subject: Utilitarian Versus Luxury Women's Scarves and Shawls [print this page] Most women, when they are thinking about buying a new women's scarf or shawl, imagine that they can only go one of two ways. They can either choose something which will be hardwearing and practical, or they can opt for a luxury item which they might not consider to be quite as serviceable. Just because a women's scarf or shawl both looks and feels luxurious, however, does not mean that it is not also highly practical or versatile, or that it does not represent extremely good value for money. A more utilitarian scarf or shawl, on the other hand, could never be considered to be luxurious.
Women's scarves and shawls come in a huge range of colors, styles, designs and sizes and, of course, in a wide variety of fabrics. There are those which are made from natural materials such as cotton or wool, and in many people's eyes these are probably seen as the most practical options because these tough, utilitarian materials have proved their worth after having been used throughout the ages to produce all kinds of different clothing and other items. In addition, there are women's scarves and shawls which are produced from manmade fabrics such as nylon and polyester which, of course, are highly durable, although not at all environmentally friendly.
At the other end of the scale, there are scarves and shawls which are made from gorgeous luxury fabrics, of which silk is one of the most commonly used. The material is incredibly soft, light and fine and, probably because of these characteristics, it is sometimes considered to be an impractical choice. In fact though, the amazing properties of silk mean that it not only has the ability to keep the wearer cool in summer, but is warmer than any of the utilitarian materials mentioned above and so much more effective in winter. The mere fact that it can be worn all year round, therefore, makes it a much more practical choice. In addition, far from being difficult to look after, a gentle hand wash is all that is required to keep silk scarves and shawls in tip-top condition.
Although there are, of course, some fairly attractive examples of women's scarves and shawls which are produced from utilitarian materials, these can in no way match the look and feel of those made from silk, and especially those which are hand painted and incorporate unique designs. Everything from the way the fabric drapes, falls and ties, to the designs themselves and the vibrancy of the colors sets these stunning accessories apart as being far superior, which of course means that they are far more versatile in terms of wearability. You might, for example, be able to wear a woolen scarf on a country walk or a trip to the mall, but it most certainly would not be appropriate for a visit to the theater or a cocktail party. A fabulous hand painted silk scarf or shawl, however, looks stunning when teamed up with everything from jeans and a sweater to a gorgeous evening gown.
While going down the utilitarian route might at first seem to be the more logical and practical choice, when it comes to women's scarves and shawls, this really is one time when you can have your cake and eat it. Style, sophistication, luxury, quality, practicality and affordability all of these things can be yours.
Utilitarian Versus Luxury Women's Scarves and Shawls
