Sunday, August 4, 2013

Turban Fashions Through The Times

By Cathy Mercer


For many centuries, various cultures and religious groups have use the turban as the primary headdress of their accepted type of dress. Some societies even use the various wrapping techniques and colors to signify an individual's placement among their peers, or their job. In some Western countries, this covering has become a growing fashion trend.

In the traditional sense, this headdress is made by winding a long silk, linen or cotton scarf around the head in a particular sequence in order to end up with a very specific look. By modern standards, the name has come to mean any of several coverings that are brimless and close fitting with even a slight resemblance the the original. In fact, many do not even have to be wound as they are purchased already sewn into position.

This interesting piece of fashion was first introduced to the Western world in the late 17th century and was basically only worn by those of a particular faith or culture. In the early 20th century, sirens of the silent silver screen began to wear them as exotic head pieces. By the 1930's, this type of covering was being sported by many a socialite as a symbol of great breeding, high education and extensive travel experience.

Wearing a turban became the height of glamor and the pieces were being made from expensive fabrics and embellished with precious stones and jewelry. It was believed to give a woman an exotic and mysterious appeal. Stars of the stage and screen were wearing coverings that were so extensively adorned that they actually began to look like priceless crowns.

This style was not one worn exclusively by the rich and famous. During the 1950's and 60's, women of working and domestic classes made the trend their own by creating simpler versions of more practical fabrics that they could comfortably wear while tending to their duties each day. A terry cloth variation evolved as a fashionable way to dry hair after a swim or shower.

By the 1970's, the turban was being worn in the West less as a headdress and more as a new type of hat. Women would purchase them already styled and sewn in place, and allow their long tresses to flow freely from the bottom of the covering. Embellishments became over sized and and bold, as was much of the fashion of that era.

Over the next couple of decades the style began to lose its appeal and its popularity faded. Recent years have seen this trend burst back on the scene but with a modern twist. Today, women are wearing hundreds of variations on the traditional styles and adding new twists that make them fashionable enough for daily use and perfect for individuals who are suffering hair loss or undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Used for centuries as traditional wear for several religions and cultures around the world, the turban has also become a modern fashion statement for Western societies. There are so many different ways to wrap and twist a scarf and women are realizing that this trend is versatile, practical and beautiful. Now being sold as permanently shaped caps, they are more accessible to an even broader customer base.




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