlemen; it is
effeminate and lacks the rough-hewn appeal of fishermen’s wool.
However, brave pilots of the air, in the early days of aviation, often
wore silk scarves to keep the oily smoke out of their mouths whilst
flying. The versatility of the fabric, means it can be used practically
or merely for decorative panache. I use the many silk scarves I own
practically in the winter months, tying them securely around my neck
for warmth; they are an extremely pleasant alternative, in terms of the
sensation on the skin, to almost any material. And they are also very
warm.
The desert scarf
The man’s pashmina, the classic desert scarf has become an urban
classic. Worn around the neck in a disorderly fashion, it is worthy of
mention because of its contemporary style appeal. It’s rather Lawrence
of Arabia; explorer and dandy rolled into one, and it will undoubtedly
last. It’s best to wear this with more casual, weekend outfits.
