How to be French: scarves

Scarves are a peculiarly French obsession. Both men and women in France seem to wear scarves at the drop of a hat.

An American friend told me that she has learned 57 ways to tie a scarf in an attempt to be more Française when she goes for her French citizenship test. I told her I’m pretty sure they won’t ask you tie a scarf! I may be wrong though, a quick search on Google for ‘comment nouer une écharpe” – how to tie a scarf in French – brings forth thousands of articles, videos and tutorials.

I once asked my mayor why he was wearing a scarf on a scorching spring day and he said “well for one – it looks good and two it helps make sure I don’t catch a cold and get a cat in my throat, I have to make a speech later today and the scarf gives me protection”.

In English we say ‘to get a frog in our throat’ – neither choice appeals. But the meaning is the same – it’s likely the origin of the phrase is the sound you make when you have a sore throat – although there are some that say that in medieval times in England it was considered medicinal to literally put a frog in your throat when you were sick! I don’t think it is the same for France – I’ve never read of anyone trying to swallow a cat. But the point is, the scarf provides protection for your voice. Apparently.

Another friend told me that when she visited her doctor about a stiff neck from sitting at her desk for too long, he diagnosed the problem straight away – she wasn’t wearing a scarf!

Why do the French wear scarves so much?

So scarves in France – what’s it all about? Well they are a fashion statement for sure, a classic staple of French style. There are different types of scarf – les écharpes – the long ones. Foulards – which are generally lightweight, often silk, square or rectangular shaped. An étol, like a stole, a warm scarf, long and wide. Or a carré which are square shaped, and châle – a shawl style scarf. Scarves can change an outfit from casual to elegant. A well tied scarf can show your style and personality, a pretty or quirky scarf will get you compliments, and a colourful scarf can add zing to a dark outfit. If you’re French, you’ll have a scarf for just about every occasion. But it’s about more than fashion.

To the French, they’re essential for your health and worn for three seasons – spring, fall and winter. Sometimes when you buy a scarf, the salesperson will tell you that it’s good for wearing up to a certain temperature – appropriate for cold or warm weather! Even in summer, if the temperature drops – scarves may also be whipped out for health rather than fashion reasons.

You’re never far from a scarf in France – you can get them in all sorts of shops including dedicated scarf shops, department stores, supermarkets and even garden stores. One of my favourite places for scarf hunting is museum shops – think shades of Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir and modern artists and almost always really good quality and made by specialist companies like Maison Petrusse. One of the most famous scarf makers has to be Hermès whose square silk creations designed by artists have been worn by celebrities since 1937 – including Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and the late Queen Elizabeth II – they’re a collectors item and never go out of fashion (the company even offers a scarf repair and pampering service).

So, if you want to add a little French style to your life, get a scarf!

Janine Marsh is the author of several books about France. Find out more on her website janinemarsh.com