Hello my expert scarf and shawl friends - I just bought my first shawl (Mysterious Rider in blue) and first 90 (Les Douzes in Rose) I love them both so much I wanted to share which ones I got lol. How do you protect your Hermes scarves and shawls from getting runs or pulls while going about your day? With my non fancy scarves, I’ll shove it in my bag or if I’m at work, hang it on the back of my chair (which inevitably gets run over as I scoot around in said chair). I was thinking of getting a little pouch to store it in when I’m not wearing it. Any thoughts or ideas? Am I going overboard?
Thoughts on protecting scarves and shawls when out and about
- Thread starter agustac
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Shove it in your bag or hang it on the back of your chair. This is a scarf/shawl for wearing and using as you live your normal life. The shawl will get a snag here or there, pouch or no. The only caution that makes sense to me (and YMMV) is to avoid grease stains or other impacts by food/drink at restaurants.
It's tedious to spend much time editing your behavior for an everyday accessory.
It's tedious to spend much time editing your behavior for an everyday accessory.
I think we have had these questions before, but probably not for a while. If anyone finds the perfect thread let me know.
Firstly be carful what jewellery you wear. Cashmere's are easily snagged, so be carful earrings (particularly the backs or dangles, necklaces, charms, and even claw-set anything including rings.
Some bags also have buckles and clasps that you can snag cashmere and/or silks on.
Don't "shove, loosely fold or preferably roll.
Place over the back of the chair to let air or de-crease. Silks are hardy but you can get pulls and ladders.
Clean regularly and with gentle cleansers, don't get really dirty and then try to blitz. I bought a 'bargain' 1970s vintage pre-loved scarf, mostly white centre. I don't think the previous owner(s) had ever cleaned the scarf. The build-up of sweat attracts more dirt and discolouration even if just left unworn. Never put away worn, you may not see dirt but the fabric can discolour through acids and oxidation, - and the moths can be attracted to it.
See how to wash/clean scarves thread for more. There's a million posts on that thread.
I have a silk Gucci pouch that was for sunglasses I keep a 90/70/45 in. Anything pure silk, linen, hemp, viscose or cotton will do. For shawls use a no-zip cushion cover or bag/shoe dust bag. Be careful keys, SLG hw etc if not using a pouch.
Firstly be carful what jewellery you wear. Cashmere's are easily snagged, so be carful earrings (particularly the backs or dangles, necklaces, charms, and even claw-set anything including rings.
Some bags also have buckles and clasps that you can snag cashmere and/or silks on.
Don't "shove, loosely fold or preferably roll.
Place over the back of the chair to let air or de-crease. Silks are hardy but you can get pulls and ladders.
Clean regularly and with gentle cleansers, don't get really dirty and then try to blitz. I bought a 'bargain' 1970s vintage pre-loved scarf, mostly white centre. I don't think the previous owner(s) had ever cleaned the scarf. The build-up of sweat attracts more dirt and discolouration even if just left unworn. Never put away worn, you may not see dirt but the fabric can discolour through acids and oxidation, - and the moths can be attracted to it.
See how to wash/clean scarves thread for more. There's a million posts on that thread.
I have a silk Gucci pouch that was for sunglasses I keep a 90/70/45 in. Anything pure silk, linen, hemp, viscose or cotton will do. For shawls use a no-zip cushion cover or bag/shoe dust bag. Be careful keys, SLG hw etc if not using a pouch.
I use a pouch I keep in my purse but you can use anything. Even a ziplock bag works.
It's a lot more difficult to pull/snag the silks than it is to pull/snag the cashmere shawls. With a little patience, however, the shawls can be fixed if the threads aren't broken.
The problem with throwing a shawl into your bag is whatever else is in the bag. I had a shawl in my bag when my husband threw his key ring into the bag...and that key ring completely snagged my shawl.
Also when wearing a scarf/shawl be mindful about your makeup. Nothing on your neck unless you want it on the scarf!
I have a tendency to just fold my scarves and shawls back on the fold lines and put them away when done. I agree that you shouldn't drive yourself crazy about what you do when wearing your scarves to keep them pristine, but after 25+ years of wearing them, all that stuff is pretty much a habit for me now, anyway.
The problem with throwing a shawl into your bag is whatever else is in the bag. I had a shawl in my bag when my husband threw his key ring into the bag...and that key ring completely snagged my shawl.
Also when wearing a scarf/shawl be mindful about your makeup. Nothing on your neck unless you want it on the scarf!
I have a tendency to just fold my scarves and shawls back on the fold lines and put them away when done. I agree that you shouldn't drive yourself crazy about what you do when wearing your scarves to keep them pristine, but after 25+ years of wearing them, all that stuff is pretty much a habit for me now, anyway.
I put my shawl in a ziplock bag before putting it inside my bag. I just fold it in some sort of way or roll it and then put it inside the ziplock and then inside the bag. My keys and pens are in there so I have to be careful.
Can you put up a little stick on hook at work , where you can hang your scarves, so your scarves don't get run over by your chair?
I would roll it up and store it in a shoe/dust bag while at work. There is no way I would put a £1000 shawl on the back of the chair.
I think it makes sense to have two options, one for transportation and one for temporary storage away from home. For transportation purposes, a ziplock bag gets the job done. Whatever the length of your commute, that amount of time with silk/cashmere meeting plastic isn’t going to matter. Just air it out when you get home.
For temporary storage purposes, depending on your office situation, a utilitarian box in the desk drawer works as well as a decorative box on the desk; it depends on whether the number of times you wear a scarf/shawl to work justifies the effort.
The key is to balance the risk; in my bag/tote I want bulletproof coverage because the risk of spills, keys, accidents is greater. At the office you may only need an off to the side spot for it to stay ascyou cycle it on/off your neck. HTH
ETA: a hanger on the back of your door at the office works too…
For temporary storage purposes, depending on your office situation, a utilitarian box in the desk drawer works as well as a decorative box on the desk; it depends on whether the number of times you wear a scarf/shawl to work justifies the effort.
The key is to balance the risk; in my bag/tote I want bulletproof coverage because the risk of spills, keys, accidents is greater. At the office you may only need an off to the side spot for it to stay ascyou cycle it on/off your neck. HTH
ETA: a hanger on the back of your door at the office works too…
I have two links for you:
forum.purseblog.com
Istad Ziplock bags
Have fun with your scarves. They are meant to be worn. The first pull hurts the most, but once they are not pristine any more wearing them gets so much more relaxed. I especially like how they feel after being washed several times.
Scarves - Travel scarf pouch
Dear all, Do you know anyone who makes nice quality fabric pouches for H (and other) silk scarves (for travel and storage)? Mai Tai used to do a lovely version but sadly no longer makes them. Unfortunately I neither have the skill, time nor equipment to sew my own... Many thanks!
forum.purseblog.com
Istad Ziplock bags
Have fun with your scarves. They are meant to be worn. The first pull hurts the most, but once they are not pristine any more wearing them gets so much more relaxed. I especially like how they feel after being washed several times.
So many great ideas and advice (jewelry, bag hardware, and keys - scarf/shawl foes!) I didn't even think about using ziploc bags or dustbags (no zippers!) which would be great to use for storing in my little work file cabinet amongst the office items. I'm all about using my things and understand that snags and runs will happen. However I would still cry a little if my scarf or shawl was damaged bc I was careless.
Thanks @HoneyLocks for the travel pouch links
Thanks @HoneyLocks for the travel pouch links
Be careful not to put your cashmere scarves near velcro snaps! I put mine once in a bag meant for wine bottles with a velcro snap in the middle and it was disastrous
YESSSSS excellent point. I think velcro may actually be the worst thing for cashmere.
I have several silky drawstring pouches either from other scarf designers or silky shoe bags…very lightweight about 10”x10” square or 12”x12”. I always remove my scarves when eating and place them in the pouch in my handbag. When traveling I’ll keep a shawl in the pouch, in my tote until needed on the plane.
Most of my scarf pouches are from Ashley Ashoff. I find the H canvas bags too bulky.
Most of my scarf pouches are from Ashley Ashoff. I find the H canvas bags too bulky.
Ah, I know that sound and even thinking about it causes me pain.