Vintage Scarf Styles -1920s to 1960s

1950s neck scarf

Today we take a look at vintage scarf styles in spring and summer weights and how they were worn through each decade 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Later this year we will learn about winter weight scarves and accessories.

Vintage scarves have been an essential accessory in women’s wardrobes for years. They have the power to add a pop of color to an otherwise plain outfit, tame unruly hairstyles, or even to add a layer of warmth. Scarves really began to soar in popularity in the 20^th century. Prior to that, women often wore shawls (essentially larger versions of scarves). These were most popular during the 19^th century, and dipped in and out of favor according to changes in popular silhouette.

Large scarfs and shawls from 1911.

 1920s Scarf Styles

Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey wears a skinny scarf knotted to the side of her neck

The scarves of the 1920s were either slim, skinny styles tied about the neck or hair, or the larger shawl variety. The slim styles complimented the fashions of the era; drawing the eye downwards towards the dropped waistline.

A selection of scarves from the late 1920s.

An otherwise plain dress could be decorated through the use of a scarf tied around the neck, the head or draped from the dress. Long beaded necklaces of the decade also served the same purpose – to draw the eye downwards, creating the illusion of a streamlined shape. Look here for ideas on using scarves to dress up a simple 1920s look. 

Choose from these exotic vintage inspired scarves from Bohomonde for a great 1920s look.

Although the long, slim length of scarf was popular; it was not without its dangers. In 1927 Isadora Duncan met a horrifying end, when her fashionable long scarf became entangled in the wheel of a motorcar she was riding in. She died instantly.

Shawls were popular during this decade partly due to the fascination with distant lands, in particular Egypt. This was the decade when Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered, thereby unleashing an appetite for all things symbolic, mysterious and exotic. Fringe lined Kimonos and beaded shawls became a fashionable way to express individuality and eccentricity.

1920s style embroidered and fringe large shawl on Amazon

Scarves were also used to tie back hair. They could cover the hair completely or partially to act as a thin headband.

Shop 1920s scarves, shawls and wraps or hair accessories.  Read more tips on wearing 1920s shawls and wraps. 

1920s head wraps with scarves. Upper right is a beautiful applique head scarf for sale here.

1930s Scarf Styles

During the 1930s, scarves could be worn in a number of ways. They were often worn loosely draped around the neck or shoulders to accessorize an outfit. Scarves could be fastened either with a simple knot, or through the use of scarf clips or buckles.

Scarves of the 1930s often featured geometric shapes and motifs.

Silk, or art silk scarves of the 1930s were often square in shape, rather than of the long rectangular style popular through the 1920s. Knitted and crocheted scarves were popular, with designs of leaves, triangles and petals all included.

To add a touch of 1930s style to an outfit, wear a scarf across the shoulders, fastened with a vintage belt buckle, or simply tied in a knot.

Myrna Loy wearing a polka dot scarf in 1933.

A sheer polka dot scarf like this one from Scarves.com is a perfect 1930s accessory

Geometric shapes and motifs featured on scarves, echoing the popular lines and styles of the decade. Polka dots were especially popular prints.

Love the bold colors on this Hobbs scarf available from John Lewis.

Generally, scarves of the 1930s were smaller than those of previous years. Shawls, although still worn, were not as fashionable as they were previously.

To keep off the spring air chill a small silk scarf could be tied around the head or close to the neck like these:

1930s scarves tied around the head or neck

1940s Scarf Styles

1943, scarf draped around the head

During the 1940s, scarves soared in popularity due to their endless versatility. As with the 1920s and 1930s, textile designers saw a wonderful opportunity in the canvas of the humble scarf. Artists could feature their work on scarves, thereby making their work accessible to a wide range of consumers.

1940s scarves usually featured bright, bold prints and colors.

During 1940 up to 1945, English textile company Jacqmar produced scarves with propaganda designs and motifs. The scarves featured slogans such as ‘Salvage Your Rubber’, and ‘Into Battle’. The company also utilized motifs inspired by the Armed Forces. The Army, Navy and Air Force all featured in Jacqmar designs. These scarves were known as propaganda scarves, and were made to help keep up the morale of civilians.

Colorful big prints on 1940s scarves.

A selection of 1940s scarves simply tied around the head and under the chin.

Working “Rosies” keeping hair wrapped up in a simple turban

In addition to propaganda scarves, novelty print scarves featuring bold patterns, florals and primary colors were also popular. Women would wear the scarves tied about their neck, over their head, or to cover their hair in a turban wrap.

As some women were now working in new roles and positions, their hair had to be kept in check and out of the way. It became fashionable to tie a scarf around the head in a turban to keep the hair off the face. Watch this video by Royal Vintage for tips and technique on tying a vintage 1940s style turban.

A scarf tied and worn in the hair as a turban. To keep slippery silk from sliding away use bobby pins around the base and crown.

Wearing a scarf as a turban is not only a great way of keeping hair out of the way, but also a fabulous way of accessorizing! A turban scarf could also handily hide a pin-curl hair set too.

1950s Scarf Styles

During the 1950s, the popularity of the scarf had not waned. Women were still wearing scarves around their necks and in their hair as an accessory. Perhaps the most popular style of scarf during this decade, was the chiffon scarf.

During the 1950s, chiffon scarves became increasingly popular tied around the neck or as a headband.

Usually made of nylon chiffon, this scarf was square in shape, and normally around 20 inches in size. The scarf could be folded in half to form a triangle, then either tied around the neck, or rolled up to form a strip and then tied around the head as a hair band.

This scarf from Charming Charlie is great for a vintage inspired 1950s look.

This style of scarf was particularly popular with the youth of the decade. A chiffon scarf was the perfect pairing with a poodle skirt, sweater and cardigan clips!

1957 silk or chiffon scarf tied at the neck pair with sweaters

Another way to fold a neck scarf in the 1950s was with a short rectangle scarf wrapped around the neck and folded under and over the knot. These looked stunning over a sleek pencil dress or snug fitting top. 

1950s rectangle scarf tied and folded over

1960s Scarf Styles

Scarves remained popular during the 1960s, until towards the end of the decade when the counter-culture of youth began to ripple its effects through fashion.

Brigitte Bardot wearing a scarf during the 1960s.

Pop art headscarf. Love it!

During this decade, scarves were worn to coordinate with an outfit or an ensemble. Women wore suits of a skirt and matching jacket, and finished the look with coordinating gloves, handbag, hat and scarf.

A selection of great vintage inspired 1960s head scarves.

Scarves of this decade were frequently tied over the head to form a knot at the chin, just like in the 1940s.  This protected the hair from the elements, and added a touch of classy style whilst doing so.

If the weather is rainy, don a clear rain bonnet to protect your hairdo, like this one from Plasticland.

Late 1960s skinny scarves return to fashion

As the scarf slowly began to wane in popularity, over the next few years it again changed in form. Skinny scarfs were popular again during the 1970s, with textile designers Biba and Celia Birtwell producing fabulous prints and designs. Skinny scarves are back in fashion for fall 2016 too.

House of Fraser are currently stocking Biba designs, this scarf is a perfect 1970s retro style.

Due to their versatility, scarves will never completely drop out of favor. Scarves are still an easy way to update an outfit, or, as we have seen, to create a vintage inspired style.

Shop Vintage Style Scarves: