What Is a Snood Scarf?

Snoods offer fashion, warmth, and function

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There are many types of scarves out there, from the infinity to the comfy blanket scarf, but have you heard of the snood? It seems like a funny name for a fashion accessory, though it's actually quite practical and fun to wear. So, what is a snood, you ask? And why should you consider owning one?

What Is a Snood Scarf?

In terms of fashion trends, a snood is basically a tubular scarf, much like a large cowl.

The snood is similar to an infinity scarf, which is a looped scarf that sits around the neck. They differ in that the snood sits higher on the neck and can often act like a hood. So while an infinity scarf could technically act like a snood, and a snood like an infinity scarf, there are some subtle differences.

History of the Snood

Hair snood
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Basically, snood means "hairnet." You have likely seen women wearing them in old black and white photos, movies, and fashionable vintage ads. Snoods were seen as a more stylish way than a hairnet to pull hair away from the face. They were quite popular during the World War II era when women entered the workforce and took over many manual labor jobs previously dominated by men.

However, snoods don't necessarily have to be made of net. Basically, a snood is anything that holds the hair back and in place. Snoods may be made of solid fabric or be knit with some having more open, net-like loops than others.

Traditionally, snoods had more of a sack at the base of the neck like a hair net that would hold long hair. They were very functional and offered a bit of style at the same time. In today's fashion trends, snoods are often chunky knits that are very much like an infinity scarf.

Snoods for Religious Observances

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Snoods are also worn by women for religious reasons. Despite the fact that snoods weren't designed to cover the front part of the head and hair, many religious head coverings that do so have been referred to as snoods as well. Typically, these types of snoods are more understated and less ornate than those worn strictly for fashion.

For instance, many married Orthodox Jewish women choose to cover their hair with a fabric head covering. Some have bands that cover the crown of the head with the hair sack in back while others are more of a tied scarf wrap. A Muslim hijab and a nun habit could also be considered a snood. 

Snoods for Men

Beard Snood
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Believe it or not, there are even snoods for men. These are called beard snoods and are designed for hygienic reasons to keep hair covered, just like a hairnet. They're rather common in the food industry, particularly in manufacturing.

Admittedly, these tend not to have a lot of style. They're far more practical than anything else.

How to Wear a Snood

How to wear a snood scarf
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Accessories are always a great way to give fresh updates to what has been hanging in your closet for some time. If you live in a cold region and need extra warmth, check out the snood to add a layer of protection to your body while making a fashionable statement.

When shopping for a snood, look for tubular scarves that resemble a turtleneck collar. They are available in different lengths, materials, and thicknesses, just like any other scarf.

On an average day, the snood can be worn like an infinity scarf to protect your neck from the cold. When the winds really start whipping around and the snow is falling, you can simply pull the snood over your head and wear it as a hood. It will protect your hair and ears from the cold, damp weather.

Long snoods can also be draped around your neck in two loops. This double layered look adds a little more texture, especially if you pull one loop a little longer than the other. You get the warmth around your neck while offering the look of a double-wrapped scarf. It looks great with or without a heavy winter coat.

Snoods are a great fashion accessory for chilly autumn and spring days as well. Wear them with leggings while out on your morning walk or use one to dress up your favorite jeans in a comfy-casual type of way.