Fashion History Of The Turban
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.
Traditionally, this garment is made by taking a long cotton, silk or linen scarf and winding it in a particular way around the head in order to form a covering of a designated design. As time has passed, the term has broadened to include almost any close fitting cap without a brim that may be worn by anyone. Some are even being sold as solid form hats that simply slip on.
In the later portion of the 17th century, Western society was first introduced to this covering by the ethnic groups that were moving into the country. The early years of the 20th century saw the rise of silent films in which many stars were sporting these exotic headdresses. Socialites in the 1930's made the turban their own status symbol of high breeding, expensive education and a knowledge of worldwide fashion.
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.
The average woman was not to be left behind in this trend. Sporting a plainer version made from linen or cotton, the housewives of the 50's and 60's were able to look beautiful and keep their hair under control while going about their daily routines. Other versions made from absorbent terry cloth, became the perfect fashionable towel substitute for drying one's locks after a shower or swim.
The style gurus in the 70's transformed the wrap into a new type of hat. They were manufactured as ready made pieces that could simply be slipped on and hair was allowed to flow loosely out from beneath the covering. The adornments became larger, though a little less lavish, as was the trend of the 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.
Still used as cultural and religious standards, the turban is also a major fashion statement of the Western world. People have come up with new and creative ways to wind a scarf that makes the covering not only beautiful, but practical as well. They have become the covering of choice for many, especially since they can be purchased in the no fuss, ready made hat format.
Traditionally, this garment is made by taking a long cotton, silk or linen scarf and winding it in a particular way around the head in order to form a covering of a designated design. As time has passed, the term has broadened to include almost any close fitting cap without a brim that may be worn by anyone. Some are even being sold as solid form hats that simply slip on.
In the later portion of the 17th century, Western society was first introduced to this covering by the ethnic groups that were moving into the country. The early years of the 20th century saw the rise of silent films in which many stars were sporting these exotic headdresses. Socialites in the 1930's made the turban their own status symbol of high breeding, expensive education and a knowledge of worldwide fashion.
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.
The average woman was not to be left behind in this trend. Sporting a plainer version made from linen or cotton, the housewives of the 50's and 60's were able to look beautiful and keep their hair under control while going about their daily routines. Other versions made from absorbent terry cloth, became the perfect fashionable towel substitute for drying one's locks after a shower or swim.
The style gurus in the 70's transformed the wrap into a new type of hat. They were manufactured as ready made pieces that could simply be slipped on and hair was allowed to flow loosely out from beneath the covering. The adornments became larger, though a little less lavish, as was the trend of the 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.
Still used as cultural and religious standards, the turban is also a major fashion statement of the Western world. People have come up with new and creative ways to wind a scarf that makes the covering not only beautiful, but practical as well. They have become the covering of choice for many, especially since they can be purchased in the no fuss, ready made hat format.
