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What is a Babushka Scarf?

What is a babushka scarf and how do you wear it?

Last Updated on March 11, 2022

Babushka scarves were everywhere at Fashion Week in 2020 and 2021 – but what are they and how do you wear them?

Silky scarves were spotted at Dolce & Gabbana, ERDEM and Marco De Vincenzo’s SS21 shows (not to mention on Fashion Week attendees), while even A$AP Rocky is a fan of the babushka scarf.

What is a babushka scarf?
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Here, we explain exactly what they are and how you’ll be wearing them this season.

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What is a babushka scarf?

A babushka scarf is a headscarf ‘tied under the chin, typical of those traditionally worn by Russian women.’

As traditions grow and develop, these scarves are now sometimes tied at the nape of the neck, or wrapped and then tucked around the neck.

Of course, these scarves can be worn in so many ways as Claudya Moreira proves.

Are scarves popular in 2022?

Scarves can definitely be counted as classics and wardrobe staples and it’s totally up to you to decide whether or not you want to wear them! As far as them being on-trend for 2022, though, the answer is yes.

From Burberry to Hermes, the big fashion houses are all ready to offer scarves for your styling pleasure. The high street is rife with options too!

If you want to know what other styles are trending this year, check out our report here.

How do you wear a babushka scarf?

As mentioned, the babushka scarf is traditionally folded in half, over your hair and tied under the chin.

Now there are countless ways to wear the scarf to make it your own. Another option is to wear the scarf as a headband and tie it under your hair instead, or wear it as a bandana.

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What is a babushka scarf?
Shutterstock

Alternatively you can wrap the scarf ends around your neck, over the back corner of your scarf and fasten it into a knot as seen above.

The babushka scarf looks elegant and chic teamed with retro-style sunglasses, such as cat eye styles. If it’s printed or busy, wear it with neutral jackets, dresses and shirts to really let your babushka scarf do the talking.

How do you tie a babushka scarf?

The traditional way to tie a babushka scarf is under the neck.

Fold your square scarf in half to create a triangle. Then place the folded edge centred on the top of your head. Pull the ends of the scarf around your neck, or alternatively pull it around the back of your head and tie it in a knot or bow for a slightly different look.

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