The classic aviator scarf
…although made popular by early pilots, remains a very trendy fashion accessory for both men and women today. Traditionally made of a fine white silk and boasting between five to six feet in length, the scarves were primarily worn by pilots of open cockpit airplanes from 
the beginning of flight, right up through World War II and later.
Although the aviator scarf
…was originally worn by ‘those daring young men in their flying machines’, Amelia Earhart also had a very large collection of flying scarves, one of which recently accompanied astronauts into space. The first aviator scarf was, in fact, originally a gentleman’s white silk opera scarf. It was worn to both keep warm in high altitudes and winds, as well as to protect a pilot’s neck from the chaffing that normally occurs from the scratchy woolen collars of jackets and coats.
The aviator scarf is still worn by pilots today who fly vintage and trick airplanes. They are also worn not only by men, but also by women as a fashion accessory to keep warm and add some flair to an outfit. Not only worn in the traditional white, the Tuskegee airmen of World War II fame actually wore scarves that were polka dot as a part of their uniform.
Although the most famous aviator scarf might just be the white one that Snoopy wore while sitting atop his dog house and pretending to be the Red Baron, many male and female celebrities are bringing the scarves into popular mainstream fashion. Watch any celebrity award show and chances are you’ll see a tall dark and handsome actor with a shorter aviator scarf around his neck and under the collar of his Armani tuxedo jacket. You’ll also spot a few scarves in a variety of colors tied attractively in the shape of an ascot and worn under some nice designer coats. And not just male celebrities are wearing these fashion accessories; women are bringing the style back as well. Female stars are getting very creative when accessorizing with their scarves.
An aviator scarf in full traditional lengths can be spotted in a coordinating color draping the shoulders of a film star who is dressed in an elaborate formal designer gown. Another popular way of wearing the item is by wrapping the aviator scarf in the front of the neck and letting the ends drop dramatically down the woman’s back. You’ll also find an aviator scarf or two worn in casual every day activities. Wrapped several times loosely around a star’s neck, scarves in every color can be seen walking down the street of New York or LA. The traditional style is definitely back to stay.
