Lukas Degutis

Neckerchiefs are a sartorial risk worth taking

How to wear one – and why you should

  • From Spectator Life
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Neckerchiefs are an oddity. Once the cowboys’ sweat-wiping tool, they are now a key accessory in the glamour – or camp and borderline tack – of a flight attendant’s uniform. My approach to them tends to sit somewhere in the middle. Neckerchiefs are useful, stylish, rebellious, but comforting – a rare choice for men’s fashionwear. A neckerchief can spice up a dull-coloured shirt without imprisoning your neck in a collar choked by its distant relative, the tie.

But before becoming the fabric embodiment of smart-casual, the neckerchief was wholly utilitarian. Sailors began wearing them in the 16th century to combat the discomfort caused by dripping sweat rubbing against their stiff-collared shirts. Scouts found the accessory doubled up well as a bandage or a sling in first-aid emergencies. Above all, the neckerchief provided protection from the blazing sun. For many outdoor workers, from farmers to construction workers to cowboys, a hat alone left the neck exposed. It is where the term ‘redneck’ originated from in the 19th century — to describe the poor American population in rural districts, identifiable by their sunburnt necks.

The beauty of adding the neckerchief to modern menswear is its flexibility and fun. How is it worn? Is there a desired length or material? There are no correct answers to any of these questions. There is no gatekeeping in the world of neckerchiefs. Put simply, if upon first attempt you squirm at yourself in the mirror — or receive a few comments likening you to a golden retriever — the possibilities of adjustment are almost endless.

There is no gatekeeping in the world of neckerchiefs – but there are a few tips worth following if you’re entering uncharted territory

However, here are a few handy tips if this eclectic accessory is completely uncharted territory. Contrary to wide belief, I would not consider silk as the superior option.

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